Read Positive User Reviews for A Most Violent Year

7

The3AcademySinsFeb 18, 2020

I really enjoyed this period-piece thriller. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain give a masterclass on acting in this gut-wrenching drama. The color palette and direction are just completely hypnotic. This is a great movie for fans of peerlessI really enjoyed this period-piece thriller. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain give a masterclass on acting in this gut-wrenching drama. The color palette and direction are just completely hypnotic. This is a great movie for fans of peerless acting performances!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

MarcDoyleDec 31, 2014

After only Margin Call and A Most Violent Year, J.C. Chandor is one of my favorite directors. The way he sets up and executes dramatic conversational moments without overplaying his hand is remarkable. Isaac, Chastain, and Oyelowo are at theAfter only Margin Call and A Most Violent Year, J.C. Chandor is one of my favorite directors. The way he sets up and executes dramatic conversational moments without overplaying his hand is remarkable. Isaac, Chastain, and Oyelowo are at the absolute head of the class, and they are each pitch perfect in this film. About halfway through the proceedings, I wanted so badly to have this movie serve as the pilot to a new dramatic series. But by the end I was so happy that it stands alone and does so so powerfully.… Expand

12 of 17 users found this helpful125

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8

Jess_HillJul 12, 2015

A polished, tense and ultimately satisfying film. The pacing is deliberate and slow, with a constant sense of unease throughout the film. Exceptional performances from the entire cast, with a storyline that is at first obscured, and thenA polished, tense and ultimately satisfying film. The pacing is deliberate and slow, with a constant sense of unease throughout the film. Exceptional performances from the entire cast, with a storyline that is at first obscured, and then gradually unfolds to a sound resolution. The soundtrack is quiet and the cinematography is occasionally well crafted, with a few violent moments to punctuate the otherwise sedate visuals. A solid, thorough film. 7.98/10… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

beingryanjudeDec 31, 2014

In the wake of the superb All is Lost and Margin Call, J.C. Chandor hits even harder this year. A Most Violent Year is a masterpiece in every sense. There are moments in this film you'd never imagine and they'll stay with you for weeks. OscarIn the wake of the superb All is Lost and Margin Call, J.C. Chandor hits even harder this year. A Most Violent Year is a masterpiece in every sense. There are moments in this film you'd never imagine and they'll stay with you for weeks. Oscar Isaac is gradually becoming one of the finest actors of his time. You’ll find yourself missing Jessica Chastain each moment she leaves the screen--she is, without a doubt, brilliant. Bravo!… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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8

Brent_MarchantJan 20, 2015

A suspenseful, thoughtful period piece crime drama with excellent performances by Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac. While some of its underlying themes aren't always as fully developed as they could be, this shortfall is compensated for byA suspenseful, thoughtful period piece crime drama with excellent performances by Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac. While some of its underlying themes aren't always as fully developed as they could be, this shortfall is compensated for by its intriguing, intertwined plot threads and its avoidance of a simplistic narrative. One of the year's better and more underrated efforts.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

psparoJan 17, 2015

I've never seen another film that treats with as much directness and subtlety what is "right" about not just struggling to survive but also struggling to succeed. Walking away from the theater I had the distinct feeling of just having beenI've never seen another film that treats with as much directness and subtlety what is "right" about not just struggling to survive but also struggling to succeed. Walking away from the theater I had the distinct feeling of just having been shown how conflicted leadership can be. The depth of artistry and breadth of moral scope were impossible to shake off. I have lived with this film since seeing it.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

manofthemoonJan 30, 2015

Surprisingly effective slow burn of a gangster thriller. Both leads are first class and the results are better than expected. Don't go thinking it'll be Scorsese levels of violence, because "A Most Violent Year" is more about the chess gameSurprisingly effective slow burn of a gangster thriller. Both leads are first class and the results are better than expected. Don't go thinking it'll be Scorsese levels of violence, because "A Most Violent Year" is more about the chess game being played out as a small businessman struggles to do what's needed rather than what's right. Highly enjoyable.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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9

