A Serious Man (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Albert K

  
  Another Coen brother's movie that is very entertaining. The movie feels very fresh in its approach towards a different type of comedy that is dark and unique. I enjoyed this incredibly well directed, written, and acted movie.

• Melvin W

  
  Larry Gopnik: The Uncertainty Principle. It proves we can't ever really know... what's going on. So it shouldn't bother you. Not being able to figure anything out. Although you will be responsible for this on the mid-term.  A Serious Man is definitely not one of my… More
  Larry Gopnik: The Uncertainty Principle. It proves we can't ever really know... what's going on. So it shouldn't bother you. Not being able to figure anything out. Although you will be responsible for this on the mid-term.  A Serious Man is definitely not one of my favorite Coen brothers films, but it does have everything you'd expect from them. It has all the brilliant and bizarre plot elements that make watching a Coen brothers movie so special. It has the amazing and beautiful cinematography of Roger Deakins. The only thing it is really missing is a great plot. Sure a lot of the Coen's work is like this, where stuff just happens. But here it somehow seemed even more odd than normal. A Jewish professor's life is in turmoil. At home, his wife is leaving him for another man. At work, a foreign student who failed his class leaves him some bribe money for a passing grade and he must decide what to do about it. He is also looking it possibly being tenured. Then he has a brother living at home who has gotten himself into some legal trouble. Nothing much is going well for him.  I don't think I got everything out of this I should and I really need to check it out again. Like a lot of their work, this has a lot of under the surface stuff going on and I didn't catch a great majority of it. I think I will appreciate the movie much more with a few more viewings.  What I did get out of it though, I liked. Maybe I didn't fall in love with it like I do with most other Coen films, but I still really liked it. From the bizarre opening scene to the ending that doesn't really bring any closure to the surface plot, but to the ideas that are lying underneath; it is a Coen film all the way. And when I watch a Coen film, I am never disappointed.

• Spencer S

  
  This film has a lot to pick apart and be very confused over, but I'm not as cold towards it as others. I found the irregularity, the despondent plot and varied storyline enthralling. The juxtaposition between the Jewish faith and these haphazard points in time really made for an… More
  This film has a lot to pick apart and be very confused over, but I'm not as cold towards it as others. I found the irregularity, the despondent plot and varied storyline enthralling. The juxtaposition between the Jewish faith and these haphazard points in time really made for an interesting watch. As a goy (ooh, that term sounds gross) it was almost an educational experience to learn about the different terms of which the Jewish faith uses, but more importantly it was how this played into the story. Everyone agrees that the performance of Michael Stuhlbarg was extraordinary, and his prowess made the film. The extenuating actors were perfectly cast, and led to an aura of humiliation, degradation and social morays that either led down a fast fantasy by the main character or went back to the other characters' involvement with Judaism. Though Judaism tied into most of everything, it was the main character's plight that really spoke volumes: His wife leaves him, his kids don't care, a student tries to bribe him and then sues for defamation, he owes a lot of money, his uncle is sick. It's just everything building on top of each other, and there's no rest for him. I believe this is a metaphor for his own languid feelings towards his faith, which is what leads him to consult with multiple rabbis on the subject. It's definitely disjointed and perhaps not well put together at times, but I so enjoyed the enmeshment of everything coalescing together, that I didn't care about the dream sequences being so pivotal, or the ending being abrupt (though I actually kind of liked it.) It's one of the Coens more organic ventures, and really deserved all the critical praise.

