Of its time but, again, are the brothers asking us or telling us?

Rating: 7/10 (8 November 2013)

Just come out of viewing it in Paris. It is typical Coen's, wonderfully created and performed, especially the 'minor' roles, so typical of their attention to detail. No spoiler but there is a start and finish repeat scene which sets the film in context. It has also a few horrific scenes, again typical and the soundtrack is used to perfection to wake one up, if you were ever going to sleep!!
Cat lovers will love it and will be sad and happy.
So, what's the decision. Good Coens, good story well told, good characterisations, wonderful ambiance of NY in the 60s.
However, I'm of the generation when the 60s was the 60s for me, out of school in the late years, into Beatles and Stones - living in Ireland, when the folk scene let us escape from the stifling 'traditional Irish music' scene. The Clancy's were the start on mass media, but there were hundreds of lesser mortals who were better.
I ask, what are the Coens saying? Are they (just) reliving their youth, or part of it? Are they indulging their film interests, making a musical? Are they just "doing it" ? Either way a very entertaining 2 hours, not Oscar stuff in my opinion, and anyway 2014 will be Hanks..... gung ho stuff.
I give it seven/ten, because it is them and it relives part of my life, good enough reasons.