Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter

In the early 2000s, an urban legend circulated about a young Japanese woman who watched the film Fargo and then travelled to Minnesota to search for the treasure buried in the snow. In director David Zellner's fleshed-out tale, Rinko Kikuchi stars as Kumiko, a depressed, disconnected "office lady" living in a fantasy world of puzzles and treasure hunt games, who becomes convinced that Fargo is a true story. She uses the company credit card to finance a trip to Minnesota and heads into the Midwest winter in search of the buried cash, meeting a succession of odd but compassionate folks who attempt to help her out and even clear up her belief about the authenticity of Fargo—which only makes her more determined to protect her fantasy from the harsh light of reality. Although this film has no direct connection to the Coen Brother' contemporary classic, it shares the latter's offbeat sensibility, sense of humor, low-key style (emphasizing the endless white fields of snow-covered plains), and cast of eccentric characters. But while the Coens' brand of satire also sometimes carries a cynical attitude, Zellner embraces the quirks of his characters without ridicule. Funny, sweet, and engaging, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)