• Jeff "

  
  Before I start this review, let me just say that I am a diehard Coen Brothers fan. I loved everything that they've done, and thought that each film they made was terrific, unique and different from the previous one. However with A Serious Man, I felt they've made the worst… More
  Before I start this review, let me just say that I am a diehard Coen Brothers fan. I loved everything that they've done, and thought that each film they made was terrific, unique and different from the previous one. However with A Serious Man, I felt they've made the worst film of their career. The film is too slow with little development and has nothing spectacular going on on screen. The Coens always had a somewhat eccentric storyline for each of their films, and it worked almost everytime. Except now. The film is boring and dull, and I was trying to figure out what this film was trying to be. The film did not impress me, and I honestly think that this is the worst Coen Brothers film. A Serious Man is a disappointment and if you're looking for the worst film that The Coens have made, this is it. I really couldn't get into this film, and I don't see why this film has gotten the praise it has received. The film is dull, with little substance to make it something interesting. Thats also the worst part about the film, usually the Coens deliver something thats very interesting on screen and entertains the viewer, however with this film, it puts the viewer to sleep and makes him wait for the end credits. At least this is the only Coen Brothers film that I consider crap, and they redeemed themselves with True Grit.

• Curtis L

  
  Even when there wasn't interesting things going on, it was very interesting done. The guy's life couldn't have sucked more, and it never ends. But, it's all about perspective. From his perspective his life sucked, but from his brother's, it was incredible. So… More
  Even when there wasn't interesting things going on, it was very interesting done. The guy's life couldn't have sucked more, and it never ends. But, it's all about perspective. From his perspective his life sucked, but from his brother's, it was incredible. So much stuff happens for no reason, including bad things to good people, and there isn't any answer to it (even for the audience wanting to know what every little thing in the movie meant...there isn't always an answer for that either). And even at the end, with so much left unfinished, it doesn't matter what potentially good or bad things were going to happen. That's life, and it doesn't wrap up in a nice tidy package like most films try and do.

• Greg S

  
  A putzy Jewish physics professor suffers from a series of problems including a failing marriage, bratty kids, students willing to do anything for a passing grade, financial troubles, and a ne'er-do-well brother. It's a retelling of the Book of Job as an absurdist comedy;… More
  A putzy Jewish physics professor suffers from a series of problems including a failing marriage, bratty kids, students willing to do anything for a passing grade, financial troubles, and a ne'er-do-well brother. It's a retelling of the Book of Job as an absurdist comedy; frequently funny but also confounding, with a notorious non-ending. So intensely Jewish that you'll feel ready to be mitzvahed after one viewing.

• shahmeer h

  
  Pure crap. (with a little interest) it was hard to understand what they were saying. very hard to even try to comprehend the story (especially the beginning). Shouldn't have been nominated for best pictue. and to the Cohen Brothers......COME ON. thankyou for your time.

• Steven C

  
  "When the truth is found to be lies / When all the joy within you dies" ... Then what?

• Brad W

  
  Intense film of a man that has a weird outlook on life. I felt like I was watching American Beauty all over again, and it felt great. The Coens never dissapoint with story and camerawork. I know people hated this, but it really intrigued during and after the movie.

• Randy T

  
  Not since <i>Schindler's List</i> has a film made me so happy to be a goy.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Sari Lennick, Aaron Wolff, Jessica McManus, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Peter Breitmayer, Adam Arkin, David Kang Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Summary: Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a "rough patch," according… More
  Cast: Michael Stuhlbarg, Sari Lennick, Aaron Wolff, Jessica McManus, Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Peter Breitmayer, Adam Arkin, David Kang Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Summary: Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a "rough patch," according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a "get" and his whining kids (Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life's answers? My Thoughts: "This was a nice little dark comedy film. Good acting by all. But I must say the main character was infuriating. I just couldn't understand how he could just somewhat keep it together. I would have went nuts on Sy and definitely would have made Judith leave and stay at the Motel. Larry has no back bone and might as well have faded into the background. I just can't stand those types of character's who let themselves be treated in the manor he was. I kept waiting for some big explosion from him of having enough from his bitchy wife, to the new man, his whiny kids, and his odd brother, but it never came. Just can't imagine someone staying so cool and collective. But it seemed to work for this film. Not a must see in my opinion, but it was worth taking a look at."

• Kase V

  
  A Serious Man has the most simple yet the most complicated core, and thats what makes it so brilliant. It's easy. Life is confusing, and then there's death. The masterful work of the Coen Brothers tortures Stuhlberg's soul until offering hope in it's final moments,… More
  A Serious Man has the most simple yet the most complicated core, and thats what makes it so brilliant. It's easy. Life is confusing, and then there's death. The masterful work of the Coen Brothers tortures Stuhlberg's soul until offering hope in it's final moments, only to take it all away in the final seconds. Gotcha.

