Blood Simple details

Blood Simple
Formats: 18 DVD, LOVEFiLM Instant
Starring: John Getz, M. Emmet Walsh, Samm-Art Williams, Dan Hedaya, Frances McDormand
Director: Joel Coen
Genre: Thriller - Action/Adventure
Studio: OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Collections: 100 Top Thrillers, Back to the 80s, Cult Classics, Decades: 80s, Festival Favourites, Haven't Seen That in Ages!, The Deep South, Twists and Turns
Title Runtime Certificate
Blood Simple
1hr 31 mins 18

LOVEFiLM Instant Information

Run time: 1 hour 31 minutes
Rental release: To be confirmed
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Most helpful review Blood Simple

  • ?Who Looks Stupid Now??

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By Clucky from Cardiff, Wales , 23 Aug 2004

    [Highly rated reviewer]

    On the surface of things this does not look or sound like a Coen film, but there are just enough character flaws and curve ball moments for it to feel like a Coen film. With a surprisingly linear plot, a fiery love triangle, this film carries an unrelenting dark edge but sadly lacks the ?lighter? comedic elements that punctuated later works like Fargo.

    Without the trademark sharp dialogue and quirky plot lines this is undoubtedly a shadow of their later work but there is enough quality on show for fans and newcomers alike to enjoy.

    Other reviewers on here have commented on the poor transfer of this film and it does make many of the night scenes difficult to watch. Despite this there are some nice set pieces - the office-to-bed shot and the newspaper against the door are particularly well executed. The acting is sound but the dialogue seemed a little forced at times, although this is merely nit picking. The pace and structure ensure that your attention is kept at all times and the subtle twists add an extra dimension to what is essentially a well-worn path (see John Dahl?s back catalogue for similar jilted lovers scenarios).

    Overall a decent film which provides a good starting point for Coen new-comers and an interesting look at how they started out for die-hard fans. 3 out of 5

    Extras ? Thin on the ground only a trailer for this film and Big Lebowski

    Subtitles ? Optional but a bit on the small side.
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(102)
  • Not simple

    Rated - 4.0 stars  
    By crudpuppyuk (9 reviews) , 25 Mar 2013
    Complex, satisfying tale of crime and retribution, filmed in a 40s noir style. It takes a while to pick up pace, but it's worth the wait, and the actors and direction are excellent.
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  • Simply not a bad movie.

    Rated - 3.0 stars  
    By Bobsview (559 reviews) from Gloucestershire , 20 Feb 2013
    1983 Coen brothers first film-erotic thriller, gritty. Dark and bloody but with some humour and a good ending. A watchable good film.
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  • Great early Coen brothers

    Rated - 4.5 stars  
    By a customer , 19 Jan 2013
    A real treat. I was hooked from start to finish. If you like the novels of James M Cain and enjoyed the Coen brother's 'The Man Who Wasn't There' You will be very glad to see this.
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  • Excellent thriller

    Rated - 4.5 stars  
    By a customer , 11 Jan 2013
    Really good thriller. It looks a little dated, but don't let that put you off. At first it seems like a straightforward set-up, but it turns into a very suspenseful and interesting story and you're never quite sure where it's going to go. Great cinematography and great cast. Recommended.
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  • Enjoyable Thriller

    Rated - 4.5 stars  
    By Abby88 (168 reviews) from Bognor Regis , 05 Nov 2012
    This is a slow starter but becomes really entertaining! A great story with lots of tension and suspense along with humor. Watch it!
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