An excellent drama. But she's also a borderline Lady Macbeth figure who often chides her husband for not being as hard as he should be, because this is a hard, shadowy world, and these are mean streets. The film stars Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain with Alessandro Nivola, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. : : Chandor (All is Lost) is one of the more prolific young directors working. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur clearly have a lot to answer for and their influence is for far-reaching than they knew. This ismesmerizing, up to a point, thanks to Isaac's cinematically borrowed but still palpable magnetism and the coiled intensity of the supporting players, and from cinematographer Bradford Young's lighting, which imparts a purgatorial gloom to conversations about capital and interest, respect and disrespect. The Kingdom of Tonga exploded into global news on January 15 last year with one of the most spectacular and violent volcanic eruptions ever seen. 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. (2014) A Most Violent Year - Thoughts . Is it a bit TOO quiet and a bit TOO slow at times? The music was excellent, and conveyed a great grave seriousness in the background, although I think the music mustered more seriousness than the acting and screenplay. Statistically 1981 was one of if not THE most violent year in the history of New York, and against that backdrop a small heating-oil business is facing pressure on several fronts; at a basic level its trucks are being hi-jacked to the point where drivers are afraid to venture out; fiscally they are under investigation for dodgy bookkeeping and the bank pulls out as guarantor for a 1.5 mil loan they need to expand. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain star in this drama. Start watching A Most Violent Year. Jessica Chastain is unpredictable. 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. "Five stars.intense" (The New York Daily News). Albert Brooks seemed too confined in his role but I always enjoy watching him as an actor. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. 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. 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. It feels as if Chandor wrote the screenplay for these two and it really pays off, especially for Jessica Chastain, who is unbelievably good playing a manipulative Shakespearean femme fatale. Oscar Isaac, always great, succeeds in the difficult role of a "bad guy" who isn't really a bad guy; just a man struggling to find success and discovering that one can't be successful and a saint in his competitive line of work. Please try again. One of the best crime dramas I've seen for a long time, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2016. At the same time, it has something to say about the way business is done in 2015. Eventually he married the bosss daughter, Anna (Jessica Chastain), took over the business, and grew it quicklytoo quickly in the minds of his competitors. Terms and Policies As if that's not enough pressure, Abel's company is under pressure from competitors. Many favour a date in or around 4 BC, and for the sake of argument let us take that as accurate. , ASIN 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. But I was wrong. A Most Violent Year (2014) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by J.C. Chandor Writing Credits J.C. Chandor . Although it doesnt relate directly to the movies plot, it lurks constantly in the background. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Image. The driver Julian is found, but he ran away when hes about to be turned in. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2018. The supporting cast is also terrific, including Oyelowo, Peter Gerety (as a pragmatic old union chief), Elyes Gabel (as a frightened driver), Jerry Adler (as the ancient Hasid from whom Abel is buying the property), and Alessandro Nivola (as a sleek heating-fuel kingpin who plays tennis in a bunker that looks as though it could withstand nuclear attack). Unable to add item to List. As the movie opens, Abel and his attorney (Albert Brooks) are on the verge of taking things to another level altogether, making a cash down payment on a port facility that would enable him to store and move fuel on a vastly larger scale. "Riveting", hardly, slow paced yes, weak storyline, yes. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. 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. 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, of this movie are reminiscent of Gray's ", Chandor's film ultimately has its own vibe, though, which is no small feat considering the heavy legacy it bears. Coming Soon. This is definite kudos to Chandor. 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:/. As if that's not enough pressure, Abel's company is under pressure from competitors. 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. A Most Violent Year is a searing crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically the most dangerous year in the city's history. There's outstanding use of New York locations, some cunningly staged moments of suspense and violence, and smart deployment of TV newscasts as a mostly unremarked-upon Greek chorus. Soon Abel's shipping-terminal deal is endangered. Although in terms of a quality crime drama with real refinement in-front and behind the camera then look no further. While Hustle sets the scene with humor and style, Violent is happy to understate lawlessness and concentrate on the dialogue, which has undercurrents of corruption in each syllable. Once again, Chandor gives us a well-written, well-acted, beautifully photographed film, on a relatively small budget, that winds up being incredibly