This film got some pretty great reviews, so I rented it. I would give it a 6/10. Story is set in southern Missouri's Ozark mountains and yes, they are "hillbillies". The story is about a 17 year old girl, who's dad is a meth manufacturer, (which seems to be the profession of most people in the movie), who is missing for his court date. The father has posted bond on his bail by pledging his house and property, so if he doesn't show, the family will lose the house. Well, the 17 year old, Ree, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is supporting and taking care of her catatonic mother and her younger brother and sister. The film centers upon Ree looking for her dad by going to see various low-life characters and family in the mountains. What I did like about the movie is that it shows a part of America seldom shown in movies and it is done well. The story is a bit weak, the pace is a bit slow, the acting is a bit lifeless, but all in all, not bad for a rental.

sorry

I hope it's OK to piggyback off of your review...I liked it a bit more than you but I can understand your complaints.

Winter's Bone

Drama|Mystery|Thriller

Trailer

This is a really, really smart redneck film-noir. That's the best way I can think to describe it. I was expecting something different, but that's my own fault for misreading the synopsis(my brain only seemed to process the "Ozark mountain girl hacks through" part).

If you aren't a patient person, or you don't care for more restrained, subtle film making, you probably won't care for this too much. Otherwise, give it a shot. It feels very authentic and realistic(I spent much of my time growing up in the area where it was shot), features great acting, and a perfect score, which compliments the movie while at the same time serving to impart an uneasy feeling upon you. It's powerful too, though like the rest of the movie, it isn't anything you could call over-the-top, and is more of a slow burn that sneaks up on you.

I can only think of a couple flaws other than it being so methodically paced(and that isn't a flaw per se, just a matter of preference), and they aren't even worth mentioning. One of 2010's best.

8.5/10

You are right about the music. I loved it. Who is this guy posting reviews from IMDB. Vlad get rid of him!