This is a crime drama set in the New York winter of 1981; that was the most violent year recorded in the city's history and gives the film its title. Oscar Isaac plays Abel Morales an Hispanic immigrant who has worked his way up to be a major player in the fuel oil business. Jessica Chastain plays his accountant wife who has aided him in his achievements and is as strong as him in getting what she feels she deserves.

Then he needs to expand his business, borrow a ton of cash whilst at the same time his business empire is under threat from assailants unknown. His lorries are being targeted, his drivers attacked and his fuel stolen all at a time when he least needs the attention. His morals of 'doing everything by the book' are sorely put to the test in a field where there are often no holds barred and the assistant DA wont help him.

This is an exceptionally good film. It has you fully gripped from the start and the story itself has all the momentum of a run away goods train. The acting is superb, from Morales and Chastain down to the part players. The period detail is spot on too and the location shooting is in a class of its own. The only thing that let it down for me was the ending – to say why would be a plot spoiler. That said it is the journey that often matters rather than the destination and if that is the criteria then this was a journey worth taking.