watchable. : Anna, who is more cutthroat than her husband, wants Abel to fight back using whatever tools, including like violence, to protect himself, the business, and their family. Coming Soon. , Product Dimensions He hasn't quite managed it yet. The film follows the immigrant owner of a heating-oil company, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), and his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain). Most Violent Year. However, the industry in New York is known to be fraught with illegal activity, so much so that the Assistant D.A., Mr. Lawrence, has been tasked with cleaning up the crime ingrained in the industry. With AMVY, an adult mystery-drama-thriller, he screams of the classics: tension of French Connection, quiet of Chinatown, and menace of Mean Streets. What you get here is a thoughtful character piece about one man doing everything in his power to protect the business that he's spent years building up. "If I were you, I would start treating us with a little more respect or I guarantee he will make it his mission in life to ruin you.". (It was named the National Board of Review's best film of 2014.) Personally, for me the movie dragged really bad for the first hour but once everything came together in the last . A Most Violent Year Is a Most Extraordinary Film Oscar Isaac dazzles in J. C. Chandor's gripping, understated thriller. A slow burner reminiscent of the films of the seventies with echoes of the Godfather permeating throughout, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2015. It strikes me that all three films provide a bizarre, hidden parable for. My only issue that I had with A Most Violent Year is the cinematography. His screenplay was solid but not even close as one of the best in "a most competitive year" of terrific screenplays in the film year of 2014. 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? A Most Violent Year Photos View All Photos Movie Info In 1981 New York, a fuel supplier (Oscar Isaac) tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that. I've been amazed at some of the slams this movie has taken. He said, "It was a great period to set a story up and have this character study that I'd been working on for years set in this moment.". We just know that he's scrambling to put this deal together and only has a month to do it, and that his wife Anna (, is an honest man, don't mistake his honesty for weakness," she tells another character), as well as a wily bookkeeper. The movie follows Abel and/or Anna as they try to get money tosavetheir collective enterprise. Just within earshot, staticky radio snippets buzz: Three NYPD officers are being treated for gunshot wounds; a mad slasher is at large on the streets of midtown Manhattan. We see the encroaching anarchy too, in (literally) broken windows and in the subway carsand stationsalmost invisible under layers of graffiti. What is the streaming release date of A Most Violent Year (2014) in India? A Most Violent Year's lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix is kind of like an audio microcosm of the film itself, a slow burning offering that features bursts of excellent surround activity within . I thoroughly enjoyed this film as I liked the slow build up and loved the homage which I believe is deliberate to the Godfather films and other films in this era. However, if you are a person who possess some level of appreciation for film and would like to see a good, albeit slow tale, I would highly recommend this movie. For some it might feel like the biggest drag and one of the most boring movies they've seen. By creating an account, you agree to the To opt out of the sale of your name, email address and other associated personal information, please submit the below Opt-Out Form. By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Privacy Policy They never really came to a head. 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. : Cinemark 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. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR will probably not be to everyone's taste, particularly those who want something with higher stakes or a more high-octane feel to it, but for people who appreciate a moody, character-driven drama this should do just fine. 'A most violent year' is an extremely thoughtful and measured drama. Abel Morales, a successful, hardworking oil company owner, tries to thrive and survive during 1981 NYC, the most violent year in history. Without knowing a thing about A Most Violent Year, I looked forward to a police procedural or a mafia thriller, dealing with the homicidal apex to the desperation of the recession of 1980. , Release date This concept drives J.C. Chandor's " A Most Violent Year ," an unconventional gangster film that draws uncomfortable parallels between capitalism and crime. Though Chandors movies have varied wildly by topic, they have all concerned themselves with men struggling to maintain control in the midst of chaos. For choices related to cookies and mobile advertising IDs, please see 'Manage Preferences' below. The film's director, J.C. Chandor spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about what of the film is based in reality and explained "that he collected and pulled in things over a long period of time." A MOST VIOLENT YEAR Written by J.C. Chandor This film is set in New York City, 1981: Murders: 2,228 Forcible Rape: 5,405 Violent Crime: 180,235 Aggravated Assault . Despite the digital look, the film's colors are very cold and desolate, making New York look as if it were on its way to becoming a deserted wasteland. But they mean plenty to Abel Morales ( Oscar Isaac) in A Most Violent Year, set in the winter chill of 1981 New York,. We just know that he's scrambling to put this deal together and only has a month to do it, and that his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain, doing a credible Brooklyn accent), is not making things any easier for him. Boring? 