Review of A Most Violent Year (2014) by James R — 31 Jan 2015

Real solid film right here. A Most Violent Year is director J.C. Chandor's (All Is Lost 2013) film about a man who's trying to just do what's right and not get sucked into the gangster life style.

Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) is trying to be an honest business man. He owns his own business and is the process of currently expanding into new land with his business partner Andrew Walsh (Albert Brooks).

He runs into a few snags though. A group of men keep hi-jacking his supply trucks and he's losing money fast. He also is being investigated by the DEA run by their chief officer Lawrence (David Oyelowo) who's putting claims that their is illegal activity happening in Abel's company.

Back at home Abel's wife Anna (Jessica Chastain who looks absolutely stunning in this role) is concerned about the safety of their family after an intruder almost breaks in armed with a gun. Abel's life is slowly spiraling out of control and its up to him to get things straight.

The film is really good especially for anyone who likes a good crime drama. It's not on the level of The Godfather or anything, but it's an interesting story about how far a man will go with his morality to do what he feels is right.

Isaac does a wonderful job portraying Abel and you really feel for him throughout the film. The film is light on action (don't let the trailers fool you), but is a nicely paced drama. Overall, I highly recommend checking this one out if it's playing in your area.