A Most Violent Year

A thriller set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically one of the most violent years in the city's history, and centered on a the lives of an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities as the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built.

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  • ★★★½ review by davidehrlich on Letterboxd

    Oscar Isaac gives the best Al Pacino performance in 20 years.

    being a gangster ain't easy, but it sure is *easier.*

    this is the platonic ideal of a 3.5 star movie. solid, low-octane morality play about the compromises of the american dream (and as familiar as that sounds) that was a few precious drafts away from mattering. not sure if Chandor has a great movie in him, but he definitely could deliver some great moments.

  • ★★★★½ review by Eli Hayes on Letterboxd

    Let's do some math...

    Bradford Young +

    Oscar Isaac +

    Jessica Chastain +

    J.C. Chandor +

    David Oyelowo +

    Albert Brookes +

    Alex Ebert =

    Was there ever a chance this wasn't going to be fantastic?

  • ★★★½ review by Evan on Letterboxd

    Oscar Isaac is quickly becoming one of my favorite working actors. It wasn't until his performance in Inside Llewyn Davis where he truly jumped on my radar. Him and Jessica Chastain carry this film. I can't lie if it weren't for these great performances; I probably wouldn't have cared all that much for the film overall.

  • ★★★★½ review by Kate™ on Letterboxd

    Most violent year: *is literally a masterpiece, made to rival the likes of the godfather*

    Academy: yawn 😴

    Boyhood: *took 12 years to make*

    Academy: WO-oAH *NUTS*

  • ★★★★ review by SilentDawn on Letterboxd

    A Most Violent Year is, above all, another prime example of Oscar Isaac and his flourishing career. He's absolutely magnetic here, and along with Jessica Chastain and the rest of the fantastic cast, this gangster drama comes together in a wholly satisfying way. While somewhat blunt in its themes and offering a conclusion that feels disjointed compared to the rest of the film, A Most Violent Year is another gem from J.C. Chandor, a director who is becoming one of the most fascinating in the business.

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