A Serious Man
Focus Features | Release Date: October 2, 2009
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 336 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
209
Mixed:
65
Negative:
62
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
grandpajoe6191Sep 22, 2011
What the Coen Bros created here is creative humor and the sad, grim realism of a everyday life of "A Serious Man". As expected, the movie will not fail you.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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10
nboley08Aug 16, 2010
Another funny and excellent film from the Coens, who show off their terrific sense of Americana and memorable characters in this little gem. "A Serious Man" is sadly underrated and underappreciated, and I can only hope that it blossoms into aAnother funny and excellent film from the Coens, who show off their terrific sense of Americana and memorable characters in this little gem. "A Serious Man" is sadly underrated and underappreciated, and I can only hope that it blossoms into a cult classic like several of their other films, namely "Barton Fink" and "The Big Lebowski".… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
j30Sep 27, 2011
Just another great Coens brothers movie. Their movies aren't necessarily for everybody. They generally have this dark, bruising humor that will isolate their audience.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
MarcBJan 4, 2010
A Serious Man, the New Coen Bros film is very funny and yet it has a very hard hitting, sock in the gut ending. Critics are saying it's darker than No Country For Old Men but I dont know about that. They definetly come clean(as if they A Serious Man, the New Coen Bros film is very funny and yet it has a very hard hitting, sock in the gut ending. Critics are saying it's darker than No Country For Old Men but I dont know about that. They definetly come clean(as if they havent already) on their pessimistic worldview and absolute disregard for religion. When the Coen Bros are on they are at the top of their game and maybe the best American filmmakers as of right now, excluding Quentin Tarantino, who I believe is the best American director of our time( never made a film that isnt great ). A Serious Man is up there with Fargo, No Country For Old Men, Raisng Arizona and The Big Lebowski as one of ... See Moretheir greats. A Serious Man is savage in its depiction of a middle class, suburban Jew trying to simply cope with life and the growing futility of religion and God to answer for a world of adulterous spouses, gambling degenarate siblings, bribery, drugs, rascist "property" violating neighbors, fuzzy televison sets, Jefferson Airplane, freshly mowed lawns, car accidents, sunbathing neighbors, selfish children, apathetic rabbis, disgruntled coworkers, horrible dreams, physics and the awesome destructive power of Mother Nature. "When the truth is found to be lies, and all the joy within you dies. Dont you want somebody to love, dont you need somebody to love, you better find somebody to love."… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
SeanKFeb 9, 2010
Genius in almost every way. Hilarious at points, constantly clever, powerful in its more serious moments, ingenious in its depiction of Jewish-American culture, and far more artistic than it initially seems. The acting and cinematography Genius in almost every way. Hilarious at points, constantly clever, powerful in its more serious moments, ingenious in its depiction of Jewish-American culture, and far more artistic than it initially seems. The acting and cinematography both should be mentioned as well, as always with Coen brothers films.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
ThomasMMar 21, 2010
Dorothy Parker asked the question upon hearing her telephone ring: "What fresh hell is this?" Things happen. Earthquakes. Volcanos. All the Horseman, cancer, Job's dilemma and on and on.. "A Serious Man" is one version of Soul Erosion.. Dorothy Parker asked the question upon hearing her telephone ring: "What fresh hell is this?" Things happen. Earthquakes. Volcanos. All the Horseman, cancer, Job's dilemma and on and on.. "A Serious Man" is one version of Soul Erosion.. Sometimes "Make-Believe"... fails.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
WaldoJNov 1, 2009
Hands down the best film of the year so far, The Coens' latest, brilliant dark comedy is hilarious, engrossing, moving and brilliantly acted, with a great soundtrack (Jefferson Airplane!) and although those with Jewish relatives (such Hands down the best film of the year so far, The Coens' latest, brilliant dark comedy is hilarious, engrossing, moving and brilliantly acted, with a great soundtrack (Jefferson Airplane!) and although those with Jewish relatives (such as I) would appreciate it best, the theme of having your life unravel and what to do about it is ultimately universal. A true gem in a year with not enough of them.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
JanYOct 11, 2009
I love it! It's a film that reminds all of us - whatever our religions - that faith is about the Will of God, and not about the superstitions, suspicions, myths, and legends that are being passed to us. Even though the Coen I love it! It's a film that reminds all of us - whatever our religions - that faith is about the Will of God, and not about the superstitions, suspicions, myths, and legends that are being passed to us. Even though the Coen Brothers' film is based on a faith and culture they are familiar with, I'm already smiling at being reminded of traditional cultural customs and superstitions that were handed down to my siblings and me by our grandparents/parents deemed to be part of our faith! I'm also tickled by the idea that the characters live in an isolated, suburbia community of the 1960s. Boy, oh boy, I love the thought that time, education and a diverse sharing of ideas by folks in advance times and ities, may be the answer to tolerance and living with our peace of mind. The uncontrolled event at the film's finale wonderfully bring me back to the film's introduction of "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you" as well as the story of the Dentist who finally is able to get rid of his nightmares and finds peace of mind. God wills and we have to learn to accept our own fate without nightmarish excuses! .… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MargaretKJan 1, 2010
