Intolerable Cruelty

Universal Pictures | Release Date: October 10, 2003

6.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 98 Ratings

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Compi24Dec 4, 2018

Surprisingly one of the more controversial films in the Coen Brothers' oeuvre, "Intolerable Cruelty" honestly plays more to the crowd than most of the filmmaking duo's other films, featuring the bubbly and cheeky feel of many other romanticSurprisingly one of the more controversial films in the Coen Brothers' oeuvre, "Intolerable Cruelty" honestly plays more to the crowd than most of the filmmaking duo's other films, featuring the bubbly and cheeky feel of many other romantic comedies of the era. Not sure where the critics and fans diverged with this particular film, but for my tastes, I found it to be a palatable watch overall -- though sadly not all the way through necessarily. To be blatantly honest, I found the film's first half to be a tremendous exercise in wit, wordplay, and irony, with some of the best dialogue writing I've seen from the Coen's. But the second half just pales in comparison -- too silly and predictable for its own good. I guess it all averages out to the above final score in the end.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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FilipeNetoAug 24, 2018

This romantic comedy talks about marriages and divorces, and is a direct criticism of the way society views these things. The story is simple and works well: a gold digger seeks to dig her way to her own wealth. For this, she marries rich menThis romantic comedy talks about marriages and divorces, and is a direct criticism of the way society views these things. The story is simple and works well: a gold digger seeks to dig her way to her own wealth. For this, she marries rich men and divorces as soon as she has the opportunity, even maneuvering with prenuptial conventions. However, she ends up in love when she attempts to strike again, this time on a wealthy marriage lawyer who prevented her from raising a fortune in the last divorce. How can this couple, who started out so uncommonly, learn to trust each other?

Well, for those who know a little about the Coen brothers' cinematographic work, this film will certainly seem like one of the most conventional and commercial films they've done. But that does not make the movie bad. The two filmmakers have always done a good job and have always sought a personal path, which is more or less between the indie cinema and the commercial cinema to which we are accustomed. It would be bad if the cinema were entirely made up of films almost unintelligible and full of metaphorical and philosophical meanings. And the traditional mark of these filmmakers is very present, in the notes of sarcastic humor about morality and marriage. George Clooney is an excellent actor and plays very well with Zeta Jones, with whom he shares the protagonism. Both actors stay away from passionate stunts. Here, love is cold and comes from a situation of tension, in which both behave as true chess players, or poker players. The support cast does a good job and is essential for the movie's most comedic moments. Finally, a note of appreciation for the initial credits, very well imagined and with a nice touch of humor.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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SpangleFeb 20, 2016

I loved Intolerable Cruelty. Though the mass public was more mixed on this charmer from the Coen Brothers, I found it to be absolutely hilarious. It was an absolute riot and is yet another fantastic film from the duo. George Clooney andI loved Intolerable Cruelty. Though the mass public was more mixed on this charmer from the Coen Brothers, I found it to be absolutely hilarious. It was an absolute riot and is yet another fantastic film from the duo. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones are both great, as are Richard Jenkins, Paul Adelstein, and Cedric the Entertainer. Honestly, though not as great as Coen Brothers classics, such as Fargo or No Country for Old Men, the film still reaches for some serious highs by riding on the great writing and charming leads. While they have done better, this one is still highly enjoyable and absolutely hilarious as it touches on themes such as deceit, love, and marriage. Overall, a well made and well acted comedy that had me in stitches.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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BarryB.Nov 13, 2003

Couldn't agree more with the nonprofessional critics. You know the ones like you and I who pay to see this crap. No chemistry at all between the two visons of pulchritude. Were they acting or playing themselves?

0 of 1 users found this helpful

JamesNWAMar 8, 2011

It is safe to say that this film is not what I expected at all but it did have some elements that make it worthy of having a higher end score; those being George Clooney showing his comedic side and the addition of Catherine Zeta Jones. IIt is safe to say that this film is not what I expected at all but it did have some elements that make it worthy of having a higher end score; those being George Clooney showing his comedic side and the addition of Catherine Zeta Jones. I would perhaps rate it slightly higher if I didn't get distracted half way though.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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TovenaarDec 9, 2014

There are some nice laugh-out-loud moments in this and it's good to see Catherine ZJ with her Welsh lilt counterbalancing the grey wolf :) A fun film with some pointed comments to make.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Pablo6120Apr 21, 2016

Not many films make me belly-laugh, but this gem from the Coen brothers is what satire should be. Great casting, slick writing and a perverse slant all point at a superb flick; well worth seeking out.

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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BroyaxMar 18, 2018

Les frères Coen font beaucoup de films, peut-être même un peu trop... s'ils tentent toujours d'insufler leur humour particulier un brin grinçant dans leurs comédies (ou série avec Fargo), ils s'abîment fréquemment dans la gaudrioleLes frères Coen font beaucoup de films, peut-être même un peu trop... s'ils tentent toujours d'insufler leur humour particulier un brin grinçant dans leurs comédies (ou série avec Fargo), ils s'abîment fréquemment dans la gaudriole hystéro-bouffonne et une sorte de Vaudeville caricatural et maladroit.

