A Most Violent Year
Oscar-nominated writer-director J.C. Chandor (All is Lost) delivers this crime drama set in '80s New York, starring Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Albert Brooks (Drive). In 1981, what would statistically end up being one of the city's most violent years, an immigrant and his family attempt to grow a business amidst a world looking to drag them into the dark and rampant NYC underbelly.
- Director:
- J.C. Chandor ('All is Lost', 'Margin Call')
- Writer:
- J.C. Chandor
- Cast:
- Oscar IsaacJessica ChastainDavid OyelowoAlessandro NivolaAlbert Brooks
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Giles Hardie
flicksWriter-director J C Chandor’s third feature may well be the poster child of the critic versus audience dilemma. There is no question that this is a qualitatively good film, stylistically strong and tonally gritty, reveling in the 1981 New York City setting. The cast is outstanding, Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain devouring the lead roles while the likes of Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo give scenery-eating performances in supporting roles. Yet this is the sort of movie that leaves people hating critics.
A Most Violent film
Of course as with many films, my driving force to see this particular film, was all due to Jessica Chastain being the supporting lead. Overall, this film directed by J.C Chandor, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, isn't the greatest crime drama/thriller you will ever see, but it isn't the worst either. The film moves at a very slow pace - bordering...
A slow burn, dramatic morality tale
J.C. Chandor follows up Margin Call and All is Lost with a high tension character study in crime. At its heart are superb performances, with Jessica Chastain simply brilliant, and Oscar Isaac at his unlikable, unempathetic best. With a cracking script and tight direction, this is a slow burn, dramatic morality tale of the highest order. If you enjoyed...
Time Out
pressFurther clarifies what might be the most promising career in American movies: an urban-headed filmmaker attuned to economies of place and time, with an eye on the vacant throne of Sidney Lumet.
The New York Times
pressPresents an honorable man struggling to stay true to his values in the face of temptation. It is also the portrait of a brilliant hustler working a very long con. It's a terrific movie either way.
The Dissolve
pressChandor’s film suggests more than it can explore, and a contrived climax makes the film seem like less than the sum of what’s preceded it.
Los Angeles Times
pressIt brings to mind the fierce New York-based productions of Sidney Lumet in particular but also the whole notion of character-driven, the-clock-is-ticking melodramas in general.
Hollywood Reporter
pressChandor peels back the layers of his story and characters with the skill of an expert dramatist.
Empire Magazine
pressStylish, sophisticated, simmering crime and character drama with Shakespearean dimension and bravura performances.
Flicks, Giles Hardie
flicksWriter-director J C Chandor’s third feature may well be the poster child of the critic versus audience dilemma. There is no question that this is a qualitatively good film, stylistically strong and tonally gritty, reveling in the 1981 New York City setting. The cast is outstanding, Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain devouring the lead roles while the likes of Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo give scenery-eating performances in supporting roles. Yet this is the sort of movie that leaves people hating critics.
Time Out
pressFurther clarifies what might be the most promising career in American movies: an urban-headed filmmaker attuned to economies of place and time, with an eye on the vacant throne of Sidney Lumet.
The New York Times
pressPresents an honorable man struggling to stay true to his values in the face of temptation. It is also the portrait of a brilliant hustler working a very long con. It's a terrific movie either way.
The Dissolve
pressChandor’s film suggests more than it can explore, and a contrived climax makes the film seem like less than the sum of what’s preceded it.
Los Angeles Times
pressIt brings to mind the fierce New York-based productions of Sidney Lumet in particular but also the whole notion of character-driven, the-clock-is-ticking melodramas in general.
Hollywood Reporter
pressChandor peels back the layers of his story and characters with the skill of an expert dramatist.
Empire Magazine
pressStylish, sophisticated, simmering crime and character drama with Shakespearean dimension and bravura performances.
A Most Violent film
Of course as with many films, my driving force to see this particular film, was all due to Jessica Chastain being the supporting lead. Overall, this film directed by J.C Chandor, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, isn't the greatest crime drama/thriller you will ever see, but it isn't the worst either. The film moves at a very slow pace -...
A slow burn, dramatic morality tale
J.C. Chandor follows up Margin Call and All is Lost with a high tension character study in crime. At its heart are superb performances, with Jessica Chastain simply brilliant, and Oscar Isaac at his unlikable, unempathetic best. With a cracking script and tight direction, this is a slow burn, dramatic morality tale of the highest order. If you enjoyed...
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