Loved it!! Darkly funny, great cinematography and timing...literally left the theater smiling :-)
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
CEFeb 18, 2010
Horribly derivative, poorly acted. Visually amazing, but if I want to be wowed by visuals I'll buy one of those Magic Eye books. I saw FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and it told the same exact story but with 100% more rapping bats and Horribly derivative, poorly acted. Visually amazing, but if I want to be wowed by visuals I'll buy one of those Magic Eye books. I saw FernGully: The Last Rainforest, and it told the same exact story but with 100% more rapping bats and lizards. I did not enjoy this at all, but now I have a sweet pair of 3-D glasses. Great.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
PRESIDENTMERVMar 21, 2010
A sparkling script, filled with quirky characters, which will appeal mostly to jews who love the Coen brothers' movies. Rich in black humor, the film chronicles the crises in a Jewish man's life and the empty responses offered by A sparkling script, filled with quirky characters, which will appeal mostly to jews who love the Coen brothers' movies. Rich in black humor, the film chronicles the crises in a Jewish man's life and the empty responses offered by all around him . As his life collapses, we laugh at his misfortune and come to realize that the Coen brothers have created another masterful movie where events spin out of control and the tragedy of the central character is both fascinating and disturbing.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
DanM.Nov 10, 2009
A terrific, often hilarious, intelligent film. If root canals were really like this, I'd be down at the oral surgeon's all the time.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
BiffLNov 11, 2009
A wonderful film about a man beset, then overwhelmed by modern life's vicissitudes, uncertainties, moral quandaries. An existentiallist tour-de-force and at the same time a burlesque revue of American Jewish life, belief and practice in A wonderful film about a man beset, then overwhelmed by modern life's vicissitudes, uncertainties, moral quandaries. An existentiallist tour-de-force and at the same time a burlesque revue of American Jewish life, belief and practice in the mid-20th century Midwest. Pure genius!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
NathanRNov 18, 2009
Seen this little wonder twice now, and safe to say its neck in neck with "No Country for Old Men" as my favorite Coen Bros film. Visually speaking, the film is flawless with Roger Deakins once again proving he is the best cinematographer in Seen this little wonder twice now, and safe to say its neck in neck with "No Country for Old Men" as my favorite Coen Bros film. Visually speaking, the film is flawless with Roger Deakins once again proving he is the best cinematographer in the business. In terms of narrative, this film somehow manages to be incredibly bleak yet very, very funny. Then it all sinks in after its over and you can't stop thinking about it. I would gladly see it again just to soak in more. The performances are great, the editing pitch-perfect, the story mesmerizing in a strange way. Love it, easily best film of the year.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
marcytNov 26, 2009
I"m still recalling it and loving the memories. Brilliant acting, perfect pitch.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
PJPOct 2, 2009
A work of great and hilarious beauty.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
FilipeM.Jan 13, 2010
The best screenplay of the year, with so many different kinds of people. I had much fun watching it, but the end blew it. Don't take me wrong, I actually like movies that leave a sense of suspense, but this just feels like unfinished. The best screenplay of the year, with so many different kinds of people. I had much fun watching it, but the end blew it. Don't take me wrong, I actually like movies that leave a sense of suspense, but this just feels like unfinished. The Coen brothers made so much characters and we don't even know where most of them turned out to be when the film ends. But seriously, if you're even considering not watching, stop it, go ahead and buy your ticket.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
KennethS.Feb 15, 2010
Though the rather complex plot doesn't always tie together neatly, the Coen Brothers' latest film is hilarious and a memorable, dark experience full of wonderfully odd characters. "Eminently plausible," as Sy Ableman would say.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
BillWNov 12, 2009
I hesitate to suggest that this is now my favorite C-Bros film. Really. Yes, ti's bleak but it's SO funny and subtle while being genuinely moving and affecting. The cast is spot-on and the story is intricate with a very articulate I hesitate to suggest that this is now my favorite C-Bros film. Really. Yes, ti's bleak but it's SO funny and subtle while being genuinely moving and affecting. The cast is spot-on and the story is intricate with a very articulate and witty script. I felt the guy's pain! If you're married with kids you WILL get this picture. Unfortunately got put off the scent by David Denby's review in the NYer... NEVER AGAIN... he's dead to me.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
PatHNov 12, 2009
Few movies deserve both the 10s and the 2s of user votes for this cruelly comic movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
GabeRNov 14, 2009
If you are willing to engage the movie, it will reward you.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
MikeG.Nov 15, 2009
