JACKIE BROWN (1997)

JACKIE BROWN is a quirky crime caper adapted from an Elmore Leonard tale about double-crosses and gun smuggling. Perfectly cast are Pam Grier as the title character, a middle-aged flight attendant who gets caught smuggling cash from Mexico; and Robert Forster as Max Cherry, a scrupulous bail bondsman eking out a living serving not-so-scrupulous clients. Cherry is approached by Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), whose cash Jackie smuggled. The initial meeting between her and Max sets up an interesting professional and personal relationship - and their farewell meeting is sweet and touching. In between are periodic bursts of director Quentin Tarantino's signature violence. Terrific performances by Forster and Grier, as well as Robert De Niro as Ordell’s not-too-bright ex-con pal and Bridget Fonda as his girltoy.