2014 Top 10 - 5. A Most Violent Year

2014 Top 10
5. A Most Violent Year

Doing lists like this means that sometimes we talk about films like American Sniper and this film that most people have not seen. I don't like that, but it is the nature of the beast.

J.C. Chandor really burst on to the screen with Margin Call in 2011 and after following that up with the
Robert Redford film All is Lost he gives us this gritty and raw look at 1981 and the heating oil business in New York. An industry that is rife with corruption has one man trying to do things differently. Abel Morales wants to become the dominant player in the industry without the use of crime syndicates.

When the others in the industry don't see things the same way, it can lead to a truly violent result.

Soft-spoken yet intense, this film has a bite like nothing else this year. The story that Chandor weaves will have you impatiently looking for a resolution to this dispute and cheering Isaac's Abel charachter.

Chastain is really one of the hardest working actresses we have right now and she has a knack for picking roles that allow her to add immense value to a film. Here she portrays Abel's wife Anna that has been the daughter of a mobster but tries as much as possible to honor Abel's wishes to remain a clean organization. But as a smart, worldly woman she will try to do what's best for everyone.

I found myself totally riveted by the story. The gritty realism and first class acting on every level knocked my socks off and have kept this film with me for weeks since I have seen it. Chandor, Isaac, Chastain and the great Albert Brooks deserve this spot on the list.

Oh and by the way...check out the film Margin Call that Chandor did in 2011 - It's REALLY good as well...and worth a look if you missed it. Next up for him is Deepwater Horizon...and I can't wait!

A Most Violent Year

Rated R

125 minutes

Directed by J.C. Chandor

Written by J.C. Chandor

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, Albert Brooks

Opened in theaters - December 31, 2014 (limited)

Available on Bl-ray / DVD - Not Currently Announced