I suppose the Book of Job comparisons are inevitable, but A Serious Man reminds me more of Barton Fink 40 years later. Larry Gopnik wanders the world looking for answers but like Fink is mostly oblivious to the world around him both from an I suppose the Book of Job comparisons are inevitable, but A Serious Man reminds me more of Barton Fink 40 years later. Larry Gopnik wanders the world looking for answers but like Fink is mostly oblivious to the world around him both from an emotional and spiritual standpoint. Unlike Job, Gopnik's unraveling is neither accidental nor random and is a product of his own actions or inaction. Thrown into all of this are the usual great touches by the Coens. They nail the period, throw in some great jokes, and mine some terrific performances out of the cast. This film isn't quite up to their best, but it does take me back to some of their older, quirkier stuff and is more lively than anything they've done in years.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
JenKNov 21, 2009
If you haven't done so already, do yourself a favor and go see A SERIOUS MAN by the Coen Brothers while it's still in the theaters. Best screenplay of the year by far. Best characters. Best casting. Best Cinematography. Best If you haven't done so already, do yourself a favor and go see A SERIOUS MAN by the Coen Brothers while it's still in the theaters. Best screenplay of the year by far. Best characters. Best casting. Best Cinematography. Best SUBTEXT. If you happen to be Jewish, you'll get an extra dose of enjoyment. I had no other choice but to scribble notes down in the dark on my hand and wrist from the influx of inspiration. I was even able to block out the annoying couple making out in front of me a row down in this filthy, dilapidated and almost abandoned movie theater that we were unfortunate enough to be in. Regardless, I'd do it again in a heart beat. It's worth it. Trust me. Thank you, Coen Brothers. You're fucking BRILLIANT.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
JohnlNov 29, 2009
Funniest movie of the year. As is often the case with Cohen brothers films it is a little scattered but what a fun trip!!
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
BobKNov 17, 2009
Definitely an upper!
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
JimSNov 24, 2009
Heavy stuff, beautifully crafted, and flawlessly presented. Unpredictable, darkly comedic, absurd and sublime; typical Coen brothers. I loved it.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
RansackAug 11, 2010
This is actually a good movie. I like the dark humor and especially the leads. Sure it goes by slow, but it is enjoyable. Something tells me that some people really need to see it again, since hearing all this negativity about it.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
tonyGreenMay 15, 2012
It's hard to characterise this film; very black comedy covers it i guess. There are some amusing scenes, a nice touch of the absurd, but overall I found it just a bit too bleak
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
snazzyjerSep 17, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm completely amazed at the negative reviews here (granted, plenty of them are also great) but especially from Coen Bros. fans... Not all movies work for everybody, sure, and if you didn't like it, so it goes. But I think this is easily one of their best films. The ending is supposed to be exactly as it is and its reasoning summarizes the movie perfectly. A shame if it feels unfinished to you. i found it deeply satisfying.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
txrangersfan72Sep 19, 2010
While typical in style of the great Coen Brothers, it hits harder than normal in it's brutal bluntness. Simply put, don't take things too seriously and wrap yourself up in worry and unnecessary stress. Whatever is going to happen, is going toWhile typical in style of the great Coen Brothers, it hits harder than normal in it's brutal bluntness. Simply put, don't take things too seriously and wrap yourself up in worry and unnecessary stress. Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen. While most if us know this, if you don't, the Coens will smack you hard with the message.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
ZiggyStardustJun 16, 2011
I for one was entirely entertained, especially by the Korean actors. They had me laughing quite a few times and the whole jewish paradigm was, in my opinion, quite ridiculous as well. Damn good comedy!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
ThinkingPandaJan 26, 2013
If you are unable to think or use your brain, walk away. This is a deep, philosophical, cynical, witty movie that answers the question we all wonder. Why do bad things happen to good people? Does God exist? Do my actions have any consequence?If you are unable to think or use your brain, walk away. This is a deep, philosophical, cynical, witty movie that answers the question we all wonder. Why do bad things happen to good people? Does God exist? Do my actions have any consequence? This movie answers them all. You really have to pay attention to the themes and hidden messages. It is a BLACK COMEDY. Meaning there are no fart jokes or people yelling penis. Worth the watch, one of my favorite movies.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
ArthurFMar 29, 2010
A movie with humor and pathos, funny lines and ultimately no conclusion. That's life. There are no definitive answers. The film has a bleak side, which predominates - there are no answers - and a hilarious side, with some good laughs.
3 of 4 users found this helpful
10
KenSNov 15, 2009
For some reason, it bothers me that all the reviews say 1967 when the movie is set in 1970 or 71.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
10
StuO.Oct 14, 2009
What a terrific movie! Don't miss it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
10
MarkHOct 17, 2009
Ranks with the best of the Coen films. A philosophical farce that is even funnier when you flashback the next day. And even though much of the humor is Jewish based it is also universal.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CPOct 28, 2009
I liked this better than all of the other Coen brothers' films. Dark, brilliant. (And I'm a goy).
