A Most Violent Year
Seen it?2014 | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Wall Street or The Killing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 5 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 79 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Supporting Actress, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Editing. Also nominated for 1 Golden Globe, 1 Critics' Choice Award and 1 more Independent Spirit Award. Plus 8 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$20 million worldwide on a $20 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 187K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Wall Street
Saturday SpecialAnother legal crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Killing Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime drama.
American Psycho
Sunday Safe BetAnother crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Usual Suspects Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved crime drama.
Cop Land Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by J.C. Chandor
- Oscar IsaacAbel Morales
- Jessica ChastainAnna Morales
- David OyelowoD.A. Lawrence
- Alessandro NivolaPeter Forente
- Elyes GabelJulian
- Albert BrooksAndrew Walsh
- Catalina Sandino MorenoLuisa
- Peter GeretyBill O'Leary
- Christopher AbbottLouis Servidio
- Glenn FleshlerArnold Kline