“A Most Violent Year” movie quotes tell the story of one businessman trying to run a clean business in a very corrupt society. The crime drama was written and directed by J. C. Chandor and earned numerous award nominations including a Best Supporting Actress nod at the Golden Globes. “A Most Violent Year” opened in theaters on December 31, 2014.
In “A Most Violent Year,” Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) is an immigrant in 1981 in New York City in search of the American dream. He is trying his best to run a clean and legal heating oil company in a time where violence, corruption and organized crime is rampant. This is, however, difficult when his competitors are not playing by the same rules in their attempt to take him down for their own benefit.
While Abel’s wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), works to try to smooth things over for him, often stepping outside of his moral high ground, neither can protect their family or their business when law enforcement, led by Assistant District Attorney Lawrence (David Oyelowo) begins sniffing around in the industry. This all leads to a tough spot where Abel must decide between his morals and playing by the rules of his competitors in order to remain competitive.
“A Most Violent Year” closes out a 2014 movie slate which also included other great films such as ”The Interview,” ”Unbroken,” ”American Sniper,” ”Into the Woods,” ”Big Eyes,” ”The Gambler,” ”The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” ”Annie,” ”Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” ”Mr. Turner,” "Life Partners," "Comet," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1," and "Horrible Bosses 2.
A Most Violent Year Movie Quotes,
These Are Dangerous Times
Abel Morales: “I run a fair and clean business and I will fight to my last breath to prove that.”
Bill O'Leary: “These are dangerous times and we have to adapt. It’s not like when we was driving.”
As much as Abel tries to run a clean and legal business, as Bill explains, others do not play by the same rules. They can either adapt and be competitive or get left in the dust.
This Was Very Disrespectful
Anna Morales: “I understand you and your men have a job to do but we’re in the middle of a 10-year-old’s birthday party.”
Lawrence: “I’m sorry, but we are coming in.”
Anna Morales: “That’s not a problem. We have nothing to hide from you.”
…
Anna Morales: “This is probably one you’re going to regret.”
Lawrence: “Excuse me?”
Anna Morales: “My husband’s an honorable man. We’re not who you think we are.”
Lawrence: “I think I know your father.”
Anna Morales: “Good for you. My husband is not my father, not even close. So if I were you, I would start treating us with a little more respect or I guarantee he will make it his mission in life to ruin you. This was very disrespectful.”
When Assistant District Attorney Lawrence interrupts a birthday party at the Morales home, Anna does not take the intrusion lightly. She gives Lawrence a stern lecture on why his interruption was a mistake and that he needs to give them a bit more respect. For as honorable as she claims they are, her threats suggest otherwise.
You're At War Here
Anna Morales: “This can’t continue. You’re at war here.”
Abel Morales: “No, we are not.”
Anna Morales: “But they are.”
Anna tries to convince Abel that whether he wants to be or not, he is at war with his enemies. He can’t sit back and pretend all is well when those conspiring against his company are out for blood.
Something to Bring This On Yourself
Lawrence: “There were more murders and rapes in this city last year than there have ever been so if you’re coming to tell me that we have an urgent security issue here, trust me, I’m aware.”
Abel Morales: “It’s been two years since you started investigating my industry. Do you have any idea who’s been doing this to us?”
Lawrence: “Or you may be doing something to bring this on yourself”
When Abel and Anna speak to Lawrence with the hopes that Lawrence’s investigation can shed some light on who is responsible for the crimes against Morales’ company, the response they receive is not what they expected. For as legal as Abel keeps his company, he is now the one being painted as the criminal.
Serious Legal Cases
Arthur Lewis: “You now have serious legal cases against you ranging from fraud to tax evasion.”
Arthur breaks down the legal issues facing Abel. With all these charges, there comes a point when you have to wonder if Abel is as innocent and moral as he has always claimed.
14-Count Indictment
Andrew Walsh: “The DA’s coming down with a 14-count indictment. You’ve just pushed a little too far, that’s all.”
Despite always trying to do the right thing, as Andrew mentions, Abel has found himself in some legal trouble. It was not Abel looking for this trouble, rather those who are out to get Abel putting him in this hot water.
Your Kid Playing With a Loaded Gun
Abel Morales: “What is that?”
Anna Morales: “It’s a gun. It’s a f***ing gun.”
Abel Morales: “Where did you get that?”
Anna Morales: “Your youngest daughter found it in the bushes outside our front door. She was playing with it. Look, it’s loaded, with the safety off. It wasn’t some kid looking to take our TV. It was a f***ing goon with a loaded gun looking in our window.”
Abel Morales: “I’ll take care of it.”
Anna Morales: “What does that mean when you say you’ll take care of it? It’s not a brick through a car window or another of the cute little warnings through the past few years. This is your kid playing with a loaded gun!”
Abel Morales: “I know what it is! I’m going to deal with it.”
Anna Morales: “Oh, you better. You’re not going to like what will happen once I get involved.”
Anna is startled when a gun is found outside their home by their young daughter. She wants Abel to step up and deal with those who are trying to hurt them but isn’t confident that his way of dealing with it will be effective.
The Path That Is Most Right
Abel Morales: “You should know that I have always taken the path that is most right. The result is never in question for me. Just what path do you take to get there? And that is what this is.”
Abel proclaims his innocence in everything citing an ongoing commitment to take the moral high ground. He realizes that not everyone shares his beliefs and points that out as well.
When It Feels Scary to Jump
Abel Morales: “When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life and that I can’t do.”
Abel explains his mindset in business and the American dream. Sometimes you have to take a risk to get ahead. If not, you might not ever gain anything, something that he’s not interested in.
It Wasn't Your Good Luck
Anna Morales: “It wasn’t your good luck helping you out all these years. It was me!”
Abel Morales: “I don’t want anything to do with this!”
Anna tries to explain to Abel that her role in their business dealings has been more than he realizes. Regardless of her involvement, he doesn’t want anything to do with the ugly side of the industry.