The best modern Noir out there.

Rating: 9/10 (3 September 2001)

**** = A masterpiece to be recorded in the books and never forgotten
***1/2 = A classic in time; simply a must see
*** = A solid, worth-while, very entertaining piece
**1/2 = A good movie, but there are some uneven elements or noticeable flaws
** = May still be considered good in areas, but this work has either serious issues or is restrained by inevitable elements deemed inescapable (e.g., genre)
*1/2 = Mostly a heap of nothing sparked by mildly worthwhile moments
BOMB = Not of a viewable quality

Fargo = ****

Rated "R" (for strong grisly violence, pervasive language, and some sexuality/nudity)

The Coen Brothers put on the best show they are capable of (and are still known for) right here, in "FARGO." The story is simple and elegant, while the script is equally plain and appealing. The casting director really scored big with this one; all roles are perfect and acted out with amazing precision, especially McDormand, but then again, who didn't know that?
Oh, but that's not all. The direction is compact and clean-cut, and the dark tale of a kid-napping gone wrong is oddly mixed with humor and satire, and it even makes fun of northerners accents! It works! The Burwell score is one of the most enlightening and spine-tingling of the 90s. The Roger Deakins cinematography is again, very simple but masterful. Even the run-time of the movie fits in to the other factors; the length is enjoyably short and easy to handle.
You might as well buy this movie without seeing it first; you'll love it!