• E.J. B

  
  A Serious Man is as great a film as the Coen Brothers have made, and they've made Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and my favourite film of all time: No Country for Old Men. This is a comedy that is so dark and bleak, you would think it's a drama. It centres around a Jewish… More
  A Serious Man is as great a film as the Coen Brothers have made, and they've made Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and my favourite film of all time: No Country for Old Men. This is a comedy that is so dark and bleak, you would think it's a drama. It centres around a Jewish professor named Larry Gopnick, who, to make a long story short, is having to deal with more stress than anyone deserves to go through. He isn't really complaining about it, but he seeks out advice on how to cope, and begs an answer from God as to why all this is happening to him. You can see the similarities between this tale and The Book of Job. There is an interesting prologue to the film that suggests his ancestors had a ghost curse their family line, but the film mainly asks the question as to whether there is any reason at all for bad things happening to good people. God might be testing his faith, but it's just as likely that Larry is a mere victim of bad luck. No matter how you interpret it, A Serious Man is a wonderfully original film. Engaging and entertaining in ways that only the Coens know how to do, I loved everything about this movie. It is exactly the right brand of dark humour, and it raises existential and religious questions without providing any easy answers, giving you much to reflect on once the credits have roll!

• Shawn E

  
  A dark and dramatic film that tries to incorporate so many themes that the film becomes lost and frustrated.

• Anthony L

  
  Many have stated the A Serious Man is The Coen brothers return to form but I would disagree, I think this is the beginning of a totally new chapter, although lets see what True Grit turns out like, they don't have a great 'remake' track-record! They do however, have a… More
  Many have stated the A Serious Man is The Coen brothers return to form but I would disagree, I think this is the beginning of a totally new chapter, although lets see what True Grit turns out like, they don't have a great 'remake' track-record! They do however, have a great track-record of making brilliant updated versions of old storeys/fables. I don't think that anyone watching O Brother, Where Art Thou? enjoyed it less not known the story of Homer's Odyssey on which it's based but like A Serious Man which is based on The Book of Job (although Job wasn't a Jew which is a little confusing, but I digress), I do think it helps! A Serious Man is better for having a relatively unknown cast too, it's great to see Richard Kind on the big screen too! Overall, I really liked it! I'm still cautious for some reason, I really love their old stuff but I think I'm ready to fall in love with their films all over again. Long may they continue, and what an ending!

• paul s

  
  From the opening sequence in some eastern block ghetto, the film ponders the big question - what does it all mean, and where are both man and gods place in that discussion. The Coen bros ask these questions while showing us a good man who, apparantly through no fault of his own, is… More
  From the opening sequence in some eastern block ghetto, the film ponders the big question - what does it all mean, and where are both man and gods place in that discussion. The Coen bros ask these questions while showing us a good man who, apparantly through no fault of his own, is having his life unravel. From his wife asking out of their marriage (though he has no idea why, and the film pulls a fast one by neither showing or explaining the issue), to something as innocuous as the good old Columbia Records mail order trap where if you don't respond they will keep sending you records (and the bills at prices well above those you would pay at a record store - and that's if you even want the records - part of the humour (and pitch black it is) is watching this math professor trying to explain that he did not purchase and does not want Santana Abraxas). Through the course of the film you see how good intentions can have bad results. The main charactor's strange brother moves in with the family - causing all kinds of issues - but being a "good man" and schooled to be giving by his faith, what else could he have done? Similarly, when his wife and her new man try to railroad him, he turns the other cheek - I would have gone after the smug bastard with a machete! (and in an interesting turn - god provides... in a way). There are all kinds of subtle points going on here, accented by some well crafted cinematography and inspired direction and acting, especially from the main charactor. As his life continues to spiral downward his nighmares become all the more real - as evidenced when he awakens from a particularly harrowing one (and quite a shocker) to ask his brother if what had happened earlier in the evening actually occured. In the middle of it all are questions about faith and religion. When the main charactor asks one of three rabbi's what god wants of him, the answer is simply to obey; and to obey without question or any expectation of reward, since fealty is man's only purpose on earth. This tenant is brought home later when the main charactor seems to finally be getting his life back on the right path. His son's school is then being evacuated due to an advancing tornado - the children look towards the horizon and the advancing tornado - something wicked this way comes - a portent if ever there was one; while warping back to the ghetto scene at the film's beginning, where the wife acts out of inbred fears and while attempting to protect her family from evil, perhaps lets the evil in. What's it all mean? You could study this film, and theology for a fortnight, but what I thought telling was how the Jefferson Airplane song weaves its way through the film - finally having the old rabbi tell the main charactor's son upon his coming of age "when the truth is found to be lies, and all the joy within you dies - what comes next?" Of course, if you know the song, therein lies the answer - you need somebody to love.

