What is surprising about "A Most Violent Year" is that is absent from the seven nominees for Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards. It is a shocker because whomever wins the award for best film at The National Board of Review usually wins best picture at the Academy Awards or at least scores a nomination. This film failed to do so on both accounts. The question is why? Is it boring? Did the Academy think that the themes of corruption, crime, and business, all set in the dangerous times of New York City in the 80's, wouldn't resonate with today's public? It would be interesting to hear why they didn't grant it an nomination because it is truly a magnificent picture.

Oscar Issac stars as Abel Morales, a business man who owns a oil company, who has finally reaches the big time. His wife, Anna Morales, played by the ever so beautiful and reliable Jessica Chastain, is right by his side to celebrate everything that he has earned. Since the film takes place in New York City, during the 1980's, which was far from the safe and beautiful place it is today, crime is rampant. One of his trucks, which is carrying 6,000 gallons of fuel is stolen. At first, it seems like a one time thing but as the movie progresses, more and more bad circumstances start to happen to Abel's company and personal life. All the awhile Lawrence, who works for the police department, is investigating all his numbers since half the businesses around the city have ripped people off. Abel tries to deal with this like a gentleman, but Anna will do anything to stay afloat and constantly criticizes his manhood for not taking charge and going full force on those who are threatening both his business and family. Can good old fashioned decency even exist in business, especially during this time?

Oscar Issac carries this film effortlessly. Abel struggles with doing what is right and what has to be done throughout the entire film. Issac shows this struggle through every grimace, frown, and wrinkled eyebrow. It is a quiet performance but shouldn't be overlooked like it unfairly has been. J.C. Candor, who wrote and directed the film, gives so many poignant and suave lines to Abel. This is a man who you can tell has truly worked for what he has earned, he wasn't given it. Many of the scenes are him conversing and cutting deals with the people around him. Many movie goers love the gun shots and violence of crime dramas, which this film does have, but that life isn't all about those choices. Characters like Abel are smarter and above those choices. His motto is that the best way to stay unnoticed is not to make noise. That motto is not shared by his wife who is played by Chastain. This is an actress who is becoming more and more better with each role she plays. I like to keep the word "I" out of my reviews but I think she really is the next Meryl Streep. Every role she takes on she knocks out of the park. Here, she is cunning, sly, and fierce. Yes, she did have the fierceness in 2012's "Zero Dark Thirty", but here she seems more frightening. Chastain plays Anna like a lioness protecting her cubs. She is incredibly believable as a east coast mafia girl. The accent, the temper, the guilt, the sex appeal..she has it all here. It is an amazing performance that adds even more to the level that Issac reaches. Both of these actors attended the famous acting school Julliard together and, it has been said, that they dreamed of working together one day. Well, they got their wish and the results are out of this world. Let's hope they do this again with the level of skill they achieve here. The performances are worth the price of admission.

J.C. Chandor's last feature, "All is Lost", was about a man, played by Robert Redford stranded at sea. The film was Redford all by himself for the entire length of the film fighting to survive. The film divided the people. Some thought it was boring, while others thought it was brilliant. Chandor likes to to tell his time with his storytelling so those of you who are allergic to a slow building story should stay clear of this film. For those who don't mind these kind of films know that films like these usually reward patience. A car chase in the film is thrilling and well shot. Another scene shows a truck driver running for his life from the police and those who are trying to harm him. The foot chase is beautiful staged and perfectly photographed. The cinematography is simple, but adds so much to the straightforwardness of the story. The colors are very basic which adds to the the vintage style it achieves in capturing. In moments where the thrills come through the dialogue driven scenes, Alex Ebert's haunting score heightens the intensity of those scenes even more. It is an all around masterpiece in film making that is captained by Chandor. There is so much morality in this film that Chandor brings out through his direction and masterfully written script.

"A Most Violent Year" has been unfairly forgotten by the most award circuit. Many people who go to the movies always defend their unnoticed films by saying, "who cares about critics, what do they know"? Well, people who love film also feel like that sometimes. This is a beautiful film that is wise, cool, and intense in its own subtle way. It is a damn shame it has been unappreciated. It is one of the best films of the year.