Rent Fargo (1996)

Wrong order - Fargo review by CB

Saw the TV series first, then this film.

Now I know why the TV series was so good...it was developed on the back of this film. Both female police officers were excellently portrayed, the out of control roller coaster sent events crashing to the inevitable dire conclusion. Excellent film! And TV series...

Did try to like it! - Fargo review by BE

I saw this movie when it first came out in 1996 and didn't like it. Having seen Frances McDormand's wonderful performance in the magnificent Three Billboards, I thought that my now being more mature (?) and being more appreciative of black humour, also bearing in mind the accolades Fargo got at the time, that my original opinion of the movie would be changed. It wasn't! Shame.

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.

Brutal delight - Fargo review by TB

This thriller is brutally brilliant!

An excellent plot that unravels in a thrilling fashion with a smattering of dark humour thrown in and a superbly psychotic performance from the Steve Buscemi.

A classic!!