A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (2014)

Set in 1981 - one of the most violent years in New York City's history - A Most Violent Year is about a poor, hardworking immigrant named Abel (the brilliant Oscar Isaac) who has worked for years to build up his heating oil distribution business, determined not to take the easy way in an industry rampant with organized crime members.  Determined to keep things as honest as possible (tax evasion and juggling the books, maybe - but violence or ANY kind of felonies, no way) for his family - even with his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain, also amazing here) being the daughter of a low-level crime boss in Brooklyn - when Abel overextends himself to buy a piece of land that would considerably expand his business, he also finds his drivers falling victim to a pair of thugs who beat them, then steal their trucks - and the precious oil that's the lifeblood of Abel's business.  A serious, not exactly uplifting drama, the film is a terrific, realistic chronicle of the life of one man, struggling to find the American dream for his family on the rightest path possible. (rated R)  A-

A MOST VIOLENT YEAR trailer