Set in 1981 in New York City "A Most Violent Year" captures life as cold and cruel as it will frost bite you just like the cold New York winter. It's a crime drama of the American way and living the dream as with life you pay a price for money and success especially when it comes from greed, violence and a life of crime. The film centers around immigrants a married couple Abel Morales(Oscar Isaac)and Anna Morales(Jessica Chastain in a direct and straight to the point role!)who run their own family business in a time of decay, violence, and corruption. You name it this mob drama has blood, murder, money, scandal, investigation and drama of moral right and wrong the backbone and delight of the film is Abel's strong direct tough as nails ball busting wife Anna as this lady calls the direction in the family she's not worried about making choices or pulling the trigger. Overall this film is a drama about what it's like to pay the price for greed and power while living the cold hard violent and blood soaked American dream.