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Life Lessons from “Fargo” 20 Years Later
One of my all-time favorite movies, Fargo, turns 20 this month. The Coen Brothers created a quirky, bloody mix of “Minnesota nice,” desperation and a wood-chipper. It’s an absolutely weird slice of America – and endlessly watchable. (It also spawned a hit TV series). I have family in Minnesota, and yes, to varying degrees they do talk like that (“yah, sure”). I have it on good authority that most Minnesotans kind of hate Fargo (even though Joel and Ethan Coen grew up in St. Louis Park, MN); at one screening, a lot of the audience angrily walked out afterward. Well, as “angrily” as they were capable of being.
But Fargo can teach those of us in the remaining 49 states a thing or two. Thus, I offer a few Life Lessons:
Pancakes are good for more than one meal a day.
Pay attention to details. “Funny looking” is not a description.
Don’t get snippy.
Opt for street parking.
The “little stamps” are important.
Get your priorities straight.
PS. Which of today’s movies could become tomorrow’s classics? Check out our post Sundance’s Magnificent 7 for the best offerings from this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Plus, when you sign up for our weekly email update, you’ll also get the inspiring documentary The 5 Keys to Mastery — FREE. Learn the traits that help people achieve their dreams: from superstar musicians like Carlos Santana and BB King, to Olympic gold medalists, a Nobel laureate, entrepreneurs, actors, teachers and more.
