A Most Violent Year

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A Most Violent Year

R

2014

2h 4m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

226 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In 1981 New York, a fuel supplier (Oscar Isaac) tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that threaten his family and his business.

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Critics Consensus

Gritty, gripping, and weighted with thought-provoking heft, A Most Violent Year represents another strong entry in writer-director J.C. Chandor's impressive filmography.

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Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

05/30/2016

Instead of directing a movie that screams "HEY, IT'S THE '80S," he made one that looks, sounds, and feels like a refugee from that era, and lets the audience do the rest.

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Adam Nayman

Reverse Shot

12/14/2015

A Most Violent Year's final scenes are its worst: they reveal that the plot's sure-footed plodding hasn't led anywhere unexpected, narratively or thematically.

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Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

10/20/2015

A Most Violent Year resonates as the rare film to not simply take its superficial cues from The Godfather, but to truly understand its underlying ideas -- and, more impressive still, to re-work them into something thrillingly unique.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/19/2022

4.5/5

There is something to be said about sitting back and watching good actors work.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

08/18/2022

4/4

A Most Violent Year is a brilliant look at greed, hubris, and the effect of capitalism, and it cements Chandor as a distinctive voice in American cinema.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

08/09/2022

[S]et in the crime-ridden culture of early 1980s New York City (which was the most violent year on record in the city’s history), it's a smart, shadowy tribute to the crime dramas of the seventies and early eighties...

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John K

@RT29223426 Jul 9

I kept waiting for it to get better and it just never did.

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Robert C

@pincheway Jan 5

It felt like someone had a good idea but got bored half way through. The ending was unnecessary and disappointing. Actors were all great.

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L W.

@phillybird52 Dec 29

I really wanted to like this as it had a good cast and the premise to start was good but it was just a dull story about a guy that wanted to do good Meh…

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Frank W

@RT04148463 07/16/2025

The movie had all of the trappings to pull me in. A good story about corruption, business, competition with a slight hint of implied gangsterism Good acting. . But the movie never gave what it was teasing with. No real action. The wife kept saying she and her dad whom We assume was a gangster would Handle things but it never happened. A long drawn out movie with a weak ending that amounted to nothing. I wish I could get my time back. The guy played the character like Michael Corleone. Boy what a tease. It was all For nothing.

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patrick l

@Paddytheshadow 06/29/2025

A very decent movie. Smart and well acted. Way better than some of the crap been chucked out these days.

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Stephen L

@RT02285025 03/15/2025

"A Most Violent Year" is a masterfully crafted film that delves into the moral complexities of ambition and integrity. Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance as Abel Morales, a man striving to uphold his principles amidst escalating pressures in 1981 New York City. Jessica Chastain's portrayal of his wife, Anna, is equally remarkable, adding depth to the narrative. J.C. Chandor's direction emphasizes storytelling and strong performances over flashy cinematic techniques, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking experience. Despite its critical acclaim, the film remains underappreciated, making it a must-watch for those seeking quality cinema.

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J.C. Chandor

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Oscar Isaac

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Synopsis

In 1981 New York, a fuel supplier (Oscar Isaac) tries to adhere to his own moral compass amid the rampant violence, corruption and decay that threaten his family and his business.

Director: J.C. Chandor
Producer: Neal Dodson, Anna Gerb, J.C. Chandor
Screenwriter: J.C. Chandor
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Washingston Square Films, Old Bull Pictures, Before the Door
Rating: R (Some Violence|Language)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 31, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.7M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital