A masterpiece of light and dark by the Coen Brothers

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2016)

A masterpiece of light and dark by the Coen Brothers.
Based on a true story, a car salesman in Minneapolis, MN, Jerry Lundegard (played by William H Macy) hires two criminals to kidnap his wife. Her father is wealthy and Jerry needs the money. However, things don't go according to plan and soon three people are dead outside of Brainerd, MN. The 7-month pregnant Sheriff of Brainerd, Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), is soon on the case, and she is very intuitive and resourceful...
An amazing story, well told. Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the story itself shows how the most simple, very-limited-harm- intended crime can unravel, resulting in the deaths of several people.
The execution is a work of pure art. The Coens mix incredibly dark plot lines and themes with a lightness and almost frivolity to produce a movie that is simultaneously deadly serious and very funny. There is violence aplenty and some quite disturbing scenes, mixed with folksiness, innocence and humour. In the midst of evil there is good, and vice versa.
A haunting score and stunning cinematography add to the tone of the movie.
Superb performance by Frances McDormand in the lead role. The Sheriff is an amazing character, an understated, modest hero, and McDormand nails the part. She well deserved her Best Actress Oscar.
William H Macy is perfectly cast as the crooked car salesman and got a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his performance.
A true classic, and one of the greatest movies ever made.