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
alanOct 12, 2009
If its not true its not funny. This is funny.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JoshE.Oct 12, 2009
Excellent, timely, and brutally dark. I am surprised to say this is one of my favorite Coen films. We're all Larry Gropnik... teetering on the edge... ready to unravel at any moment... just trying to understand "what's going on." A Excellent, timely, and brutally dark. I am surprised to say this is one of my favorite Coen films. We're all Larry Gropnik... teetering on the edge... ready to unravel at any moment... just trying to understand "what's going on." A very good film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
SSOct 12, 2009
Very entertaining for people familiar with jewish culture. Non-jews will not get much of the humor. Probably not for middle america
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
brianOct 2, 2009
This movie was really funny. it includes a lot of aspects of philosophy (existentialism and nihilism at least, possibly fatalism) and it's pretty well done. the whole movie is about the level of unpredictability there is in the universe This movie was really funny. it includes a lot of aspects of philosophy (existentialism and nihilism at least, possibly fatalism) and it's pretty well done. the whole movie is about the level of unpredictability there is in the universe and our lives. it's important to remember that throughout the whole movie this man is purely trying to find answers. a lot of people were disappointed by the ending but you have to put it in scope with the rest of the movie to truly see why it was the perfect ending.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RichardE.Oct 25, 2009
All in all, I prefer the book to the movie .... At least in The Book of Job, you get an outright accusation that God might be a putz ("It is all one; therefore I say, / he destroys both the blameless and the wicked" [9.22]), and in The Book All in all, I prefer the book to the movie .... At least in The Book of Job, you get an outright accusation that God might be a putz ("It is all one; therefore I say, / he destroys both the blameless and the wicked" [9.22]), and in The Book of Job God responds to the accusation, sort of: The tornado gets a long speech ("Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind ..." [chs. 38-41]). Still, good flick, if very, very painful brand of comedy. (But, then, Job is itself, as it now stands in Scripture, is a kind of painful comedy.)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnOct 28, 2009
Not just hilarious, but quite haunting. This film will stick with you long after the credits roll. Maybe the Coens' best work. Certainly their most emotionally potent.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
WodekSOct 31, 2009
The Coen brothers have captured in this film the spirit of Philip Roth's American Pastoral. After everything they have done, perhaps one should no longer speak of Coen films as astonishing. Nevertheless, an astonishing film, thick with The Coen brothers have captured in this film the spirit of Philip Roth's American Pastoral. After everything they have done, perhaps one should no longer speak of Coen films as astonishing. Nevertheless, an astonishing film, thick with a foreboding about tumultuous future that awaits us.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
susanwOct 3, 2009
Dark, dark comedy, absolutely hilarious without a shred of sentimentality. Brilliant, though I was perturbed that almost every female character is monstrous, whereas only some of the men were.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
corinapOct 30, 2009
This movie was a delight. Like in real life, the events are a puzzle that cannot be solved, the big questions don't get answers, and people don't care to understand each other. But seeing all this chaos spiced with so much humor This movie was a delight. Like in real life, the events are a puzzle that cannot be solved, the big questions don't get answers, and people don't care to understand each other. But seeing all this chaos spiced with so much humor from the distance of your movie seat is almost cathartic, and indeed brings the idea of acceptance. I loved the beginning story too and would have loved a whole movie in the I.B. Singer like fashion.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DianaBOct 28, 2009
Recalled Woody Allen's CRIMES & MISDEMEANORS in its theme. It kept me watching and made me think afterward.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KarenFOct 28, 2009
4 days later and I'm still pondering it. This is a personal film that gets under one's skin, and probably has a narrow window of acceptability. I must see it again.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ScraperFeb 17, 2020
A Serious Man is tremendous in creating a world that all of us live in. A world where we are tossed about in search of answers and getting very few. Basically its perfection in movie making: it's original, its funny, its poignant, and theA Serious Man is tremendous in creating a world that all of us live in. A world where we are tossed about in search of answers and getting very few. Basically its perfection in movie making: it's original, its funny, its poignant, and the cinematography is flawless and beautiful.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
beingryanjudeSep 1, 2014
As dark as A Serious Man can be, it's just as good. The Coen Brothers give us another one to really think on and admire. Newcomer Michael Stuhlbarg is a prime example of perfect casting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
It's not exactly uplifting, but the Coen Bros. "A Serious Man" does prove to be a lovely testament to the existence of near perfect storytelling and character writing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
HufffJan 10, 2014
The Cohen Brothers have created a movie which will sit right along side Fiddler On the Roof, The humor is subtle, but hilarious when you get it. At the same time, it questions the nature of life, Hashem, and karma.

