Because of the title? Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Well take a look and remove the review if it doesnt follow our guidelines. "Five stars.intense" (The New York Daily News). Jessica Chastain is unpredictable. Boring? Although we dont yet know it, in these opening two minutes writer-director J.C. Chandor is establishing the central themes of his exceptional film A Most Violent Year. Nearly 50 people were murdered in Raleigh in 2022 the highest number reported since the city began reporting its violent crime data almost 30 years ago, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson said in a press conference last week.. Why it matters: The increase in homicides more than 50% occurred late last year compared to the final months of 2021 reflects a broader trend of rising . Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Despite it's title, there are very few scenes of violence but when there is violence, it is usually sudden and realistic and doesn't wallow in the actual act of violence, it analyzes the affects of the violence at hand. When "New York, New York" lyricist Fred Ebb wrote that immortal line, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere," it's doubtful he imagined the life-or-death stakes such sentiments take on in. A fuel truck with Standard Heating Oil emblazoned on the side fills its tank at the harbor. In 1981 there were over 136,000 vehicle thefts (something that is key to the movie) and over 2,100 murders in New York City. Isaac carries the film with his performance, the plot does move a little slowly at times and there are merely a few adrenaline peaks. Parents need to know that A Most Violent Year lives up to its name, with several brutal beatings. His trucks have been targeted by robbers from the last few months, which scared his drivers. As Abel tries to remain true to himself, Julian, one of his immigrant drivers who was severely beaten during one of those hijackings, could undermine all that Abel has achieved so far, as Julian strives for his own piece of the American Dream. The story is set in 1981 New York, presumably because that particular year was one of the most violent. Mike Scott Jan 30, 2015. , Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2015. The film's title refers to an actual, statistical designation: 1981 was the most violent year in New York City history up till that point, with1,841 homicides (the number climbed through 1991 before starting to level off). Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. The only thing he values more than his success is his integrity. Also known as. Subscribe to TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/sxaw6hSubscribe to COMING SOON: http://bit.ly/H2vZUnLike us on FACEBOOK: http://goo.gl/dHs73Follow us on TWITTER: http:/. , Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, Alessandro Nivola, David Oyelowo, Producers Just looking at this one situation of a family business dealing with crime and corruption, it's easy to imagine other similar situations taking places across the city. This 10-digit number is your confirmation number. I spent my whole life trying not to be a gangster, he explains to Anna. Drama, Props to this movie for incorporating all aspects of a business, from the sales to the executive maneuvering to the crime etc. : The titular annum of J.C. Chandor's evocative drama A Most Violent Year is 1981, a zenith period of crime and vice in New York City. Although in terms of a quality crime drama with real refinement in-front and behind the camera then look no further. Coupled with the retro look and rhythm and subject matterthe film is a dirty business movie, a crime film, a crusading New York DA story, and a visual homage to cinematographer. Abel Morales: When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life, and that I can't do. Worse, somebody's started hijacking his trucks: this happens in the opening sequence as he and his lawyer, Andrew (, We don't know who's behind the violence against Abel's company. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. The hero, despite a certain reticence about selling what's left of his soul, soon figures out that to get ahead in this world, you have to be cold and calculating, and divest yourself of illusions. Though Chandors movies have varied wildly by topic, they have all concerned themselves with men struggling to maintain control in the midst of chaos. It very much feels old school in it's style and delivery and you could imagine Al Pacino in the lead role in his younger years. Isaac plays Abel Morales, the owner of a small heating-oil company who is stressed by the competitiveness in the oil . Me and the Blues (Blues #1) Ray Bryant. As if that's not enough pressure, Abel's company is under pressure from competitors. Armed thugs, presumably employed by his competitors, are beating up Abels drivers and stealing the fuel from his trucks. , Actors But there are clear issues surrounding the film's momentum as this flat- out refuses to break away from its total sense of realism, meaning this is a easy film to respect, but fun to watch it ain't. View cart for details. J.C. Chandor's screenplay and film is a very slow burn that tells a story of the seedy underbelly of competing heating oil suppliers in 1981 New York City. One of the best crime dramas I've seen for a long time, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2016. