Release: 2007-06-13
Runtime: 2h 02m (122 minutes)
Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon dead bodies, $2 million and a hoard of heroin in a Texas desert, but methodical killer Anton Chigurh comes looking for it, with local sheriff Ed Tom Bell hot on his trail. The roles of prey and predator blur as the violent pursuit of money and justice collide.
Watch this on:
Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, more
Tommy Lee Jones
as Ed Tom Bell
Josh Brolin
as Llewelyn Moss
Woody Harrelson
as Carson Wells
Javier Bardem
as Anton Chigurh
Kelly Macdonald
as Carla Jean Moss
Stephen Root
as Man Who Hires Wells
Garret Dillahunt
as Wendell
Boots Southerland
as "Managerial" Victim
Beth Grant
as Carla Jean's Mother
Barry Corbin
as Ellis
Caleb Landry Jones
as Boy on Bike
Tess Harper
as Loretta Bell
Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon dead bodies, $2 million and a hoard of heroin in a Texas desert, but methodical killer Anton Chigurh comes looking for it, with local sheriff Ed Tom Bell hot on his trail. The roles of prey and predator blur as the violent pursuit of money and justice collide.
There are no clean getaways.
No Country for Old Men is a gripping 2007 American film directed by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. This crime thriller is based on Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name. Set against the stark and haunting backdrop of 1980 West Texas, the film explores themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of choices.
The movie follows three main characters: Llewelyn Moss, played by Josh Brolin, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone awry and takes off with a briefcase containing $2 million. He is pursued by the relentless hitman Anton Chigurh, portrayed by Javier Bardem, and the local Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who investigates the ensuing violence. The tension escalates as Moss tries to evade Chigurh, who employs a twisted moral code to determine who lives or dies, often based on a coin flip.
Upon its initial release on 9 November 2007 in the United States, the film received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It grossed over $171 million worldwide on a budget of $25 million, making it one of the Coen brothers' most successful films to date.
No Country for Old Men premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2007, where it was met with positive reviews. Critics praised the film's direction, screenplay, and especially Javier Bardem's chilling performance as Chigurh, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film itself won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for the Coen brothers, at the 80th Academy Awards.
What sets this film apart is its minimalist dialogue and the Coens' unique ability to build suspense without relying on a traditional score. The absence of background music in many scenes creates a palpable tension, allowing sounds of the environment to enhance the storytelling.
Moreover, No Country for Old Men has been recognized as a modern classic and is frequently cited among the best films of the 21st century. It touches on existential themes and reflects a shift in American cinema, merging elements of the western genre with a noir sensibility, often leaving viewers contemplating the nature of evil and the randomness of fate.
In summary, No Country for Old Men is a masterful film that combines storytelling, character depth, and a haunting atmosphere to explore profound themes. Its impact on both audiences and critics has solidified its place in cinematic history as one of the defining films of its time.
