An immigrant and his family strive to maintain their
burgeoning business while contending with urban violence and corruption during
a particularly harsh New York City
winter in 1981. Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac star in this urban drama from
writer/producer/director J.C. Chandor.
Director: J.C. Chandor
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks, David
Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola.
Release Date: Dec
31, 2014
Rated R for some Violence and Language
Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama
Review:
A Most Violent Year is a slow burner of a film that’s a
fascinating character study. J.C.
Chandor’s film is a morality tale at its heart as we watch a man fight to keep
his principles in tact while trying desperately to succeed. It’s the kind of film that’s light on action
and heavy on dialogue which can turn off some people, especially since the film
is sold as a crime drama which it is an and isn’t. It’s very much in that vein but doesn’t
follow the well worn path. At the center
of the film is Oscar Isaac who is incredibly engaging and captivating as the
lead. Isaac has a simmering intensity
throughout which keeps the film engaging as its moves at a methodical
pace. Jessica Chastain nearly steals the
show as his wife and the film is so much better when she’s on screen. Chastain’s an actress whose impressed me more
and more with each passing film and this maybe her best yet. Throw in some strong, if understated,
supporting turns from Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo and you have a wholly
impressive drama which feels like a throwback to headier films from the
70s.
A
Good review Dan. It's a very interesting look at one man and just how far he'll go to keep something of his alive and well.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was an excellent character study, found the marketing odd since the film is nothing like the trailer.
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