The Coen Brothers’ latest film is based on a book by Cormac McCarthy (Author of The Road, The Border Trilogy and other modern works of literary genius).  That line enough should force all of you who haven’t seen it yet to run out, immediately, and plunk down your cash to check out this masterpiece (and pick up a couple of Cormac’s fantastic novels while you’re at it).

A quick, spoiler light synopsis:  A hunter comes across a grizzly scene in the desert; a few trucks are surrounded by a bunch of dead bodies riddled with bullets.  He decides to get a closer look and discovers an enormous amount of heroin and a suitcase filled with over two million dollars.  He grabs the suitcase and takes off, but the owner of the money wants it back, and that’s where the story really kicks in.

The premise might sound contrived, but it most certainly is not.  This film truly deserves to be called a masterpiece and is easily the best movie I’ve seen this year.  The Coen brothers’ greatest traits, like their scrupulous attention to character development and the intricacies of human interactions and emotions, and their amazing use of editing to create tension come across in spades.  There are easily three Oscar nominations from the actors alone, with Josh Brolin (Who plays Llewelyn Moss, the hunter who finds the cash) and Javier Bardem (who plays Anton Chigurh, the creepiest serial killer since Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer) putting together two of the finest performances in modern film.  Seriously, both of them should be taking home little gold statues this year and I’ll be shocked if they don’t.  Tommy Lee Jones puts in a fantastic turn and will most likely pull out a Supporting actor nod, but probably won’t win with how many other awards this movie is almost certain to pull.

One of the most interesting aspects of this movie is the complete lack of a soundtrack. There is absolutely no music in the film whatsoever and the audience sits in almost complete silence, save some wind or footsteps, for good portions of the movie.  This truly lends to the enthralling atmosphere of the film and keeps viewers on edge.

This could be the Coen Brother’s best movie so far and needs to be seen.  If you can’t catch it in the theaters, be sure to rent the DVD and give it 100% of your attention.  You won’t be disappointed.

10/10 As close as we’ll get to witnessing cinematic perfection this year.

Mahalo,