Best Neo-Western of the 2000s with 93% Tomatometer is Free to Stream Right Now
Hold onto your horses, this one is a brilliant but brutal ride.
Summary
- This grim and gripping film has won a multitude of accolades.
- It is a book adaptation, and one of multiple 90+% scoring films by the same creators.
- The film stars big name actors, who put on unforgettable performances
It's a gripping Western-style battle of good versus evil set in the arid and dusty landscape of 1980s Texas. With a drug deal gone bad, a stolen fortune, a killer and a lawman, the chase is on and it's a thrill you won't want to miss.
This 2007 movie was one of the most exciting releases of the year, and the hype was well deserved. This gritty western used its wit and charm to claim 4 Academy Awards and 2 Golden Globes.
A Stellar Cast and Hit Modern Western
Adapted from Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name, the film stars Josh Brolin as a hunter who stumbles upon a shocking murder scene and makes a decision that will change his life forever. Hot on his trail is a brutal killer played by Javier Bardem, and not far behind is an old-school sheriff played by Tommy Lee Jones, who wonders if he can keep up with a changing world.
No Country for Old Men came prepared to blow us away, and amidst the startling violence, suspense, and dark humor, it did just that.
It's One of the Coen Brothers' Top 5 Films
With an audience score of 86% and an impressive 93% from critics, many fans will insist that No Country for Old Men is one of the best films the Coen Brothers have ever made, and they're not wrong.
The carefully crafted characters and evocative story within this gruesome Western places it as the fourth highest rated film by the brothers, surpassed only by Fargo, Blood Simple and True Grit, which tied for first place with 95%.
Joel and Ethan Coen, known collectively as the Coen Brothers, are beloved American filmmakers and some of the best of their time. They are probably best known for The Big Lebowski, and their work often takes on the neo-noir style, with dark humor, drama, and outlandish characters. Their adaptation of No Country for Old Men had some of those hallmarks, but with a lot more brutality.
Critics Loved The Movie
Not only was No Country for Old Men a critical success, it was also a massive commercial hit. With a budget of $25 million, the movie would go on to gross $171 million worldwide.
Having ordered fake blood by the barrel, it's no secret that violence and gore are at the movie's core, but the layers surrounding it provide a thrilling story, compelling characters, and top-notch cinematography, not to mention a humorous edge.
A model of simple, powerful, evocative storytelling stripped to the bone, 'No Country' is filled with richly drawn characters and a gripping story that builds relentless momentum.
The film was also praised for its unique presentation and cinematography, as well as strong performances from the cast. Javier Bardem won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his chilling performance, becoming the first Spanish actor to win the award.
Where Can I Watch It?
It's been almost 20 years since No Country for Old Men was released, and it's still a classic. If you haven't seen it yet, there's no time like the present. Prepare to follow the suspenseful story left behind when the hunter becomes the hunted.
No Country for Old Men is now available to stream on Pluto TV.