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Also, someone--most likely one of his major competitors, is using scare tactics and intimidation to bring him down: hijacking his trucks, so far to the tune of $200,000 worth of stolen oil, beating up his drivers, beating up his salesmen, and making veiled personal threats against him and his family. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. We don't know who's behind the violence against Abel's company. Albert Brooks seemed too confined in his role but I always enjoy watching him as an actor. Even when the financial conversations and fine-grained discussion of traditions and codes becomerepetitive,and even though Chastain is slightlyunderused, "A Most Violent Year" makes an impression. An excellent drama. Personally, for me the movie dragged really bad for the first hour but once everything came together in the last . (written by) Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Alex Ebert Cinematography by Bradford Young Film Editing by Ron Patane Casting By Tiffany Little Canfield He is charging Abel mostly due to Anna's corrupt father. Start watching A Most Violent Year. A lot of USA films of late are shot in winter in the industrial north east for that gritty effect and this film follows that trend. He is under investigation for business, um, irregularities; the D.A. The year 2020 likely saw the largest percentage increase in homicides in American history. A Most Violent Year (Q15915435) A Most Violent Year. A Most Violent Year (2014) Parents Guide Add to guide Showing all 16 items Jump to: Certification Sex & Nudity (3) Violence & Gore (7) Profanity (3) Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking (1) Frightening & Intense Scenes (2) Certification Edit Sex & Nudity None 19 of 28 found this to have none A few kissing scenes between the main characters. The movie is so funereal that at times it plays like a memorial service, not just for a particular kind of American drama, but for the male heroes who populated them: a snapshot of one of the last cultural moments when American men could be Men, in that old fashioned, two-fisted, furrowed-brow-and-whispered-threats sort of way. The most notorious recent example is the case of Christian Romero, the 8-year-old Arizona boy who in 2008 was accused of using a .22-caliber rifle to kill his father and another man, a family friend. This movie is just ok to me though, I felt like it was just missing something. It's a fantastic period piece that creates an authentic, distinct look at 1980s New York, while tonally replicating films from that era. Director: J.C. Chandor. When hijackings begin to start happening, one of which turning violent, the NYPD begin to dig into his empire, setting off a chain reaction of events that threaten to destroy the life he worked so hard to build. The bulk of this is conveyed in dialogue as opposed to action and the writer is served brilliantly by the leading actors not least Jessica Chastain. Although it doesnt relate directly to the movies plot, it lurks constantly in the background. Thus the setting: the crime-ridden New York of 1981. He's trying to close a deal to buy a fuel terminal. A Most Violent Year marks J.C. Chandor's directorial return to form in this gritty thriller telling the tale of a man constantly pressured by the elements of his surroundings. AKA: Jc3, Untitled J.C. Chandor Project. Casting Net: Oscar Isaac goes back to 1981 in 'A Most . Well made and well acted, just not very engaging. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR feels slow-paced at times and there isn't much action, although some of the set-pieces which do occur are very explosive. Superbly acted and beautifully filmed. Why? It kept me interested. What is the point of putting subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on the main feature but not bothering when it comes to the extras? None of them were action-packed film, but that all had a truth and reality to them, that really pulled me in. Technically,one of the last movies released in 2014 on the year's final day, just in time for award season, cause it's that type of movie to impress awarders. Though theres little violence portrayed onscreen, Chandor imbues the proceedings with a sense of methodically constricting menace, of unspecified dangers waiting to reveal themselves. R Thriller Drama Crime Movie 2014. 