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I was in high school when this film was released. It hit my friends and myself like a bomb. For comment, I have little to add to the many which I have read here. Except to say, little mention has been given to the soundtrack, variations on something called the "Missa Luba" (I think that was the name), sung by a children's choir, quite haunting and a foreboding backdrop for the events portrayed.

Also, some of the images were extremely striking. The motorcycle scene was just lyrical; I bought a cycle the next year, in large part because of this single romantic image.

The final battle scenes are unforgettable. In the post-columbine era, that episode seems more threatening than it did 30 years ago. Nevertheless, I can easily close my eyes and visualize the machine gun toting grandmother, shouting "bahstahds!" in between bursts.

Taken together with the sequel "Oh Lucky Man", an argument can be made that this is one of the great satires of the 20th century cinema.

This is the best film that I have seen in a year. It is a loose (very loose) retelling of the Odyssey, set in depression-era Mississippi. The art direction and photography are excellent, creating a very convincing backdrop to the tale. The script moves along briskly, without being rushed; every scene serves a purpose. The music, primarily old-time folk and gospel songs performed by contemporary artists, is completely delightful. My wife purchased the soundtrack CD the next day. The acting is loopy and great, as is often the case in Coen films.

Here is the proof that "traditional" films do not have to look for the lowest common denominator to entertain.