Mini-Review: Why is this a better film than No Country For Old Men? Both boast sharp writing, gorgeous yet tight cinematography and Oscar-worthy performances. They share a common theme: the world is cruel. But who is cruel in No Country? It's not the guy with the haircut; it's an invisible force with which we cannot empathize. Blood mocks the cosmos. "These people" -- the liars, beaters, and cheaters -- are the problem. Why do we like Plainview in spite of his actions? Because he's fighting to survive.