Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 172 Ratings

  • Starring: Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy
  • Summary: An unsuccessful car salesman (Macy) plans to wipe out his personal debts by hiring a pair of small-time, out-of-town crooks to kidnap his wife (McDormand), then collect the ransom from her dad (Presnell), a wealthy tightwad.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. 100
    Rotates its story through satire, comedy, suspense and violence, until it emerges as one of the best films I've ever seen.
  2. 100
    The fans of their best work -- "Blood Simple, "Raising Arizona," "Barton Fink" -- now can add Fargo to the list, pushing the Coens to the first rank of contemporary American filmmakers. [8 March 1996, Friday, p.B]
  3. 80
    This mordant, macabre look at the American obsession with fast food, television and murder is icily funny.
  4. Reviewed by: Frank Lovece
    60
    Born and raised in Minnesota, the Coens know their targets well and generally hit them squarely.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 48
  2. Negative: 4 out of 48
  1. The Coen Brothers presents "Fargo" not as a movie; they present it as a extreme state of art, a art that conveys silence and enlightenment altogether. If you are one of those people who really understand movies, this one's definitely for you. Expand
  2. Fargo is a movie that can certainly be slow at times, but the plot always keep you interested in the movie and overall, it is certainly a great movie. The acting and directing were both on point. Expand
  3. 7
    I really enjoyed this film, it is a twisted comedy which really works because of the innocents of Midwest America. It is easy to see why Frances McDormand won a Oscar for her role as the pregnant police chief, she was believable and warm while trying to track down murderers while their list of victims keeps growing. I don't think this film could of worked in many other locations then North Dakota/Minnesota, just the subtle charm and innocents of the people is what makes this film in my mind. I give it a 7.4 out of 10, definitely will be watching the one again. Expand
  4. Fargo is not thrilling nor is it funny nor is it great. The Coen brothers film lack's suspense because most of the story is layed out for the viewer. The character's are all jerks except for Marge who is slightly annoying and stupid. Many people will say im not respecting the art that is put into Fargo but I just don't see it. The film's simplicity does not go to it's advantage because it does not give the viewer anything special about it. In the end Fargo is a crime comedy that is average with it's crime story and is a film that is not very funny. Expand

See all 48 User Reviews

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