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. What is the streaming release date of A Most Violent Year (2014) in India? The breadth and rigor of those ambitions come into focus only gradually, and prove a source of fascination to those around him. , Audio Description: I have no idea what you mean, Abel replies. 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. Excellent performances and engaging story kept me involved. While he . 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. Most Violent Year. Me and the Blues (Blues #1) Ray Bryant. I can imagine that some people may have been disappointed that this wasn't a bloodbath like Scarface, but I actually liked this film. First and foremost let's look at the title 'A most violent year' - based on the title you would assume that this film would be a combination of gratuitous violence and multiple killings, but it actually doesn't play out like this at all. Featuring an onslaught of phenomenal performances and a slow burning screenplay, A Most Violent Year rises on the list of the very best of 2014. 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. By Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. 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.". 1. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Marvin Gaye. 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. 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. But they mean plenty to Abel Morales ( Oscar Isaac) in A Most Violent Year, set in the winter chill of 1981 New York,. Oscar Issac is a great actor! Abel has to scramble to get the money for the terminal before he loses his deposit. Chandor (All is Lost) is one of the more prolific young directors working. Although it doesnt relate directly to the movies plot, it lurks constantly in the background. Abel is a man who tries to have a firm moral compass, believing in the good of people and resisting the temptation to give into complete and total corruption, despite being heavily influenced to do so by his wife Anna (Jessica Chastain). 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. Just don't expect to bite your nails in excitement or thrill. But I found the film riveting: excellent plotting, great writing and superb performances. , Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2015. (It was named the National Board of Review's best film of 2014.) He's tasked with cleaning up the industry and has set his sights on Abel. Something went wrong. It was the best film of the year that slipped under the radar. The best parts of A Most Violent Year come from the scenes with Abel and Anna, played by Oscar Issac and Jessica Chastain. View cart for details. 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. 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. 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. A man is jogging on city streets, accelerating as he pushes himself to the limit. The problems of an indie heating-oil company may seem like small potatoes. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images, named the National Board of Review's best film. It is important though, not only to set the tone, but to introduce and flesh out the characters. A fuel truck with Standard Heating Oil emblazoned on the side fills its tank at the harbor. , Number of discs Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur clearly have a lot to answer for and their influence is for far-reaching than they knew. A Most Violent Year is a 2014 American crime drama film written and directed by J. C. Chandor. , ASIN But Abel resists, insisting on doing things the right way. A Most Violent Year is a strong, character-driven drama that's lifted infinitely by terrific lead performances by Oscar Isaacs and Jessica Chastain, inflating what could have been a tiresome, trite look at one man versus the world in an unkind city. 43. 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. Still, it was a very interesting character study that was able to maintain an excellent level of tension throughout its 2-hour running time. On the technical side, Bluray picture was pretty good, nice and sharp on a big cinema screen. But the true star of A Most Violent Year is writer-director Chandor. It is not a film about an event or a chronicle of the most violent year in New York's history, it is about characters. While this territory has been covered before, J.C. Chandor takes a step back and looks at it with a colder, more steely gaze. The year, 1981, was "statistically the most dangerous year in the citys history," according to A Most Violent Year 's official website. 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. Colombian-born but thoroughly Americanized, Abel got his start as a truck driver for a small-time, mobbed-up boss. 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. 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. Oscar Isaac has been extremely good in previous rolesfor instance, as a likable ex-con in Drive and as an unlikable folk singer in Inside Llewyn Davisbut he is an utter revelation as Abel, the quiet power of his performance recalling early Pacino. Title : A Most Violent Year [Blu-ray + Digital HD]. 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. Thankfully, there's more to it than violence! Superbly acted and beautifully filmed. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. In order to provide you with an Internet experience that is more . Albert Brooks seemed too confined in his role but I always enjoy watching him as an actor. Unspectacular and realistic thriller drama about an early 80s entrepreneur and his attempt to stay above water within the law. Anna's father and most if not all of Abel's major competitors were and are corrupt. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. 'Empire Of Light' Is A Love Letter To Sam Mendes Heroic Mother, 'The Menu' Was Inspired By A Thrilling Private Island Experience, Rihanna Shares Video Of 'Black Panther 2' Filmmakers' First Reaction To Lift Me Up, Channing Tatum Wants To Remake This Iconic '90s Film, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. By creating an account, you agree to the It kept me interested. Jessica Chastain is unpredictable. 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. 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. A Most Violent Year Oscar Isaac Jessica Chastain David Oyelowo (2014) 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 threaten. 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. Armed thugs, presumably employed by his competitors, are beating up Abels drivers and stealing the fuel from his trucks. Because of the title? Thematically, the director J.C. Chandor is very interested in the morality of doing business and the fine line between "accepted practice" and gangsterism. The movie follows Abel and/or Anna as they try to get money to, their collective enterprise. This concept drives J.C. Chandor's " A Most Violent Year ," an unconventional gangster film that draws uncomfortable parallels between capitalism and crime. Gray's "Godfather II" inspired "The Immigrant" is also excellent, and likewise steeped in post-Vietnam America's cinema traditions, although it's gentler, told from a female perspective, and set more deeply in the past. 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. 