Fargo (1996)
Joel Coen's darkly comic masterpiece follows a desperate scheme gone catastrophically wrong across the frozen Minnesota landscape.
Fargo - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fargo
- Release Year: 1996
- Directed by: Joel Coen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 5, 1996 (Canada - 18A), April 5, 1996 (United States - R), May 3, 1996 (United Kingdom - 18), November 14, 1996 (Germany - 16), September 4, 1996 (France - 12), June 14, 1996 (Australia - MA 15+), July 26, 1996 (Brazil - 18), March 14, 1997 (Mexico), May 20, 1996 (Italy - VM14), June 20, 1996 (Spain - 18), March 15, 1997 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 파고 (KR), 笨贼满天飞 (CN), Fargo - Blutiger Schnee (DE), Fargo (ES)
- Production Companies: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Fargo - Plot
Jerry, a small-town Minnesota car salesman is bursting at the seams with debt... but he's got a plan. He's going to hire two thugs to kidnap his wife in a scheme to collect a hefty ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. It's going to be a snap and nobody's going to get hurt... until people start dying. Enter Police Chief Marge, a coffee-drinking, parka-wearing - and extremely pregnant - investigator who'll stop at nothing to get her man. And if you think her small-time investigative skills will give the crooks a run for their ransom... you betcha!
Fargo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chilling, darkly comic world of Fargo unfold:
A homespun murder story.
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Fargo - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joel Coen
Main Cast
- Frances McDormand
- William H. Macy
- Steve Buscemi
- Peter Stormare
- Harve Presnell
- John Carroll Lynch
- Kristin Rudrüd
- Bruce Bohne
- Steve Reevis
- Steve Park
Writers
- Ethan Coen
- Joel Coen
Producers
- Ethan Coen
Fargo - FAQs
Is Fargo based on a true story?
Despite the film's famous opening claim that it is 'based on a true story,' the Coen Brothers have confirmed this was a deliberate fictional device. The events depicted in Fargo are entirely invented. The filmmakers used the claim to create a sense of documentary realism and unease in viewers.
What is the wood chipper scene in Fargo?
Near the film's climax, Marge Gunderson discovers Gaear Grimsrud disposing of a body using a wood chipper at a remote lakeside cabin. The scene is one of cinema's most memorable for its shocking matter-of-factness, blending dark humor with genuine horror in a way that defines the Coen Brothers' unique tonal style.
Where can you stream Fargo (1996)?
Fargo (1996) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in Fargo?
Fargo stars Frances McDormand as Police Chief Marge Gunderson, William H. Macy as the desperate car salesman Jerry Lundegaard, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare as the hired criminals, and Harve Presnell as the wealthy father-in-law Wade Gustafson. McDormand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.
Did Fargo win any Academy Awards?
Yes. Fargo won two Academy Awards at the 1997 ceremony: Best Actress for Frances McDormand and Best Original Screenplay for Joel and Ethan Coen. The film received seven nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Director, cementing its status as one of the decade's most acclaimed films.
What is Fargo rated and how long is it?
Fargo is rated R in the United States for strong violence, language, and brief sexuality. The film runs 98 minutes. Its tight, efficient runtime is often praised by critics as a model of lean, purposeful filmmaking that wastes no scene and keeps tension consistently high throughout.
Who directed Fargo and who wrote the screenplay?
Fargo was directed by Joel Coen and written by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film was produced by Ethan Coen, with cinematography by Roger Deakins and a score by Carter Burwell. It was released in 1996 through PolyGram Filmed Entertainment and Working Title Films.
How was Fargo received by critics?
Fargo received near-universal critical acclaim upon release and holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its darkly comic tone, Roger Deakins' stark cinematography, and Frances McDormand's iconic performance. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest American films of the 1990s.
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