Rent Fargo (1996)

Good but not that good - Fargo review by JD

I think the awards were a little generous. This story is a blend of brutal, unemotional killings and homely scenes of a small town pregnant detective that provides plenty of variety and an interesting plot but the direction was not outstanding, nor the acting. The murders are a fashionable spectre of splashing viscera which I do not think adds to the excitement value. I would rather recommend an episode of Columbo.

Brilliantly realised tragi-comedy. The Coen brothers best ever film. Five stars well deserved. - Fargo review by PV

This movie is the Coen Brothers best ever movie - it is a brilliantly realised tragi-comedy, where one man's decision leads to both his downfall and the demise of many others. It is straight out of ancient Greek drama actually - but none the worse for that.

The snowbounds scenes are beautifully filmed and make a great change for the usual Noo Yoik or LAla land settings. The Montana (?) accents show a little seen US Scandinavian ancestry, yah!

Superb acting all round; superbly structured unfolding of the tragedy; unusual and excellent music; intricate and believable plot. Everything in this film is spot-on!

The script is where it all starts and that is superb: the main plot is deepened by subplots - the police officer's pregnancy, her old mental friend etc.

The tragedy unfolds inevitably - like watching a car crash in slow motion: there is no way of stopping this juggernaut of consequences, not after the main character Jerry (who has money problems left unspecified) stars it rolling down the hill. You know people are gonna get hurt. Everyone in this movie is attempting to swindle everyone else, with tragic consqeuences. It's like Hamlet in the snow!

Those will small attention spans who want shoot-em-ups and car chases may be bored (but there are actually both in this). This unusual film makes a change from most Hollywood crime stories or TV series.

The acting and direction are brilliant throughout.

This movie well-desrved all its awards and probably should have won the best film Oscar too (I think that pile of piffle Braveheart beat it that year?).

I have watched this movie 3 times and loved it every time!

Highly Recommended. Maximum marks! Five stars with bells on and a sprinkle of snow on top!!!

A Modern masterpiece - A Subverted American Crime Thriller - Fargo review by GI

The Coen Brothers sheer skill at subverting cinema is never more evidenced than with this. Here the American crime thriller is taken in directions completely unexpected, from the locations, the characters and the plot twists this is a modern masterpiece and arguably one of the most perfect films you can get to see. Darkly funny, shockingly violent and cleverly scripted this film sends you in directions you least expect starting from the opening pre credits claim that it's based on a true story to the characters that appear clever but are inept and the ones who act almost clownish but are on the ball. The plot involves Jerry (William H. Macy), a hapless car salesman who has embezzled money from the company owned by his wealthy father in law (Harve Presnell). Before his crimes are discovered Jerry comes up with an audacious plan to have his wife kidnapped, get her dad to pay the ransom and use it to pay back the money he's stolen. He recruits two incompetent men (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to carry this out. But everything goes awry very quickly and heavily pregnant local cop Marge (Frances McDormand) is on the case. Set in the heavy winter of Minnesota and North Dakota and with the locals speaking in their Scandinavian influenced accents this is a thriller like no other, even the title bears little significance to the story (The Coen just liked the title apparently) but it's a tightly scripted plot that will have you laughing, gasping and riveted throughout. A must see film and possibly the Coen best.