A Most Violent Year Reviews
"A Most Violent Year" is a masterfully crafted film that delves into the moral complexities of ambition and integrity. Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance as Abel Morales, a man striving to uphold his principles amidst escalating pressures in 1981 New York City. Jessica Chastain's portrayal of his wife, Anna, is equally remarkable, adding depth to the narrative. J.C. Chandor's direction emphasizes storytelling and strong performances over flashy cinematic techniques, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking experience. Despite its critical acclaim, the film remains underappreciated, making it a must-watch for those seeking quality cinema.
What movie were the 90% watching? This movie Sucked. Love the cast but Boy, it was so boring I was snoring halfway through. This might be the thinnest script I've ever watched. And the nonsensical plot points- are you telling me the driver had the courage to buy and use a gun and engage in a gun fight- but chose to commit suicide rather then go to jail? For gun possession? Felony gun possession for a person w/ a totally clean record and given the victim of multiple robberies would've probably not even done jail time? You can't take something that has no drama and make it melodramatic, which is what they tried to do. I am a collector and I have movies that aren't awesome for one reason of another but this is a movie I won't be adding to mine, there just wasn't anything to it. Bad Netflix movies have deeper manuscripts, and that's saying a lot.
I was introduced to the work of Oscar Isaacs when I saw this movie for the first time a few years ago. Upon rewatching it I found that even though Isaacs offers a great performance, this film is a very slow slog to sit through. It definitely won't be everybody's cup of tea and it wasn't mine but go see it and decide that for yourself.
I honestly did not expect myself to say this but this may be one of the best films I have seen.
A24 films, watch this film about 1981, who’s the bad guy?
A hefty drama on trying to stay on the right side of ledger when events are stacking up around you that can push you over the edge. Oscar Issac is fantastic in the lead role, in what is one of the more underrated movies of 2014.
This was a very enjoyable film with great acting and storyline. Oscar Issac is one of my favorite actors. It's definitely worth the watch.
I was surprised with how understated A Most Violent Year was. Isaac and Chastain run a oil company in NYC in the early 80s. Things are shady and they've evading violence against their employees and charges from the DA.
Perspective is everything. What looks like a crook to me, may live in an environment where he is considered a righteous man. Held my interest every moment.
good movie but very slow. movie was 2 hours long but felt like 3 hours long. had to stop movie on max app multiple times and come back to it because it was slow. great chase scene highlight of film. film is slow but great acting good cinematography and good costume design and dialogue. worth a watch for acting only. i would not rewatch this film though because its very very slow paced.
It's hard to stay above the corruption in a year of crime, violence and betrayal! A fuel supplier finds his business and personal life threatened by thievery and serious setbacks as he tries to maintain a somewhat law-abiding position. Intense and introspective, this film examines the lines between morality and business mentality!
Morality story about a business owner who is constantly berated by his wife for not chosing an immoral path. Oscar Isaac and Chastain are wonderful as usual. Some parts of the movie could've been better, but overall it was very entertaining.
The narrative is alternately too vague and too straightforward, often engaging and well acted but never as brilliant as it could be.
Just not entertaining or thrilling at all. Good acting and like kind of interesting I guess but very boring and a bunch of random scenes thrown in there that just didn't really make sense. Would not recommend.
Good to learn about the corruption surrounding heating oil, but this one got out of hand. It's a shame because I was interested, but got frustrated with the characters' actions that of course brought about their demise. Saw on Amazon.
I'm still confused about what I watched. For a movie with violent in the title, there was a surprising lack of action. Great performances and it looked beautiful, but I got to the end and just felt meh.
A Most Boring Year, A Most Scrambled Mess of a Plot…don't waste your time. I made the unfortunate mistake of reading some "best movies you haven't seen" list, Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, has to be decent. Nope, there's a reason you haven't seen this movie, and that's because it's not good…a mess that starts at least 5 potential plot lines and ties nothing up, not even the main plot line. Jessica Chastain is meh, absolutely no chemistry with an Isaac who is trying and failing to be this brooding character. Backstories are implied but never explored. What a waste of talent and time.
A gritty and thoroughly gripping storyline with terrific performances by all actors involved. Great feel for 80s New York as well.
This was a good drama. The story is pretty serious with some dark/sad undertones. I'm trying my best not to spoil anything. The acting is very good. I may not go out of my way to see it again, but I'm glad I did. 84/100 B
A Most Violent Year took a long time to get me hooked, but once I was able to come around to it I was fully invested. Oscar Isaac is fantastic in this movie. He was able to balance the intimidating front of a mobster while being able to present a sense of honesty as he was trying to avoid the more barbaric business practice of his contemporaries. It was a fine line, but it was a joy to see the mobster slowly start to take over as his desperation increased. Jessica Chastain was really good as well. She was a balancing force for Isaac's character and was just as badass in my opinion. They had amazing chemistry and formed a dynamic duo that was a force to be reckoned with. There is not a lot of action in this film, but the tension was thick and when there were more chaotic sequences they felt organic and real. The cinematography was top notch, I love the haze that was in this movie. It was nice touch and made the movie feel right at home in the 80's. This movie is not going to be for everyone, but I really dug it and recommend anyone to check it out. Score: 83% Verdict: Great