Ainsi, cette "comédie" qui pédale dans la choucroute ne fait-elle pas décrocher la mâchoire sauf pour bailler : l'art de la caricature est délicat et ne saurait souffrir en effet un scénario écrit avec les pieds et deux mains gauches. En fait, un stagiaire aurait pu l'écrire tant les situations grotesques se succèdent et se surpassent dans l'invraisemblance et la bêtise.

La distribution s'adapte, elle si peu adaptée aux films de qualité, qu'elle n'a pas besoin de forcer pour sombrer dans les tréfonds de l'imbécillité lorsqu'elle leur est servie sur un plateau : Clowney le clown "what else" est déjà insignifiant comme poseur de pub, alors comme acteur, il ne vaut pas tripette. Il n'est qu'un bellâtre crétin très pénible ici. Quant à la femme de Michael Douglas, elle ne servait déjà à rien comme actrice et elle confirme qu'à part prendre soin de son bronzage, elle sert toujours à rien, même pour meubler.

Un film si affligeant qu'on n'arrive pas à le finir donc, comme un gros macgerbal dans une belle boîte, laquelle à peine ouverte, dévoile quelque chose de si peu engageant qu'on prend ses jambes à son cou. Qu'ils sont cruels les frères Coen pour infliger aux spectateurs une telle débilité ! honte à eux.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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DanB.Dec 1, 2005

Plot was a little hackneyed and smooth but Clooney gives such a great performance... and anyway, come on: everybody likes berries!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JaredB.Jan 26, 2007

A laugh riot. Also, a great looking film, resembling the romantic comedies of the 50's. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones make a wonderful pair. Cedric the Entertainer was hysterical. Good job, Coen brothers

0 of 0 users found this helpful

ricardodApr 13, 2009

Extremely funny, extremely smart and extremely well performed. worth it all the way. coen brothers, you did it again.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Voodoo123Feb 18, 2022

Even with its beautifully shot production and the excellent cast, there just wasnt enough substance to the screenplay to move the needle beyond average. Worth a watch for any cohen brothers fans.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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amheretojudgeJul 1, 2018

an overstuffed and undercooked..

Intolerable Cruelty 2 Out Of 5 Intolerable Cruelty is merely an attempt by Coen to offer a rom-com in its own tone that unfortunately never communicates with the audience. The scrutiny in here is so obviousan overstuffed and undercooked..

Intolerable Cruelty

2 Out Of 5

Intolerable Cruelty is merely an attempt by Coen to offer a rom-com in its own tone that unfortunately never communicates with the audience. The scrutiny in here is so obvious and predictably dull that the audience finds themselves waiting for the makers to attain a closure that makes its 100 minutes feel like ages especially when the makers and the audience are sweating to be funny and to crack a smile respectively. It is short on technical aspects like background score, sound department and editing. An urge to create the sketchy comic sequences and somehow managing to create the intense drama along with it, fails on all levels here. The script is all distraction and nothing concrete on terms of the material offered to the audience, addition to that it derails quickly into a misleading lane and crashes in its self-created ideology and hypocrisy. It comes off as a shock considering it came from Joel Coen, since it barely has an piece of craft to explore in here especially the forcibly installed humor which clearly isn't funny. It is poorly performed by George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones, but then they weren't offered enough range to sink their teeth in their one dimensional characters. Intolerable Cruelty is an overstuffed and undercooked on its plot and characters, leaving the audience disappointed rather than being angry.… Expand

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DawdlingPoetNov 23, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is quite predictable in one way but its also quite witty in another - the two main characters (played by George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones) are certainly devious and clever in their own way but things, shall I say, don't always work out (you'll have to watch the film to find out more). I liked that it featured what I felt was a good 'meeting of minds' if you will - the scenes with the two characters flirting made for good cinema, in terms of the one upmanship. This being a Cohen brothers film, its reasonably stylish in a visual way, the colour/lighting is mostly in yellow, for one thing.

There were some quirky characters - I'm not sure why one of the people in a Las Vegas scene is clearly Scottish, although given Clooney wears a kilt in said scenes, I assume there's reason for it. Also I liked Billy Bob Thorntons character.

There were some quite amusing scenes, when things turn a bit pear shaped - I enjoyed those and I also liked the madcap dream scenes. Its definitely a quirky watch but a quite entertaining one. I suppose aspects of the plot could be thought of as a bit cliched but I felt that, overall, it was a well made film, so I'd recommend it.… Expand

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geewahJan 25, 2021

Along with "The Labykillers" which followed this movie, the Coen's managed to make two of their worst movies back to back.
The jokes are thin, the characters unlikable, just a really disappointing effort.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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NickTheCritickNov 2, 2021

This brilliant romantic comedy works in everything from the directing to the acting of the two main actors George Clooney and Catherine Z-Jones at the top of their game. This movie is a perfect homage to Preston Sturges' Hollywood premaritalThis brilliant romantic comedy works in everything from the directing to the acting of the two main actors George Clooney and Catherine Z-Jones at the top of their game. This movie is a perfect homage to Preston Sturges' Hollywood premarital comedy and it's filled of Coen's dark humour.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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