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O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)


7/10


Starring
George Clooney
John Turturro
Tim Blake Nelson
Charles Durning
Michael Badalucco
John Goodman
Holly Hunter


Directed by Joel Coen


O Brother, Where Art Thou is one of those crime-comedy classics from 2000 that delivers everything needed to entertain. It has a jailbreak, romance, and some fantastic folk music. The movie even tackles racism, overcoming it with one comedic twist after another.

The script might not be perfect, and you’ll spot plot holes here and there. The main storyline—Everett (George Clooney) conning his way to his wife under the guise of chasing buried treasure—is undeniably silly. But what the Coen brothers did with it is what makes this movie shine. They turned it into an all-out entertaining experience on every level.

The plot kicks off with Everett convincing the two men he’s chained to in prison that he has a stash of buried money. They buy into the lie, and the trio escapes, hitching a ride with a blind man who prophesizes that they’ll find a fortune, but not the one they’re seeking.

Everett’s true plan has nothing to do with money—it’s all about reuniting with his wife.

Their journey is packed with quirky events: they get baptized, encounter an incredible guitar player who claims he sold his soul to the devil for his talent, and even form a band to earn money for their travels. These are just a few highlights from their adventure before they finally reach their destination.

The movie captures an old-timey charm, thanks to its impressive cinematography, and masterfully balances the various genres packed into its 90-minute runtime.


While this isn’t the Coen brothers’ best work, it’s undoubtedly one of their most memorable films. Written, produced, and directed by the duo, the movie takes its title from the 1941 film Sullivan’s Travels, where the protagonist dreams of making a movie called O Brother, Where Art Thou?

What the movie lacks in an amazing plot, it makes up for that with the cast members, the way Clooney plays his role here, is not just funny but engaging, especially knowing him for who he is.

You will like the way the movie ends, and how the Coen brothers try to wrap it all up.

The film earned two Academy Award nominations—Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography. George Clooney won the Golden Globe for Best Actor, and the movie itself was nominated for Best Motion Picture at the Golden Globes.

Though it wasn’t a huge box office hit, it was a critical success. Over time, I believe this movie will solidify its place as a true classic.





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