Iffy for 16+
Coens' violent film is brutal, thought-provoking.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this violent, mature crime drama from the filmmakers behind Fargo isn't for kids. Scenes include bloody wounds, jarring acts of aggression (shooting, fighting), and psychological abuse (the primary villain is especially unnerving in his calm demeanor, callousness, and ingenuity). Several scenes involve lengthy shootouts between characters with large guns, as well as contemplations of the bloody aftermath. You can also expect frequent references to drugs (the $2 million at stake is part of a heroin deal gone bad), some drinking, and language (the one use of "f--k" is by a young boy).
- Families can talk about the film's use of violence. Does violence have the same impact in a movie like this as in an action movie like Live Free or Die Hard? Why or why not? Which type of movie violence do you find more affecting and/or upsetting? How do the Coens use filmmaking techniques to spark specific emotions in their audience? Do you think this film can be considered a Western? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: A killer is a sociopath; an opportunistic cowboy steals drug money, then becomes hunted; a weary sheriff philosophizes about bad deeds, lack of courtesy, and generational changes.
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of violence, both brutal acts and bloody aftermath. Sheriff describes crime scenes (e.g., "blood all over the floor"). Weapons include shotguns, knives, and pistols; villain also uses an oxygen tank to shoot through victims' heads (no bullet, deadly hole). Several shootouts go on for long minutes, featuring blood, stylized shadows, speedy cuts, loud guns, and breaking glass and furniture. Early scene includes multiple corpses shown shot and drying in the sun, as well as a survivor begging for water. A dog attacks Llewelyn, who shoots it mid-leap (no blood, but big teeth and loud noise); he's left with wounds and bloody feet. Villain washes and sews his own bloody wound (shown in close-up). Shooting victim shows bloody neck and gurgles; body left floating in a pool; other bodies in a parking lot and motel room. A car accident leaves a man bloody; he stumbles out and reveals his broken arm (bone exposed) to two boys.
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Sex: Villain is naked in a bathtub, but no explicit shots.
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Language: The characters are generally laconic, offering occasional colorful commentary, including one use of "f--k" (by a child), several uses of "hell" and "ass," plus one or two uses of each of the following: "goddamn," "s--t," "bitch" (one with "son of a"), and "swinging dick."
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Consumerism: Details/logos used to establish location: Texaco gas station, Southwestern Bell bill.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The plot turns on a large quantity of heroin (shown at the film's start in brick form) and money. Several scenes of drinking (beer and liquor) at home, in a bar, and in a hotel room. Llewelyn holds a beer, pretending to be drunk in order to cross the Mexican border.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
overwhelming -- think about it. by rosettamarie
Here's the deal with NCFOM: You will be incredibly frustrated at its conclusion... exactly as you should be. The message of this film, which plays out like a classic western in modern times, is suggested/implied; in fact, I sometimes felt that the Coen brothers didn't convey it efficiently. This movie is heavy on the symbolism, which really makes it a fantastic sample of screenplay. It also is executed well, with suspense at its best exhibited by the Coens. Javier Bardem gives a CHILLING performance -- one of the best I've ever seen. Overall, this is a movie about evil and a person's inability to escape it. The final scene, which is definitely a highly frustrating one, closes the film with much left to the viewer's thoughts, but it establishes the metaphor on which the entire movie is based.
Not everyone who sees this film will enjoy it... it's really a story that has to be considered with patience. I do encourage that it be seen, however, for it truly is a thrilling piece.
5
Is it really over??? by Arbert63B
When the movie ended I was a little upset, well not a little, a lot!!! I went off about how upset I was to my friends in the way out the theater, in the car, at dinner and at home. That?s when I realize that my whining was a good thing and that this movie had stirred so many emotions. A MUST SEE!
5
Speechless... by Daydream
The Coen brothers really pulled this movie off. I walked out almost speechless. Crazy and inspiring, Javier Bardem gave the best performance I have been waiting to see in a LONG time. I was surprised I havent heard much of this movie because it is phenomenal. Excellent cast, story, weapons, setting and pretty much everything else. A Must Go!