A WARNING TO THE GOYIMThe Cohen Brothers have created a movie which will sit right along side Fiddler On the Roof, The humor is subtle, but hilarious when you get it. At the same time, it questions the nature of life, Hashem, and karma.

A WARNING TO THE GOYIM (YIDDISH FOR NOT JEWISH): You will not get nearly as much enjoyment out of this film. Most of the jokes are sort of "in" jokes that hard to get if you don't have a background for them. Sure, there will be some laugh-out-loud moments for you, but you'll have to sit through a lot which will not make sense to you. If you aren't Jewish, I wouldn't watch this movie unless you know the American Jewish culture.… Expand
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8
FranzHcriticNov 29, 2013
A sophisticated and detailed, albeit bizarre, film, of which most people would find puzzling and tepid. However, I, being Jewish, have a knowledge of the culture to understand the certain depths and symbolism the film attempts to convey. TheA sophisticated and detailed, albeit bizarre, film, of which most people would find puzzling and tepid. However, I, being Jewish, have a knowledge of the culture to understand the certain depths and symbolism the film attempts to convey. The acting is sublime, significantly the lead Michael Stuhlbarg. Has an extreme ingenuity, yet a very unusual idea and message.… Expand
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8
heeldavidJul 25, 2014
This movie isn't fro everybody, you're either gonna love it or hate it. But i liked it, i liked the dark humor and the character o Larry Gopnik, nice performance by the criminally underrated Michael Stulhbarg
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7
chwJul 18, 2014
A Serious Man is quite bizarre, but the Coen brothers still did a good job, and Michael Stuhlberg, Fred Melamed, and Richard Kind acted very very well.
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9
rogenAug 7, 2019
An underrated movie. It forces you to struggle a little to make sense of the narrative and understand where it's going as the story progresses, which is exactly the point. Life is like that. The message is, accept the mystery.
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10
MattBrady99Mar 24, 2016
Sy Ableman: "I'm a serious man, Larry."

