"A Most Violent Year" is a good slow smolder full of restrained tension and nuance. It is one examination of the "American Dream" and what it takes to achieve it.

Oscar Isaac is perfect as Abel Morales, understated at most times yet believable and charismatic. He has his own moral code, following "the most right choice". He says that the end result is never in doubt, the trick is in choosing the most right way to reach it. He lives and breathes his personal ambition to the point that it is not ambition but rather a natural thing build into his genetic code. At one point he is asked why he wants all this (success) to which Abel responds that he doesn't understand the question.

Abel's wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), provides the on the surface emotion. Where Abel can be cool, calculated, and focused, Anna is the fire in the family. Flashy with her Armani dresses and long fingernails, she is also the mama lion, ready to draw blood when her territory is infringed upon. Her performance is a lot of fun to watch.

Visually, the film is great. Plenty of background and depth for the characters to inhabit. This film takes place in 1981 and has somewhat of the gritty feel of films such as "The French Connection". The background never overshadows the characters and the framing never constricts the performances. The scenery is there to set this film in a time and place, one real enough to feel, hear, and smell.

This film may be "too slow" for some, those that need the instant jolts, the unnecessary and illogical twist endings, or unrealistic and over the top shootouts. The few visceral thrills the film provides are very effective within the steady realistic pacing of the film. Avoid this film if you don't like the idea of considering what motivates people and psychologically evaluating what actually makes people tick. Definitely check this film out if you like good character pieces and performances with beautiful yet unobtrusive cinematography. This is a hidden gem among the 2014 crop of films.

Blarv Score: 8.8 out of 10