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. The audio/visual mismatch is visible. , Director "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. See more A Most Violent Year (Blu-ray, 2014), Leave feedback about your eBay ViewItem experience, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab, A Most Violent Year [Blu-ray + Digital HD], DVD Widescreen, Blu-ray, - for PayPal Credit, opens in a new window or tab, about earning points with eBay Mastercard, Report this item - opens in new window or tab, Ken Burns: Country Music DVD, DVD Widescreen,NTSC (#134353445300), A Ghost Story [Blu-ray], DVD DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, W (#144790544885). He is under investigation for business, um, irregularities; the D.A. hulu. The film is an interesting contrast between Abel the family man and Abel the business man. They never really came to a head. Well take a look and remove the review if it doesnt follow our guidelines. For J.C. Chandor's period crime drama A Most Violent Year, the film's costume designer, Kasia Walicka-Maimone, collaborated with Armani on the mix of archival, vintage and contemporary . Crime, If successful in his proposal--$1 million of his own money down, with the remaining $1.5 million, financed through the bank, due in 30 days--this purchase would be the most important business move of his career. 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. Chandor does drive "A Most Violent Year" in slow mode, but somehow it was the proper gear to propel this story. Chandor's film ultimately has its own vibe, though, which is no small feat considering the heavy legacy it bears. "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.". In the script, he answers $500,000. He now lands a deal to purchase a bay-front storage facility that will increase the business greatly. I highly recommend it. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is a thriller set in New York City during the Winter of 1981, statistically one of the most violent years in the city's history. 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. 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. A crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981--statistically one of the most violent years in the city's history--and centered on the lives of an immigrant and his family trying . Surely it wouldn't cut into your profit margins too much to go that extra mile. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2018. <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. It has an epic feel to it, a slow build tale of one man's struggle to power and Oscar Isaac has the screen presence to deliver such a story. This is a film that fits very nicely in between The French Connection and Serpico. The film follows the immigrant owner of a heating-oil company, Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), and his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain). The look and performances carry it. The year, 1981, was "statistically the most dangerous year in the city's history," according to A Most Violent Year 's official website. This was spoken during the shoot and the newer figure changed in post-production. The industry that is showcased here is the oil truck corporation. Your Ticket Confirmation # is located under the header in your email that reads "Your Ticket Reservation Details". The reason for the film's title is that 1981 was considered New York City's most violent year on record. A Most Violent Year [Blu-ray + Digital HD]. 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 . There was something about it that was a little mundane though, and dragged it back down to 3 stars. Gritty, gripping, and weighted with thought-provoking heft. When I was 11, it was a very violent year Really Well-Made Film. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. : We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. **** Good. In 1981 New York City, Abel Morales, from an immigrant background, is trying to live the American Dream on his own moral terms. Murf the Surf: Jewels, Jesus, and Mayhem in the USA: Season 1, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to Golden Tomato Awards: Best Movies & TV of 2022, Link to Christian Slater and Jonathan Kasdan Talk. edit. Sadly, it is probably the best movie I've ever given three stars to. Even if it is not one of his major competitors orchestrating these attacks, he knows at least one of them is in collusion, as the amount of oil stolen could not be stored anywhere but at one of their facilities. It's 1981 NYC. In fact, it's far from it. He's Pacino without the edge. Philadelphia has been having a brutal 2022. Oscar Isaac plays the hero, Abel Morales, who runs a heat oil company that he took over from his father-in-law. A Most Violent Year harks back to the cinema tradition of the 1970s, with its deliberate pace, its simmering tension, its gritty cynicism and its central moral dilemma. It's sad that distributors of DVD and Blu-ray discs don't consider that the deaf and hard of hearing would like to watch the special features they put on their releases. But it was too claustrophobic and clogged with financial minutia to really . 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 . Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. : It's set in 1981,. 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 film is set in 1981 New York, apparently one of the most violent years on record. , Studio National Board of Review Names A MOST VIOLENT YEAR Best Film of the Year; also Wins Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress The National Board of Review has named A Most Violent Year the best. 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). "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. And everything from the performances and overall put-togetherness of the film conveys the calculated intentions of the director, much like Abel is in his business dealings. : Well made and well acted, just not very engaging. This movie is basically The Godfather part II but without the flashbacks and not nearly as good. His wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), is a variation on the gangster's moll who lets her husband run things the way he wants to, but not without letting him hear her opinions. A thriller set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically one of the most violent years in the city's history, and centered on the lives of an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities as the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built. 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. Instead it focuses on the businessman trying to make a go of it honestly and expand his business. 5.1. hd. 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. R Thriller Drama Crime Movie 2014. IMDb's Most Anticipated New TV Series of 2023. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! 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. He is charging Abel mostly due to Anna's corrupt father. "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. From the scenes with Abel and Anna, played by Oscar Issac and Jessica Chastain by Issac... 1981 was considered New York, apparently one of the more prolific young directors working Well-Made film as good if... J. C. chandor um, irregularities ; the D.A writing and superb performances on all the Rotten! 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And has set his sights on Abel that reads `` your Ticket Reservation Details '' expect to your! 2014 ) in India years on record is and if the reviewer the!