Worth it...

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2007)

I saw this movie in Cannes in May, and I'm still thinking about it today. It's the one film I've been recommending to everyone, no matter what kind of movies they usually like. It will stick with you, and that's often the sign of a good film. Few films these days have that kind of mental impact and sticking power considering how much entertainment is thrust at us. But I see commercials or previews for this movie today and it sends chills down my spine knowing what is going to happen.
Some will come away from the film with the negative reactions I'm reading below, because it doesn't end all neat and tidy the way a typical Hollywood film does. But somehow they think that it makes it unreal? Real life isn't neat and tidy, and despite the hyper-real characters the Coen's typically create, the situation and events seem like they real could happen, as could the outcome.
Beyond that, the film-making is superb, the acting (other than woody harrelson crap) is fantastic, the characterizations often chilling.
I've seen better movies in my life, but not so far this year, and based on what's left for the next 6 weeks, this movie might win the Oscar by default. Not that it isn't deserving, but it would be nice if there were some stronger competition out there. But with most "serious" Hollywood filmmakers obsessed with disseminating their views on politics and forgetting to create actual good films, this year is lacking.
So thank the Coen's for reminding us there is still good drama to be found out there.