Fargo, a classic dark comedy from the 90s, is finally available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The 1996 classic is a revered crime comedy that stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Harve Presnell, and Peter Stormare.
McDormand stars as police chief Marge Gunderson, who investigates the disappearance of a woman named Jean.
Macy plays Jerry Lundegaard, Jean’s husband, who hires two dimwitted criminals to kidnap his wife to extort a ransom from her wealthy father.
The story follows how the inept criminal plan begins to fall apart as Gunderson, who is also seven months pregnant, closes in on the mystery.
The movie was a smash hit almost 30 years ago, and now is available to stream on Prime Video.
The film had a budget of $7 million, but made a smash at the box office with $60.6m. It also earned an incredible 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, wth critics praising the film for so deftly handling the comedy crime genre.
Janet Maslin said for The New York Times: ‘Fargo has been hauntingly photographed by Roger Deakins with great, expressive use of white-outs that sometimes make the characters appear to be moving through a dream.’
Kevin Maher said for The Times: ‘The North Dakota setting is icily evocative, the supporting characters perfectly pitched (remember Marge’s old flame Mike Yanagita?), while the air of sadness that blankets the film like snow adds genuine profundity.’
Alain Masson said for Positif: ‘The spirit of comedy counterbalances the violence of the gangster film and trumps it hands down. Kind ordinariness and the wordy story clash victoriously with the irony of fate that lies in wait for enterprising hearts.’
Other crirics emphaised how extraordinary the film is, and that its a bit too twisted for younger audiences.
‘Dark, gritty, and brilliant. Not for kids,’ said Heather Boerner from Common Sense Media.
John J Pucchio for Movie Metropolis said: ‘…one of the most hilariously twisted murder mysteries to come along since, well, since never.’
‘It’s good storytelling … hilarious, disturbing, tragic, and hopeful. But it’s not for the squeamish,’ said Jeffrey Overstreet for Looking Closer.
The film came from the Coen brothers and inspired a TV show franchise in2014.
The television series has included many major stars, including Kristen Dunst, Bugonia star Jesse Plemons, Chris Rock, Stranger Things star Joe Keery, and Ewan McGregor.
The series is an anthology, consisting of self-contained seasons, much like True Detective or American Horror Story.
Fargo is available to stream on Prime Video and to purchase on Apple TV.
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