A Most Violent Year

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A Most Violent Year

R

Released Dec 31, 2014

2h 4m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

227 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

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 his family and his business.

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Critics Consensus

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.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

Instead of directing a movie that screams "HEY, IT'S THE '80S," he made one that looks, sounds, and feels like a refugee from that era, and lets the audience do the rest.

May 30, 2016

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Adam Nayman

Reverse Shot

A Most Violent Year's final scenes are its worst: they reveal that the plot's sure-footed plodding hasn't led anywhere unexpected, narratively or thematically.

Dec 14, 2015

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Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

A Most Violent Year resonates as the rare film to not simply take its superficial cues from The Godfather, but to truly understand its underlying ideas -- and, more impressive still, to re-work them into something thrillingly unique.

Oct 20, 2015

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

There is something to be said about sitting back and watching good actors work.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 19, 2022

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

A Most Violent Year is a brilliant look at greed, hubris, and the effect of capitalism, and it cements Chandor as a distinctive voice in American cinema.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 18, 2022

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

[S]et in the crime-ridden culture of early 1980s New York City (which was the most violent year on record in the city’s history), it's a smart, shadowy tribute to the crime dramas of the seventies and early eighties...

Aug 9, 2022

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patrick l

A very decent movie. Smart and well acted. Way better than some of the crap been chucked out these days.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/29/25

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Stephen L

"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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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Oaklee D

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.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/27/24

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Jodi W

I honestly did not expect myself to say this but this may be one of the best films I have seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/30/24

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Mick V

A24 films, watch this film about 1981, who’s the bad guy?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

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J.C. Chandor

Director

Oscar Isaac

Abel Morales

Jessica Chastain

Anna

David Oyelowo

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Alessandro Nivola

Peter Forente

Albert Brooks

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Synopsis

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 his family and his business.

Director: J.C. Chandor
Producer: Neal Dodson, Anna Gerb, J.C. Chandor
Screenwriter: J.C. Chandor
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Washingston Square Films, Old Bull Pictures, Before the Door
Rating: R (Some Violence|Language)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 31, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.7M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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