A Most Violent Year

The year is 1981, and New York City lies in the depths of violence. A Most Violent Year gives the account of Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac), a businessman trying to legitimately run his up-and-coming trucking firm, finds obstacles from the competition as his trucks are hijacked and drivers beaten. He turns to the DA for help, but rampant corruption and his own checkered pass cause him to be a target of the people he’d hoped would help.

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In the ClearPlayed version, scenes of bloody menace and shooting are trimmed, as well as the aftermaths of some beatings. About 70 profanities are edited, among them 37 F-words. The plot may be too quiet and subtle for younger viewers, and though the ClearPlayed version is tamer than its R-rated counterpart, the ominous feeling of menace in the movie makes it appropriate mostly for mature teens and above.

Is A Most Violent Year a most violent movie?...

Interestingly, there’s more promise of violence than actual beatings and shootings in A Most Violent Year, which works to its advantage. Some acts of violence take place off screen, so when actual violence is alluded to, it seems even harsher. Isaac is a terrific actor, and with Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo in supporting roles, Violent Year provides intelligent drama.

Marty Nabhan, ClearPlay CB Convoy Starter

Rated R for language and some violence; 125 Mins; Directed by J.C. Chandor