FARGO is a rare kind of film that has you hooked into the story of a kidnapping that goes wrong and ends in a series of gruesome murders--and at the same time, it works beautifully as a black comedy.

Principal reason for the humor comes from FRANCES McDORMAND and WILLIAM H. MACY who have the pivotal roles and play them with such skill that they'll have you laughing in spite of some of the twisted plot turns and sick humor sometimes involved. You won't know whether to laugh or cry. The wood-chipper scene was gruesome enough, but there are so many dark elements running through FARGO that it borders on film noir except for the excessive amount of dark humor and color photography.

The chilly Minnesota climate, the grim settings for crime, the many plot twists and turns, the uniformly excellent performances from a cast of pros, all of it is guaranteed to make you enjoy every bit of the story as it unravels and reveals some interesting tidbits about the main characters.

FRANCES McDORMAND really deserved her Oscar for Marge, the methodical lady police officer with the homespun values who finds herself facing some really grim situations. And WILLIAM H. MACY delivers another one of his "everyman" roles as the ultimate bungler who can do nothing right.

A one of a kind film, well worth viewing.