Julian Glantz

Despite some flaws - in particular the mumbling of key dialogue (‘30s and ‘40s films, as a contrast, are exemplary - you never have to ask who said what), this is a very watchable and suspenseful film; the plot does have many twists, and seasoned film buffs will likely guess at the real nature of the protagonists long before the denouement.

It’s seldom I disagree about film with the late, great Roger Ebert, but his lukewarm review of “Oh brother...” is unjust and plain wrong. This is a superbly crafted Coen bros. offering, which ranks with their best. There are typically sly nods to other movies for film ‘buffs’, and numerous cultural references other than the central ‘Odyssey’ theme (the character ‘Tommy’ for example is based on blues legend Robert Johnson). There are terrific set and costume designs, a great script, marvellous acting, camerawork, and of course the music. There’s lots of subtle and apposite commentary too, about the politics of racial division, the political perversion of faith and the charlatans who prosper from manipulation of both. Like all great cinema, the film passes the test of time and rewards repeated viewings. I thoroughly recommend it.

Unwatchable. Gave it the best part of an hour and had to abort. Woeful, dreadful, predictable slapstick with no redeeming features.