BHBarryJan 3, 2015

"A Most Violent Year" stars Oscar Isaac ("Llewelyn Davis") and Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") in this story of NYC in 1981, statistically one of the most crime ridden years in the City’s history and of a self-made entrepreneur as he"A Most Violent Year" stars Oscar Isaac ("Llewelyn Davis") and Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") in this story of NYC in 1981, statistically one of the most crime ridden years in the City’s history and of a self-made entrepreneur as he attempts to cope with it and the environment in which he works and lives. Skillfully written and ably directed by J.C. Chandor ("All is Lost", "Margin Call") with extraordinary photography by Bradford Young ("Selma"), and aided by the supporting talents of Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo, the film captures the true essence and the very heart of the City. Having been born near and totally familiar with the area where the story takes place, I can attest to how well the film captures the mood and feel of the Metropolis and the life New Yorkers experienced at that time. It is always exciting to view a film where the writer/director, although one and the same, is able to succeed so well in both capacities. I give the film a 9 rating with special kudos to Mr. Isaac who, reminding the viewer of a younger Al Pacino, gives a most effective performance in this most enjoyable film.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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7

netflicJan 10, 2015

One expects a lot of blood from a movie with such a name. Well, there is some, but definitely not that much. It is a crime drama with a lot of class but, in my opinion, not enough bang. The protagonist of the movie, Abel Morales , runsOne expects a lot of blood from a movie with such a name. Well, there is some, but definitely not that much. It is a crime drama with a lot of class but, in my opinion, not enough bang. The protagonist of the movie, Abel Morales , runs heating oil business in NYC in the 80's. It's a very competitive trade with a lot of violence. Abel is a very ambitious person trying to become a man that he could not be in his native country. His wife is a daughter of a mafioso but Abel rejects a violent approach to conducting his business even at extremely challenging times. This movie is about what it takes to stay in a competitive business, it's about pride, corruption, pursuing one's dream but most of all, it's about NYC in the 80's.

All aspects of movie making are done very professionally. If it were a different genre I would give the film a bit higher rating.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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10

trollkillerJan 30, 2015

A finely tuned character study that doesnt conform to genre expectations and instead transcends them. Slow, brooding tension and character development anchor the film into an unforgettable whole.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

matthewjf67Jan 30, 2015

Much better movie than the Judeo-Christian agenda driven Oscar nominees this year (immitation game, american sniper).

Originality and a New York business conspiracy movie that left me guessing until the end. Al Brooks, Chastain and IsaacMuch better movie than the Judeo-Christian agenda driven Oscar nominees this year (immitation game, american sniper).

Originality and a New York business conspiracy movie that left me guessing until the end. Al Brooks, Chastain and Isaac are great. Only complaint is that Isaac attempts to be too Pacino/DeNiro like at certain moments.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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7

MetaVinceMay 3, 2015

I'm so glad I didn't pay $10 in the movie theater. Good: Acting is very good (Chastain is the best), Story pretty good, Directing pretty good. Bad: Slow, Title is misleading, Characters not developed, oh... slow. This is weird, but I thinkI'm so glad I didn't pay $10 in the movie theater. Good: Acting is very good (Chastain is the best), Story pretty good, Directing pretty good. Bad: Slow, Title is misleading, Characters not developed, oh... slow. This is weird, but I think this movie would be great for an "Intro to Business or Leadership' class. Yeah, I know, strange.. but it really shows the nitty gritty of running a business and what it takes to succeed (not what the Director intended, obviously). I liked that the violence was 'petty' and real, I didn't want it to be a bloody "Godfather meets Death of a Salesman' (lol), blam glam either. I'm glad it was a rental, though.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

SpangleSep 25, 2015

A definite slow burn, A Most Violent Year is an at times thrilling, but always riveting film. From the establishing shot, the first is entirely captivating and truly ropes you in as you become invested in the going's on of the characters.A definite slow burn, A Most Violent Year is an at times thrilling, but always riveting film. From the establishing shot, the first is entirely captivating and truly ropes you in as you become invested in the going's on of the characters. Interestingly, it feels like a gangster film with the way it is shot and the way in which things occur, even though it is not, which I believe to be intentional due to the way the characters toe that line throughout. The film is gorgeously shot, as anticipated. Truly, it has to be one of the most beautiful films I have watched recently and one of the best examples of cinematography this decade. Honestly, it is ravishing. The acting equals the brilliance of the camera work as well, thanks to stellar performances from Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, and the rest of the cast. If Isaac does not become recognized as one of the best actors of this generation soon, I may cry. The same goes for director J.C. Chandor who has to be one of the best directors working right now. Following up top-notch films in Margin Call and All Is Lost with this flick is impeccable. I am eagerly anticipating what he puts together next and he certainly is a talent that is demanding to be focused on. One of the top films of 2014, A Most Violent Year flew painfully under-the-radar and demands to be watched.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