The story is about a Midwestern physics teacher, watches his life unravel over multiple sudden incidents. Though seeking meaning and answers amidst his turmoils, he seems to keep sinking. 'ASy Ableman: "I'm a serious man, Larry."

The story is about a Midwestern physics teacher, watches his life unravel over multiple sudden incidents. Though seeking meaning and answers amidst his turmoils, he seems to keep sinking.

'A Serious Man' has to be the Coen Brothers most unappreciated movie when it comes to naming the Coen Brothers best movies, and yes there's plenty of outstanding movies from them, but lets not overlook movies such as this. The Coen Brothers have yet to disappoint me, even through I haven't seen every movie from them, but the ones I have watched I've given glowing reviews and so is this one, because 'A Serious Man' is a superb and wonderful piece of film making that I can't believe it took me this long to watch it.

The Coens are masters of film making and there's no point of me pointing that out for you, since you can watch one of they movies (expect for The Ladykillers) and see the brilliance in the dialogue scenes and the reverse shots by them keeping the shots simple but precise enough to keep you engaged. And in this movie, the Coens did just that and that's take a simple man like Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) and put him in an endless cycle of torment, for serious or comedic effect. That's what I was so amazed by from start till finish, not because of the writing or the cinematography (which are perfect by the way), but that I easily related to the main characters struggle and the dying questions about his own religion and he's life. Many times in the movie Larry tries to seek help and answers, but gets shut out or doesn't get satisfying answers. This hit home for me as I know what that's like. Bravo Coens.

Michael Stuhlbarg was absolutely fantastic in this movie and it's honestly one of he's best performance of his career (In my opinion). Stuhlbarg really dose bring a lot of emotion, depth and the human side to this character that we can easily simplify with. His reactions to hellish situations was spot on and realistic. It's hard to believe that he didn't get at least an Oscar nomination for this and just the thought of it is really hard to digest. Brilliantly performance Michael Stuhlbarg.

Roger Deakins is one of the best cinematography's working today and it wasn't surprising that the best part of this movie was the cinematography, as it was flawless. Most of the time the camera is right close up to the characters and it has a wide lens to it so you would feel a sense of presence of being right there with somebody. It really dose add a lot to the scenes in this movie, I mean it made some scenes of the movie uncomfortable or kind of funny. That's the work of Roger Deakins everyone and it's glorious.

I'm not going to spoil the ending to this movie, because I hate when people do that in reviews without any warnings, but let me tell you that the ending is such a gut-punch and will leave you completely speechless.

Now for the problems: ...

Overall 'A Serious Man' is an outstanding movie with brilliant performances from everyone and top notch writing from the Coens. If haven't seen this movie yet, then do yourself a favor and watch it.… Expand
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10
hanneguacamoleJun 9, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dark comedies like this are my favorite. No matter the plot, I usually find at least some enjoyment in them. A Serious Man is really no exception. The ancient European setting that the movie started out in set up the wonky way with a dybbuk of Judaism and the controlling relationship of Judith. The flashes between Larry's life and his family's (and other's) really seems to show how horrible his life is and gets. Each scene somehow complicates the circumstances more and more until he's stuck and needs a rabbi's help to provide some advice, or try to.

The wife's affair reminds me a lot of The Descendants, with the unknowing father and the children that are also spiraling out of control. Throughout the week or so this movie focuses on a specific issue with each family member. Danny gets his radio with his $20 of drug money in it taken away, Sarah wants to use the bathroom but Uncle Arthur is always in there, Judith is having an affair with Sy, and Larry is just trying to cope. The suburban neighborhood they live in looks so perfect, just like Desperate Housewives where we all know what's beneath is anything but perfect. It really seems like all of the family's problems fall on Larry's shoulders in one way or another. He's already struggling enough with his own job, but now he has to deal with his children and all the issues that his wife's pushing on him. The rabbis are just as incompetent as anyone as we do eventually see, even though they're supposed to know what to do. Sy dies, Danny is stoned at his own bar mitzvah, but we do finally meet the elusive rabbi (who returns the radio.) "The truth is found to be lies and all the hope within you dies. Then what?"

There eventually are so many problems that Larry caves and has to take the easy way out of this situation and change the kid's grade for a bribe. Maybe cheating's not so bad? But then we remember that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. There's something wrong with Larry's chest x-ray and a tornado's about to hit the school. Life's a mess and it's always gonna be a mess. Who knows what's gonna happen?… Expand
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8
scodypaulJan 29, 2018
"A Serious Man"..I liked it a lot... Coen brothers at it again. Acting is always superb in these films.
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10
MahmusSep 25, 2020
This darkly funny movie about finding meaning in life is one of the Coen brothers' most underrated (a possibly least accesible) films.

This movie is a quest for answers, but if you know the Coen brothers, you know the chances of actuallyThis darkly funny movie about finding meaning in life is one of the Coen brothers' most underrated (a possibly least accesible) films.

This movie is a quest for answers, but if you know the Coen brothers, you know the chances of actually finding any answers are close to zero.

Michael Stuhlbarg gives a great performance.

The ending (and it's incredible closing shot) might leave many frustrated, unfulfilled and confused, but as the movie says:

"Just accept the mystery".… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very quirky film - I suppose its fairly typical Coen brothers material to an extent, depicting the downfall of someone in a quite specific way, centering on a community of Jews. Its not exactly greatly comedic in an obvious, visual way but I did find it amusing at times. Its hard to put my finger on where the comedy comes from, I suppose its to do with the mundanity of many things building up certain consequences - it'd be hard not to feel sorry for the main character, Larry Gopnik. I'm not Jewish but I can only imagine some of said situations/circumstances. I enjoyed the film, I felt it was reasonably well made, even though I probably didn't fully 'get' all the references and so on. If your a fan of the Coen brothers work, then I would recommend this film - if not then this may or may not appeal to you. If it sounds a bit niche/bizarre, then perhaps give this a miss.… Expand
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10
SladeykajeMar 28, 2022
A perfect film, led by a perfect lead performance, with a perfect ensemble. It's perfect. I love it.
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9
NickTheCritickNov 2, 2021
This movie is an half-masterpiece. The beginning (that apparently is so disconnected from the rest of the movie) is simply great and the ending is fantastic too. It's a visceral entertaining Jewish movie and this might end up being myThis movie is an half-masterpiece. The beginning (that apparently is so disconnected from the rest of the movie) is simply great and the ending is fantastic too. It's a visceral entertaining Jewish movie and this might end up being my favourite Coen brother's movie along with Inside Llewyn Davis.… Expand
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