jawneyfloros Director: J.C. Chandor Screenplay: J.C. Chandor Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola and Albert Brooks Plot: New York City 1981 an immigrant tries to keep his business afloat by any means Necessarily. Review: I really didn't like this movie because the plot is so convoluted that it took me almost the whole movie to understand what the main character does. The direction and screenplay were both poorly done. The casting and acting were poorly done also. All in all I would give this zero out of a possible five stars.

dansview The main actor was magnetic. Imagine a cool, stylish, calm, Italian, New York gangster, who is neither a gangster, nor Italian, but seems mildly like both. I've never heard of this guy, but he either pulled it off really well, or he is like that in real life. In the film he is an Hispanic business owner who must walk the tightrope of ethics in order to compete, but also married a gangster's daughter. But he himself is a decent man who is passionate about limiting unethical or immoral behavior. In that sense a rather refreshing character for a modern movie. But then it doesn't take place in the modern era. It's in the early 80's. Through use of subtle techniques, not bombardment, we do get a feeling for the time period. Something about the quality of the film stock and the cars, hairstyles, and clothes helps. But there is no obnoxious soundtrack. The man deals in heating oil, but there isn't an explanation for what that means. Those of us from other parts of the country or other eras don't necessarily understand who uses this, and for what specifically Meanwhile it would have been nice to hear a bit more about his background, how he acquired this business, how he developed his philosophy, and why he married this woman. Presumably because she is tougher than him. But did her dad set him up with the business? Well the ethics of the city oil business is not a sexy subject, but the actor's film noir mannerisms, including his tempered desperation give it an edge that keeps you tuned in.

betty dalton I really am a bit lost for words to describe how magnificent this movie is, because IMAGES are what makes this classic burn through my heart. Words are failing when images are so powerful as in "A Most Violent Year"... Seen it 5 times already since it's release and it is here to stay. Gets better with every viewing...It is not a big drama or thriller, it is the story of the struggle to build up an business empire, depicting the thin line between achieving succes and becoming complicit in violence. Oscar Isaac plays an upcoming oil distributor in New York back in the eighties, at a time when crime was running wild in the big apple. Married to a mob's daugther he still wants to walk the righteous path without using his wife's mob connections to make a succes of his oilbusiness. Will he succeed in being a honest businessman or will he cave in under pressure and use the mob to build up his new oil company?This movie became a classic at the very moment it was released. You just gotta see it to believe it. It is not the story that is monumental, the acting is though. The very best of Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain and Albert Brooks. The way this tale of succes and deceit is photographed and scored deserves nothing but praise. Eye and ear candy! The direction by J.C. Chandor builds up a tension that absorbs every second of film. Few directors are capable of creating such delicate, intense, contineous suspense. J.C Chandor's masterpiece.

TheUniquePerception Sorry to everyone that believes successful businesses are built on violence and corruption. This movie illustrates the pressures and strategies required to build a real business. It never has anything to do with sex, bribes, violence, etc. Not that those stories do not exist, but they are shooting stars which are fast, bright and short lived. To complete the marathon it takes a cool head when all others panic and over react to the stress and chaos. Why did this movie fall short of the expectations of the American film audience? Simple. Nothing was exaggerated. The main character in this film plays the long game. He sees all the angles. He knows how everything is connected. People lie. He floats above it all to maintain his honor. He can still get down and dirty without crossing the lines he has drawn to govern his moral code. He still does this without fear while working towards his goal of ever expanding his business. When questioned as to why he does it all, he fails to understand the question. It is not in his nature to accept failure or a static existence. As a first generation business owner I respect the honesty and reality revealed in this movie. Sex, crimes and car chases produce two results: quickly failed businesses and Hollywood blockbusters. Perhaps the American public does not enjoy films that reflect reality too closely.