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.

don2507 To me at least, this engrossing film is much more about an independent businessman facing huge hurdles in a (very) tough industry, than it is the crime drama that critics allude to. Indeed, its (mistitled) title, based on other reviews on this site, apparently attracted some violence-aficionados who were expecting a mob film with wise guys decapitating each other, and were thus sorely disappointed. I can't remember many (any?) Hollywood films where the central character is a businessman who is portrayed as honest, decent, wise, and with an intuitive knowledge of human nature, and that frankly makes the film interesting to me. Abel Morales (as portrayed by Oscar Isaac) is the businessman in the film. He's a well-spoken, self-controlled immigrant businessman who's doing reasonably well in the NYC heating oil business, but in the film he plans a major expansion of his capacity by purchasing a fuel oil terminal on the East River. He has 30 days to secure the financing for the acquisition but he's beset by either rivals or freelancers who hijack his fuel trucks and sell his oil, plus an ambitious Assistant DA who's investigating price-rigging and tax evasion in the heating oil business who seems to be (unfairly) targeting Morales. One thing leads to another, allowing his bank to drop his financing, and he's forced to locate other sources of funding in the few days he has left to close the deal. Maybe these business issues don't do anything for you, but the characterization of Morales and his desire to do the right thing made me root for him. His wife, the daughter of a mobster, urges him to fight violence with violence to which he refuses. He even throws her gun away that she purchased for protection. Yes, there's criminal activity in this film (e.g., the hijackings) but it's essentially about an honest man trying to stay on the right side of the law operating in a cut-throat business who has a major investment that will either make him or break him. Eight stars for a rare portrayal of a businessmen struggling to overcome all sorts of obstacles.

Leofwine_draca A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is an interesting thriller that acts as a deliberate throwback to the gritty realism of the 1970s. I liked it and thought it was an above average film, although perhaps not the masterpiece that some are making it out to be. The twist of this story is that it plays out as a gangster epic along the lines of SCARFACE and THE GODFATHER although the character's main line of business is strictly legal.Oscar Isaac is an acceptable leading presence although he's not the most charismatic of our leading men; I find something a little cold about it compared to someone like Pacino. Still, this film is mainly about the twists and turns of the plot and the assured direction, all of which work well. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR feels slow-paced at times and there isn't much action, although some of the set-pieces which do occur are very explosive. Jessica Chastain is shrill in support but the reliable Elyes Gabel is typically excellent and bag's the film's most interesting and conflicted character. In the end, the story has enough suspense and tension, alongside some very real threats and danger, to see it through to the affecting climax.

SquigglyCrunch A Most Violent Year follows a man and his wife who are running a big fuel company when people start stealing from them. Additionally, they run into some legal issues and have to manage both things at the same time. Before you watch this movie know this: IMDb says its an action movie, but it's not. It's a crime drama, only with a much heavier emphasis on the drama. So don't expect any big awesome shootouts or explosions. To start the actors are all pretty great, especially Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. I watched this movie partially because I like both of these actors, and like I said they didn't disappoint. Their characters weren't terribly complex or anything, so it wouldn't be very difficult to pull them off, but for what they were they were great. The characters are pretty interesting as well. They're realistic and while they aren't horribly deep or anything, they're still good. The plot and presentation is great. There isn't very much music, nor does a whole lot of awesome stuff happen. So when music is used and something awesome does happen, it's a way bigger deal and just that much more awesome. Overall A Most Violent Year is a solid movie. The performances are good, the characters are interesting, and the presentation is great. In the end I would recommend this movie.