Fargo

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Fargo

R

Released Mar 15, 1996

1h 37m

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

111 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

"Fargo" is a reality-based crime drama set in Minnesota in 1987. Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is a car salesman in Minneapolis who has gotten himself into debt and is so desperate for money that he hires two thugs (Steve Buscemi), (Peter Stormare) to kidnap his own wife. Jerry will collect the ransom from her wealthy father (Harve Presnell), paying the thugs a small portion and keeping the rest to satisfy his debts. The scheme collapses when the thugs shoot a state trooper.

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Critics Consensus

Violent, quirky, and darkly funny, Fargo delivers an original crime story and a wonderful performance by McDormand.

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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

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.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 14, 2021

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Its brilliance [lies] in making the forces of law and order look as interesting and funny as the bad guys.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 10, 2021

Full Review

Danny Leigh

Financial Times

McDormand aside, the secret might be the perfect pitch of the black comedy, the two elements in rare harmony.

Rated: 5/5

Jun 9, 2021

Full Review

Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

A memorable black comedy that, without a doubt, stands out as one of the best within the Coen brothers' impressive filmography. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/5

Mar 27, 2025

Full Review

Tom Ryan

The Sunday Age

Immaculately plotted, beautifully written and superbly shot by British cinematography Roger Deakins, a longtime Coen collaborator, Fargo is a treasure.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 16, 2024

Full Review

Sarah Cortinaz

InSession Film

Fargo begins with a thunderous orchestral score by Carter Burwell as it beckons the audience towards the tragic events that are about to unfold.

Rated: A+

Apr 23, 2024

Full Review

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J H

My favorite Coen Brothers movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

Full Review

tim s

Fargo is a deceptively comical take on crime stories. The catalyst, Jerry Lundegaard, is a walking nightmare. The bleak setting serves as the perfect backdrop for the tragedies that unfold. The Coen Brothers have crafted a modern classic filled with unforgettable characters.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/24/25

Full Review

HameZz O

It was pretty good. I was expecting a lot from this as it's considered a classic and after watching it I felt somewhat disappointed. The movie wasn't bad at all I think I just expected more. But the more I thought about it the more I liked the movie. I see why it's considered a classic. The acting and message was delivered very well.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/18/25

Full Review

Paul S

This is probably my favorite crime movie of all time. It had a compelling story and was unintentionally funny at all of the right moments. I definitely recommend it for crime and drama fans!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

Full Review

Trina W

Could this cast be any better? I don't know why I waited so long to watch this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/06/25

Full Review

Frans B

It does carry the Coen stamp, which is always good. Whole cast excels in character, cinematography is surreal, could not have picked a better location than North Dakota. Exceptional writing ties it all up nicely. Weird, absurd sometimes, funny and enough twists and turns. Masterpiece of a movie. Highly recommended

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

Full Review

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Joel Coen

Director

Frances McDormand

Marge Gunderson

Steve Buscemi

Carl Showalter

William H. Macy

Jerry Lundegaard

Peter Stormare

Gaear Grimsrud

Harve Presnell

Wade Gustafson

Fargo: Official Clip - Pancakes

0:55

Fargo: Official Clip - Whoa, Daddy

3:41

Fargo: Official Clip - A Little Bit of Money

2:01

Fargo: Official Clip - Fake Phone Call

1:29

Fargo: Official Clip - Lundegaard's Dealership

1:54

Fargo: Official Clip - Carl and the Parking Attendant

1:04

Fargo: Official Clip - Officer Lou's Police Work

1:40

Fargo: Official Clip - The Wood Chipper

1:55

Fargo: Official Clip - A Finder's Fee

3:31

Fargo: Official Clip - Morning Sickness

2:09

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Synopsis

"Fargo" is a reality-based crime drama set in Minnesota in 1987. Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) is a car salesman in Minneapolis who has gotten himself into debt and is so desperate for money that he hires two thugs (Steve Buscemi), (Peter Stormare) to kidnap his own wife. Jerry will collect the ransom from her wealthy father (Harve Presnell), paying the thugs a small portion and keeping the rest to satisfy his debts. The scheme collapses when the thugs shoot a state trooper.

Director: Joel Coen
Producer: Ethan Coen
Screenwriter: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Distributor: Gramercy Pictures
Production Co: Gramercy Pictures, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Rating: R (Sexuality|Language|Strong Violence)
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 1996, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.5M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Stereo, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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