Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

This romantic comedy talks about marriages and divorces, and is a direct criticism of the way society views these things. The story is simple and works well: a gold digger seeks to dig her way to her own wealth. For this, she marries rich men and divorces as soon as she has the opportunity, even maneuvering with prenuptial conventions. However, she ends up in love when she attempts to strike again, this time on a wealthy marriage lawyer who prevented her from raising a fortune in the last divorce. How can this couple, who started out so uncommonly, learn to trust each other?Well, for those who know a little about the Coen brothers' cinematographic work, this film will certainly seem like one of the most conventional and commercial films they've done. But that does not make the movie bad. The two filmmakers have always done a good job and have always sought a personal path, which is more or less between the indie cinema and the commercial cinema to which we are accustomed. It would be bad if the cinema were entirely made up of films almost unintelligible and full of metaphorical and philosophical meanings. And the traditional mark of these filmmakers is very present, in the notes of sarcastic humor about morality and marriage. George Clooney is an excellent actor and plays very well with Zeta Jones, with whom he shares the protagonism. Both actors stay away from passionate stunts. Here, love is cold and comes from a situation of tension, in which both behave as true chess players, or poker players. The support cast does a good job and is essential for the movie's most comedic moments. Finally, a note of appreciation for the initial credits, very well imagined and with a nice touch of humor.

I remember the first time I saw this movie, I was at my Mother's home for a visit. I was surprised to see that it was done by the Coen Bros. because at first glance the DVDs cover just makes it look like some Rom-Com chick flick which was probably why my Mother had rented it I would guess. Well it wasn't exactly her cup of tea but I thought it was down right side splitting, and humor that only the Coe-bros. can dream up and bring to life on the big screen. The more I watch it the better it gets. To me (and many others of course) the Coen Bros. can simply do no wrong and this one is another shining example of why we hold that opinion and why we have been such big fans of this dynamic duo of film making. The acting is superb throughout, the directing and editing are equally perfect and the story is interesting and totally unique, you're not gonna find a romantic comedy with so many great characters and such fast paced dialog. The subtle tongue in cheek jokes come one after the other. For me it's just a great example of how talented the Coen's are and how every movie they give us should be something to celebrate as movie fans. I love the "Big Lebowski" and it's one of my all time favorite films (not just Coen films) but "Intolerable Cruelty" is right up there with the cult classic and what makes them both so great is that they are both films that can get better every time you watch them. Even if u know damn near every line u will find something new with each viewing. To me that's what often makes a great movie and what makes "Intolerable Cruelty" exactly that. Bravo Coen's, Bravo! You truly are the best in the business.

What do you say after watching this film? You just say it was so cool and interesting! It is a light comedy to put you in a good mood. Two principal actors George Clooney and Cathrine Zeta Jones simply shine in this film. They acted in many films but this one shows well their extraordinary talent and beauty. Well done you two! Other actors are excellent as well. Train lover, eh? Six assistants in riding a choo choo? Loved the idea! Plot is light, just as it should be in a comedy like this one.I strongly recommend that you watch this film. It is just such a fun! It will make your evening pass easier, it certainly did mine.

Great Movie. In our times this is the perfect story of our society that is only materially satisfied. The two most cynical people possible to imagine a jilted woman and a cynical materialistic and egotistical divorce lawyer who does not believe in love and an equally cynical woman who under the power of love fall for each other. Wonderful movie excellent comedy acting by George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones. If you have a sense of humor George Clooney will bring it out of you in this one. This movie made me go back and watch every comedy movie that George ever made. There is nothing better than a great comedy to make you forget your everyday problems and remember how ironic life is.