foxgroveFeb 3, 2015

The National Board of Review’s choice as their Film of the year turns out to be an auspicious one indeed, for this is a compelling and hypnotic modern day gangster yarn. Set in 1981 a year, apparently, where more crime was committed in NewThe National Board of Review’s choice as their Film of the year turns out to be an auspicious one indeed, for this is a compelling and hypnotic modern day gangster yarn. Set in 1981 a year, apparently, where more crime was committed in New York City than at any other time, it is an intelligently written drama that is both thrilling and dazzlingly acted. Oscar Isaac is fast becoming the most exciting and versatile actor currently on screen and I’m sure that other people have noticed the similarities he bears to Al Pacino. He would certainly have been a great actor to have had around in the 70’s, still the most exciting decade for films. Likewise Jessica Chastain, still flying under the radar despite 2 Oscar nominations and countless films to her credit, is at her powerful best here. She may not have as much screen time as Isaac, but she makes every second count in her bid to be ‘deadlier than the male’. Bleak cinematography, low key music and unobtrusive, but firm, direction from J C Chandor contribute to a film of deceptively raw power. A welcome throwback and proof that they do make them like this ‘anymore’.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

BrianMcCriticApr 9, 2015

This film is the definition of an actors movie. The performances by Isaac and Chastain are top notch and they make every moment of this film compelling. A

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

heathermFeb 4, 2015

I was really impressed with the slow, deliberate pacing of this movie. Abel Morales' reluctance to engage in criminal behaviour complicates his position, as he attempts to adapt his own moral code to the looser morals of all those aroundI was really impressed with the slow, deliberate pacing of this movie. Abel Morales' reluctance to engage in criminal behaviour complicates his position, as he attempts to adapt his own moral code to the looser morals of all those around him, from the DA, to his wife, to his competitors in business. Oscar Isaac's calm and quiet portrayal of this sombre character is compelling, especially when he finds himself arguing with his much more temperamental wife, played beautifully by Jessica Chastain. The quiet constancy of Isaac's character means that when his temper flares, it's that much more intense to watch. I loved the character's insistence on his own particular moral system and his attempts to hold himself and others to those standards.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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9

carito7Mar 25, 2015

I was really impressed with "A most violent year". I loved the rhythm of this film, and the direction is excellent. The photography and the costume design are great, too.
I think Oscar Isaac is becoming one of the best actors of hisI was really impressed with "A most violent year". I loved the rhythm of this film, and the direction is excellent. The photography and the costume design are great, too.
I think Oscar Isaac is becoming one of the best actors of his generation, he is brilliant in A most violent year. Also Jessica Chastain, both are impeccable, there is good chemistry between the two performers.
I really enjoyed the silent and quite around this hard and complicated story. The chasing truck scene is already one of my favourites of the year.
It is slow, yes, but it is excellent. Worth looking at it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

lasttimeisawMay 15, 2015

If we presumably equates “violent” to “death”, we are destined to be mislead by J.C. Chandor’s third feature, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR, as we follow our poker-faced protagonist Abel Morales (Isaac), who has experienced a tough year with his oilIf we presumably equates “violent” to “death”, we are destined to be mislead by J.C. Chandor’s third feature, A MOST VIOLENT YEAR, as we follow our poker-faced protagonist Abel Morales (Isaac), who has experienced a tough year with his oil company business in NYC 1981, negotiate his way with unscrupulous business competitors, a stalwart district DA Lawrence (Oyelowo), we assume in any certain moment he would start a killing spree in the Godfather style. This never happens, since the dogma of Abel’s action is that he will never do anything to jeopardise his business, which means he will never act like a gangster, he is not a felon (as he tells Lawrence in the coda), although Chandor manifestly imbues his crime-tale with a solemn layout and vintage colour pattern under the heavy influence of Francis Ford Coppola’s gangster school, not to mention Isaac is obviously channelling Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone but in a no-violence policy.

keep reading my review on my blog, google: cinema omnivore, thanks… Expand