A Most Violent Year

The Godfather IV: The Golden Eighties, or an intimate (non-)gangster variation of the “Book of Job” built on an unusually carefully constructed (and wonderfully escalated) disturbing subliminal tension. (11.03.2015)

An incredible and subliminally affair for ultimate connoisseurs. A film that dominates precisely in those aspects that an ordinary viewer will not notice or register at first glance: the editing, the realistic performances, the chilling atmosphere of 1980s New York in winter, numerous dialogue scenes without music, and a perfectly balanced plot, essentially without a single dull moment. Of course, it doesn't have the same dramatic narrative value, and it's not as epic as the better-rated films of the genre, but as an inconspicuous low-budget alternative to the gangster genre, why not? Essentially, a small drama full of intense emotions and a desire to root for the main protagonist, who initially appears as an unsure person but gradually builds up exactly as intended by the script. Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac are fantastic. (25.06.2015)

I somehow knew from the beginning that I wouldn't enjoy this movie, but because of Jessica, I wanted to give it a chance. Acting-wise, it is a film that is very well executed, but when it comes to the storyline, I simply got bored. I would imagine A Most Violent Year in New York to be something more interesting and not just a drama about one family/society. (12.05.2015)