5
Another Coen Brothers Classic by Mr Popcorn
Once I heard the Coen Bros were going to make this movie, I went out and bought the book. I must say that the brothers made a masterful adaptation. Anyone who comments that they didn't like the ending should write to the author and not the directors since they, in my opinion, made an extremely faithful adaptation to the book....and kudos to them for staying true to the author's vision! This is the first movie I have ever seen where there is no soundtrack, and amazingly, it worked very well. The movie's title applies to the sheriff, played by Tommy Lee Jones, and the viewer should contemplate what the title implies during his or hers viewing of the film. There are some great messages to be found in the film<
3
The sum of it gave me a So-So feeling by H3OIndra
Sure there was some great acting, unique filmography, and well timed suspense, but the heights of the film balance out with the lows to leave me thinking, "eh, that wasn't that great."
The way it culminated in the ending just plain sucked and the lack of character development for some or the insertion of pointless characters in certain scenes was just that - pointless.
5
Amazing Movie!!! by Pancho Seevers
This is one of if not the best movie of 2007. A lot of people say it's all about glorifying violence, but it's really not. You have to understand that most of the story revolves around Tommy Lee Jones' character and how he is constantly on the heels of the killer, and yet he can't catch him. By the end of the movie he's baffled by the changing times and how the world never used to be so horrific and violent. He's caught off guard by this and it ends up leading to his retirement. The movie isn't simply about the violence, but more about how society has changed from being consumed by the simple things of life but has now transformed into a society of violence and greed. If you go into the movie with this mindset you won't be disappointed. The movie makes one think. I myself needed to see it twice before fully understanding the magnitude of the story. Great acting, great plot, excellent directing.
5
GENUIS by sandra4453
The most outstanding movie since Fargo. The genuis minds of the Coen brothers to force and provoke intense thought in deciphering the events as they unfolded and stay the course of what really was happening is the clue into what happens when the story was wrapping up and in case the viewer misses it, throws in an ending that forces the viewer to go back and recall what they really saw happen....and in their true Coen deviated fashion, to keep the viewer sidetracked while staying clearly on track is the added appreciation in which they tell a story and the true genius in their direction. I wonder how many viewers didn't give up in trying to understand what REALLY happened in the end in this fabulously acted, well told story. THE ABSOLUTE BEST MOVIE I'VE SEEN!
1
...oscar...seriously? by lisagem100
This was the most rediculous movie I have ever seen. I would go as far to say it was the worst movie and just pissed me off. It was so borring, had no plot, and I don't know how anyone could say it was "amazing". I think that the only reason people say that is because it got all these good reviews and they just pretend like the got the "amazing message" just so people think they are all smart and deep. The acting in this movie wasn't even anything special. I don't understand why it is considered good acting when all you do is say like 5 words and then just shoot people...seriously, this movie ruined my night and wasted my money. I used to always say that the worst movie ever made was "Clifford", you know..that movie where Martin Short acts like a little kid and it kinda makes you want to shoot yourself...however, I am now forced to change my mind and I would say that "Clifford" should have won an oscar over this over-rated media garbage.
4
The age old question is still unanswered by socynical1
No Country for Old Men is very true to Cormac McCarthy's novel. It grapples with existential questions asked by an aging sheriff and by the movie's villian, who represents death. Others have complained that the ending was abrupt and confusing. Not confusing at all. Tommy Lee Jones pays a price for choosing to grow old slowly with all the indignities than to surely die fighting the ultimate villian. He implies in the end, by sharing his dream, that he will meet death in the end anyway. It is not implied in the book or the movie that the villian will just get to go his own way and do whatever he wants as he too is subject to the same random forces he exerts on others. When he is hit by a car in the intersection it is the same type of random destruction he brings upon others. There are more questions asked than answers given in this movie. Thus movie goers are provoked to do some thinking on their own. I find that refreshing in contrast to the many dumbed down movies out there.