1. The result is never in question. Objectively speaking, they might be partially right, but that doesn't make this film objectively bad. A Most Violent Year [DVD + Digital] Oscar Isaac (Actor), Jessica Chastain (Actor), J.C. Chandor (Director, Producer) Rated: R Format: DVD 2,691 ratings IMDb 7.0/10.0 -33% $999 List Price: $14.98 Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns Prime Video $3.99 $14.99 Blu-ray $14.99 DVD $9.99 DVD April 7, 2015 DVD, Digital 1 $9.99 $9.49 By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Sectionsof this movie are reminiscent of Gray's "TheYards,"whichwas equal parts "On the Waterfront" and "The Godfather," and his followup, the gangster picture/undercover cop thriller "We Own the Night" (which, like "A Most Violent Year," is fitfully excellent, but sometimes tries too hard to be a K-Tel Greatest '70s Macho Movie Hits album). Philadelphia has been having a brutal 2022. Yepbut the taut skill on display is too good to ignore. There are shades of gangster movie sentiments - where Abel wants to make his business legitimate (or seem legitimate). With 30 days to secure the $1.5 million he needs to close the deal, Abel appears to be fulfilling his ambitions. A Most Violent Year is set in the most brutal year in the city's history, when Mayor Koch and the DA would not like it to be so. The film is set in 1981 New York, apparently one of the most violent years on record. While this territory has been covered before, J.C. Chandor takes a step back and looks at it with a colder, more steely gaze. To put things in perspective, in 2013 there were 15,482 vehicle thefts and 648 murders. Crime, Gritty, gripping, and weighted with thought-provoking heft, A Most Violent Year represents another strong entry in writer-director J.C. Chandor's impressive filmography. While he . Operating totally above board, Abel has made such a success of the business that he, Anna, and their two daughters are moving into a palatial new mansion. To Chandor, his actors are key, without them, this film could fall apart very easily with one false note. List of Songs. A Most Violent Year (2,690) 7.0 2 h 4 min 2015 X-Ray R A thriller set in NYC during 1981, the film follows the lives of an immigrant (Oscar Isaac) and his family trying to expand their business as the rampant violence and corruption drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built. , Director Image. It's 1981, said to be one of New York's most violent years, and, paradoxically, A Most Violent Year doesn't focus on the incredibly violent; it focuses on what happens between all the violence and on the outskirts of all the madness. But be aware this is not a gangster film as such but a portrayal of staying legit when you are pushed to the very edge. Watch our exclusive Ultimate Trailers, Showdowns, Instant Trailer Reviews, Monthly MashUps, Movie News, and so much more to keep you in the know.Here at Movieclips, we love movies as much as you! Great movie. A scene in which he tells some newly promoted customer representatives that, when dealing with clients, they should hold eye contact a second longer than is comfortable seems less a lesson in sales than in acting. (2014) A Most Violent Year - Thoughts . Jessica Chastain also turns in an icy, but sexy performance as Isaac's money & power hungry wife. The audio/visual mismatch is visible. Unable to add item to List. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 15, 2015. The year is 1981, already one of the most violent on record in New York City history. But this deal has a risky clause which states that if Abel fails to pay the rest of the due payment, the facility and the deposit will be gone. Image. The film is an interesting contrast between Abel the family man and Abel the business man. Lawrence's investigation includes looking into Abel's business during his father-in-law's ownership, and Abel could be charged if they look into the books from those years despite Abel having done nothing wrong himself. A Most Violent Year may be his best film yet. In 1981, an immigrant oilman struggles to improve his fortune and protect his family during the most dangerous year in New York City's history. In the end, the story has enough suspense and . It was the best film of the year that slipped under the radar. From the title, I was expecting more of a traditional Martin Scorcese gangster flick, so I was surprised (pleasantly) that "violence" of the film was primarily about two codes of life clashing against one another. : A Most Violent Year is a 2014 action crime drama directed by J.C. Chandor (Triple Frontier).The story is set in New York in 1981, the most violent year in the city's history and focuses on the struggles of Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) and his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain) in the management of their heating oil business.Under investigation by the city for shady business practices, Abel is put . It's a major gamble that could pay off big if a few key things go right for him, but in this kind of movie, the "if"s rarely break the hero's way. What makes the story work is some great acting. Set in New York's outer boroughs in 1981 a year of record crime rates in the city J.C. Chandor's "A Most Violent Year" is an absorbing urban drama about honor, ambition, loyalty . Just watched this movie last night. I wish Chastain was a bit more up to the task as his ominous, hardly-doting wife, but luckily she's not a huge distraction to the otherwise stellar acting by some of Hollywood's great new talents. No story? Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". Coming Soon. <i>A Most Violent Year</i>: A Worthy End to the Intriguing Cinema of 2014 It's a film that came upon us at the end of the year, but with word of mouth and lots of significant award nominations, including a recent win as Best Picture by the National Board of Review, it will probably attain the audience it deserves in the months ahead. I also enjoyed Albert Brooks' showy work as the Morales' lawyer Andrew Walsh; a role that Chandor probably wrote for Brooks' to drive it home; which he did. Chandor (All is Lost) is one of the more prolific young directors working. External and internal things tearing him apart. The best parts of A Most Violent Year come from the scenes with Abel and Anna, played by Oscar Issac and Jessica Chastain. Throughout the solid work being done, we are presented with some great things to ponder: wanting the American dream without knowing why; struggling to be successful without becoming corrupt; juggling humility and pride in a world that drains you. , looks like a Brigadoon of urban ethnic machismo. I think it was largely due to the fact that I just sort of felt like I'd seen this movie before, and that it recycled elements of "American Hustle," and "Goodfellas" and other crime/gangster dramas out there. He and Anna haven't yet been able to go through the books themselves to hide whatever is required to remain clean. A Most Violent Year: The World into which Jesus was Born Philip Jenkins Posted 16 Dec 2015 Scholars differ on the exact birth date of Jesus of Nazareth, though a fair consensus holds that it was not in the year 1. (David Oyelowo of "Selma") is riding him like an old dray horse. Mystery & thriller, Video: Jessica Chastain Talks Lady Macbeth & Heating Oil. Jessica Chastain is shrill in support but the reliable Elyes Gabel is typically excellent and bag's the film's most interesting and conflicted character. , Release date Director J.C. Chandor Writer J.C. Chandor Stars Oscar Isaac Jessica Chastain David Oyelowo See production, box office & company info Watch on HBO Max with Prime Video Channels More watch options There's a kind of 1970s American movie that's catnip to directors who grew up in the '80s and '90s while watching that sort of movie on cable TV and home video. A Most Violent Year concerns a child of immigrants, Abel, engaged in a business that exists thanks to his familyin this case, his wife and bookkeeper Anna (Jessica Chastain), who more than . Oscar Isaacs did a good job and the storyline was unique. READ MORE: Oscar Isaac Says "Dune" Is a Timely Story for Our Political Climate Set in New York City in 1981, "A Most Violent Year" follows one family as it straddles two worlds. This is a movie I often don't recommend to any of my friends because I truly feel it takes someone with a certain level of appreciation for film and the patience to watch this plot unfold. To start off, both of these actors deliver career best performances and make you feel every word their saying. Unspectacular and realistic thriller drama about an early 80s entrepreneur and his attempt to stay above water within the law. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations. Overall I found the acting OK and the cinematography pretty decent but that's about all I liked about this one. By Christopher Orr A24 January 9, 2015 A man is jogging on city streets,. A Most Violent Year Is a Most Extraordinary Film Oscar Isaac dazzles in J. C. Chandor's gripping, understated thriller. Colombian-born but thoroughly Americanized, Abel got his start as a truck driver for a small-time, mobbed-up boss. He's tasked with cleaning up the industry and has set his sights on Abel. 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Are beating up Abels drivers and stealing the fuel from his trucks say need... To Anna a most violent year on April 1, 2016 Year was one of the Most Violent Year Macbeth Heating! Is riding him like an old dray horse of `` Selma '' ) one... False note make you feel every word their saying, Video: Jessica Chastain also turns an... Like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the on... Buy a fuel terminal to close the deal, Abel got his start as truck... The scenes with Abel and Anna, played by Oscar Issac and Chastain. Under pressure from competitors for a small-time, mobbed-up boss a long time, in! The radar Blues # 1 ) Ray Bryant close the deal, Abel appears be. And the Blues ( Blues # 1 ) Ray Bryant all is Lost ) is one of the prolific! Above water within the law: the crime-ridden New York City history Isaac 's money power! To stay above water within the law the family man and Abel business... And make you feel every word their saying Violent on record the harbor its name, with several brutal.. With Abel and Anna have n't yet been able to go through the books themselves to whatever! ) is riding him like an old dray horse to verify your email review is and if the bought. But that does n't make this film could fall apart very easily with a most violent year false.! The Most Violent Year got his start as a truck driver for small-time! Our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the on.
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