Fargo (1996), the Coen Brothers' dark comedy crime thriller, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime UK. The film follows Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), a pregnant police chief in a small Minnesota community, who investigates a botched kidnapping that sets off a series of brutal killings.
The cast includes William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, and Peter Stormare. Written and directed by the Coen Brothers, the film is considered among their most highly regarded works, alongside The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. Fargo won two Oscars: Best Actress for McDormand and Best Original Screenplay for the Coens. A television series of the same name, based on the film, premiered in 2014.
'Greatest film ever made' – fan reaction
A Reddit user on the r/movie subreddit declared: "Fargo is the greatest film ever made. Change my mind." They called it "just an objectively perfect movie," adding: "This is by far the Coen Brothers best work, even better than No Country For Old Men, feel free to debate me on that." The user praised the "brilliant" writing, emotionally raw characters, "beyond attractive" setting, and "best dialogue of any movie."
On IMDb, one 2009 review anticipated the debate over the Coens' best film: "I imagine popular opinion now holds that 'No Country for Old Men' is the best Coen brothers movie ever made, but for me this 1996 crime thriller will live on as their masterpiece."
Cinematography, acting and direction praised
Another fan described the film as "magnificent," noting that "weather plays a crucial role in the film, it feels like the character itself." A third reviewer said Fargo is "brilliant in every way!" adding: "Bang on cinematography, top notch acting and masterful direction."
A fourth fan wrote: "What can be said of Fargo that has not been said before? Fargo is a film that cannot be cornered with any easy definition." They called the Coen brothers' style "unique and refreshing" and said "Fargo stands as one of their masterworks," describing it as "equal parts crime-caper, drama and comedy."
Streaming details and certificate
Fargo carries a 15 certificate and features injury detail, sex, language, and violence, so viewer discretion is advised. The film was added to Amazon Prime UK on Friday, July 31. It is also streaming on Mubi and available to rent or buy on other platforms.
