This movie draws a vivid picture of the South in 1930's depression era. People in the south were losing money and bankrupt. Delmar said that he wanted to use the money to buy his family's farm back, since so many people lost their farms during the depression. A lot of people had to survive by stealing and ended up in prison. This is why this movie choose three prisoners to be the main character. Also, the movie mentioned Ku Klux Klan (KKK). For a long time, the South means slavery and discrimination. Even the most popular governor candidate was the leader of KKK and tried to kill Tommy. The authority was corrupted by people who believed in white power. Also, the songs in this movie are beautiful and are typical southern country songs. The movie gives us a clear idea how country songs are like in the South. The language they spoke also represented the southern language of United Stated.
This movie is actually based on Odyssey. Everett and his companions Delmar and Pete run into an adventure to save Everett's marriage in 1930's Mississippi. We can find the original character of "O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?" in Odyssey. The whole movie is a heroic journey which is similar to The Wizard of Oz. The main character harvested friendship and became more mature during the adventurous journey. When Everett faced death, he converted. He started to prey for god to forgive him, but when he was saved, he became into a non-believer again. During the trip, all three of them learned to take care of each other and other people. Everett and Delmar saved Pete from the Sheriff when they had a chance to run. Pete didn't turn his friends in when he was threatened by the Sheriff. And all three of them saved Tommy from KKK risk their lives. At first, they might be selfish people, but during the trip they learnt how to be noble. In the end, they had their awards by being pardoned and becoming the think tank of the new governor.
The movie is also a comedy that narrating some serious problem in the South in a very hilarious way. Some plots are really ridiculous but ironic. I love the way Coen Brothers tell their story.
Siying Li (Iris)