Review of A Most Violent Year (2014) by Ivan M — 03 Apr 2015

"You will never do anything harder than staring someone in the eye and telling them the truth.".

- Abel Morales (Isaac) says to his new and hopeful company trainees.

Dialogue was a HUGE element in A Most Violent Year and I can't complain because it was also the strongest element.

This was a film that requires a true film lover to appreciate it, although I wish more non-critics could. A Most Violent Year was one my most anticipated films of late 2014, early 2015 once I viewed the trailer.

Extremely well written, acted, directed, and beautifully shot. The story is an interesting story of how one immigrated man attempts and wishes to stay uncorrupted, while the rest of the world (maybe even his wife) seems to be corrupt around him. It was, to me, an inspiring drama of one man's desire and drive to have the American dream and his unwillingness to compromise on his morals. I found myself cheering for Abel Morales and feeling as though I was part of his journey.

Oscar Isaac gives the best performance of his career (however argument could be made for "Inside Llewellyn Davis") and Chastain is at the top of her game. Albert Brooks and David Oyellewo were both very, very strong and excellent additions as well. All actors were right on point the entire film.

Gritty, yet not over the top as the title suggests, and thought provoking. It also has a unique emotional sense to it. And as I said, dialogue was top notch.

It's a slow burner but once it's done, fairly satisfying. But the reason I don't give it a full 5 stars is because it never reached a 100% satisfactory, colorful, climax that I hoped for. Other than that, this film has everything and anything you could ask for. I was dissapointed with the timing of the release because Oscar nominations were definitely earned and rightly deserved.