• Emily A

  
  Um.... okay... I don't really know what to make of this film. I didn't hate it, but I couldn't really get into it either. It is occasionally funny, but not enough for me to call it a comedy. It's very touching at times, but not deep enough for me to call it a… More
  Um.... okay... I don't really know what to make of this film. I didn't hate it, but I couldn't really get into it either. It is occasionally funny, but not enough for me to call it a comedy. It's very touching at times, but not deep enough for me to call it a drama. It treads its own path, but doesn't go far enough in either direction to be satisfying. I kind of wish this film had decided where it was going and just gotten there. Maybe I'm missing the point. And I found its ending rather abrupt, inconclusive and bleak. Here is what this movie is: a story that I didn't like and found rather depressing embellished with stellar performances (Michael Stuhlbarg is a revelation), quirky humour, human characters and a fascinating cultural backdrop, told in a series of disjointed and seemingly insonsequential events. Much as I loved the opening scene to the movie, what the hell does it have to do with the body of the movie? Larry Gopnik is a man being shat on from every angel and for whom it would appear that everything sucks. Looking for spiritual counsel for his problems, he encounters a three progressively more unhelpful rabbis. I kind of came to love Larry Gopnik, so it was rather painful for me to watch him be stripped of everything meaningful and pleasant in his life. Is this supposed to be a story about Job, or something?

• Kyle F

  
  A Serious Man is wonderfully done. It sports stunning visuals, spot-on acting, a grand Carter Burwell score, and a 100% original script. I was, however, dissapointed by the ending. It doesn't necessarily have to make perfect sense to be enjoyed, and it has all the right tones at… More
  A Serious Man is wonderfully done. It sports stunning visuals, spot-on acting, a grand Carter Burwell score, and a 100% original script. I was, however, dissapointed by the ending. It doesn't necessarily have to make perfect sense to be enjoyed, and it has all the right tones at all the right times. It's basically a feel-good feel-bad movie.

• Josh L

  
  A Serious Man is a constantly bleak and depressing movie that some will inevitable dislike just for its outlook on humanity and its condition in this world, but for those who are looking for a thought provoking and unique cinematic experience, it will surely hit the spot. For me,… More
  A Serious Man is a constantly bleak and depressing movie that some will inevitable dislike just for its outlook on humanity and its condition in this world, but for those who are looking for a thought provoking and unique cinematic experience, it will surely hit the spot. For me, I'm right in the middle between loving it and disliking it. It was at times funny, other times sad, and even shocking with some turns I did not expect. The movie does become rather absurd at times, but it only mildly annoyed me. Michael Stuhlbarg gives a standout performance as the main character whose life is unraveling before him without him (or us) understanding why and searching for an answer that just doesn't come. The ending has been controversial and my stance on it is that it fits the material well, even if it was a little confusing at first. Would I have liked a tidier ending? Maybe, but I wouldn't expect anything of the sort from the Coen Bros.

• Jay H

  
  The source of a favorite quote of mine, spoken by the main protagonist. "You may not be able to figure anything out, but you will be responsible for it on your midterm."

Read all 20 featured audience ratings