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 He brings what I would describe as restrained menace to the screen, a man who wants to have it all, who could very easily turn into a gangster and is struggling to stay straight when the city he lives and works in all work against him. The film is crisp, clean and very digitized considering the time period we're supposed to be set in. Whether it's the latest studio release, an indie horror flick, an evocative documentary, or that new RomCom you've been waiting for, the Movieclips team is here day and night to make sure all the best new movie trailers are here for you the moment they're released.In addition to being the #1 Movie Trailers Channel on YouTube, we deliver amazing and engaging original videos each week. , looks like a Brigadoon of urban ethnic machismo. Marvin Gaye wails in the background, Make me wanna holler, the way they do my life . But Abel resists, insisting on doing things the right way. Oscar Isaac as usual is phenomenal. This movie is basically The Godfather part II but without the flashbacks and not nearly as good. Start Shopping 124min age 17+ 90% 69% People Also Watched Oscar Isaacs did a good job and the storyline was unique. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain in "A Most Violent Year" Atsushi Nishijima/ A24 Films. Set in 1981 New York, one of the city's roughest periods, this taut thriller centers on a successful immigrant whose rivals are trying to run him out of business; his trucks are hijacked and his drivers cruelly attacked. The American director James Gray also has made this kind of sideways homage, channeling the gangster pictures of Martin Scorsese and Francis Coppola and the big city thrillers of Sidney Lumet ("Serpico"), with a moremeditativepace. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history. Frequently bought together + + $30.97 This item: A Most Violent Year [Blu-ray + Digital HD] by Oscar Isaac Blu-ray $14.99 Under The Skin [Blu-ray + Digital] by Scarlett Johansson Blu-ray $5.99 Green Room [Blu-ray + Digital HD] Read critic reviews. You're almost there! Now here comes A Most Violent Year, with its tale of an immigrant hustler who wants to bring heating oil to the suburbs. Fastidious in appearance and precise in diction, Isaacs Abel is a portrait of a man obsessed with maintaining control, both of himself and of his surroundings. Oscar Isaac plays the hero, Abel Morales, who runs a heat oil company that he took over from his father-in-law. It kept me interested. Language. This was spoken during the shoot and the newer figure changed in post-production. . There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Still, overall satisfying and well done. "Echoes of The Godfather", well that is a very bold comparison and I can only think there is another Godfather film in an alternate universe which they are likening it to because it's not the one that I've seen. That year wasn't that violent after all Good, slow-moving story of a NY businessman trying to make it honestly. But it was too claustrophobic and clogged with financial minutia to really . Also with David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola, and Albert Brooks. Why do you want it so much? Brookss character asks at one point. "A Most Violent Year," a 1981 New York period piece written and directed by J.C. Chandor ("All is Lost," "Margin Call"), is that kind of movie. In addition to eliciting such strong performances across the board, he has constructed an intricate film out of immaculately realized set pieces: the ominous sound that awakens Abel in the night, a precarious dinner with the bankers subsidizing his bid, an edge-of-the-seat foot chase on the 59th Street Bridge. Stream A Most Violent Year (HBO) on HBO Max. "A Most Violent Year" is not for everyone, some will find it too slow, but in the end you should set a date with it. 2014 film by J. C. Chandor. 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. It is a portrait of a time and place: (New York City, 1981); of an industry beset by corruption and violence (the home-heating-fuel business); and of a man, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), pushing relentlessly to succeed in that industry despite the pressure mounting from all sides. Common Sense Note. The movie follows Abel and/or Anna as they try to get money to, their collective enterprise. Regal : The premise of a young up and coming man with ambition making it in the fuel industry with his beautiful wife and two (2) children after just moving into their dream home and in a tony neighborhood is turned upside down rather quickly in the cut throat business he has chosen. A Most Violent Year $14.99When purchased online In Stock Add to cart About this item Specifications Movie MPAA Rating: R Movie Studio: Lionsgate Movie Genre: Action/Adventure Run Time (minutes): 360 Software Format: Blu-ray Language: English Street Date: April 7, 2015 TCIN: 17093639 UPC: 031398216575 Item Number (DPCI): 058-37-1096 Despite this premise, the crime-action is more a successfully imminent background thought than a constant in-your- face presence. There are shades of gangster movie sentiments - where Abel wants to make his business legitimate (or seem legitimate). The screenplay, as I said above, is terrific. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Casting Net: Oscar Isaac goes back to 1981 in 'A Most . the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. This release does have English subtitles for the main feature, but the extras have none, including the 45 minute making of feature. 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