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A History of Violence

A History of Violence

2005
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 36m
Tom Stall (Mortensen) is living a happy and quiet life with his lawyer wife (Bello) and their two children in the small town of Millbrook, Indiana, until one night their idyllic existence is shattered when Tom foils a vicious attempted robbery in his diner. (New Line Cinema)

Directed by:

David Cronenberg

Screenwriter:

Josh Olson, Vince Locke, John Wagner

Starring:

William Hurt, Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Peter MacNeill, Stephen McHattie, Aidan Devine, Ashton Holmes, Heidi Hayes, Greg Bryk, Gerry Quigley

Genres:

Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime, Mystery

Countries:

Germany, USA

Language:

English
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A History of Violence

2005
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 36m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 57.92% from 9456 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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madmanMadMan
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
93rd
One of the best films of 2005. Its mixture of quiet moments and stunning acts of bloodshed combined together to produce a film that mediates upon the nature of violence and the serious effects such actions have upon society.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jasongirl67Jasongirl67
Rated 05 Mar 2020
100
94th
Completely blown away by this movie I never would have dreamed Cronenberg (The " King" of body horror would direct something so good) And that it was originally a graphic novel Plus I like the misdirection and the visual effects and strong storyline Just all in all a great movie
Rated 05 Mar 2020
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 11 Aug 2017
80
77th
Closet Mobster Dad
Rated 11 Aug 2017
paxtonPaxton
Rated 31 May 2012
91
91st
The day that someone explains to Cronenberg that violence and sex in movies is supposed to be slick and stylized is the day we lose one of our last provocateurs.
Rated 31 May 2012
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 04 Aug 2010
47
24th
Wow. It's like Cronenberg saw a gangster movie once, 20 years ago, and now tried his hand at making one too. There is no need for this movie to exist. Hammy, predictable, unengaging. I truly cannot understand the high scores for this. Seeing William Hurt trying to act gangster-y actually Hurt. That terrible non-joke had more thought put into it than most of this movie's dialogue.
Rated 04 Aug 2010
thmertensth_mertens
Rated 31 Jul 2008
70
52nd
A history of violence is tricky. It's easy to call this a superficial commercial movie. And that is maybe also one of the problems. But if you look closer you can tell it has got something to say. Like the way we look at violence and how selective we are in judging it (the nose!). Yet I found that Cronenberg was trying too hard to settle the all american family in the 1st part and that some emotions were kind of cliché (son who fighs back, the daughter at the end, ..) Some stellar acting though.
Rated 31 Jul 2008
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 16 Jan 2007
72
41st
Not bad, but it needed more fleshing out of the backstory, and William Hurt was lousy. I haven't read the comic (or graphic novel, or "sequential art" or whatever the hell they call it nowadays) but I'd bet it feels more complete.
Rated 16 Jan 2007
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 20 Sep 2012
75
50th
While the story leaves something to be desired, the duality of Mortensen's performance is impressive. His family thrust into immediate danger, he transforms from a humble small town diner owner into something entirely different. We find ourselves questioning his true nature well into the middle of the film, and the suspense is handled well. Things unravel a bit in the final act, with an underdeveloped back story and unnecessary characters, but the last five minutes present provocative questions.
Rated 20 Sep 2012
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 06 Mar 2014
70
51st
Cafe owner with hot wife live in Stepford until Quentin Tarantinoesque bad guys roll up and get shot. Cafe owner becomes a smalltown hero but is recognised by more bad guys who get shot. More bad guys hear about this shooting but they get shot too. The end! Did I say how hot his wife was ?? She was struggling to come to terms with Forrest Gump turning into Rambo; she clearly hadn't noticed that years of pouring coffee had given him a perfect physique. Daft, unbelievable but good gripping stuff!
Rated 06 Mar 2014
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 13 Dec 2013
8
76th
A History Of Violence is David Cronenberg's best film since 'Crash' almost a decade earlier. He's one of my favourite filmmakers and it's great see this film kick start a return to form for the veteran Director. Viggo Mortensen is such an underrated actor, the duality of his performance is superb and this first collaboration with Cronenberg is promising. Harris, Hurt and surprisingly Bello are all decent. It's a slow burner, but the set pieces are strong and the violence is graphically brutal.
Rated 13 Dec 2013
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 01 Aug 2009
87
93rd
As you would expect from Cronenberg, this is an engaging and thoughtful piece of drama. Mortensen puts in a superlative performance and manages to shroud himself in innocence then mystery, menace and finally brutality. Cronenberg balances the quiet moments with moments of pure savagery, which somehow seems to help the simple, yet uttlerly effective plot play out perfectly. A great drama.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
lucluc
Rated 29 Oct 2008
75
85th
Slow start but the last 30 minutes makes everything good. Decent and intresting movie.
Rated 29 Oct 2008
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 25 Mar 2008
90
95th
Cronenberg creates an ever growing tension in every scene until the final raw, shocking segment. The ending will leave you speechless.
Rated 25 Mar 2008
twincinematwincinema
Rated 29 May 2022
90
92nd
I can't explain the relief I feel after watching a film that's been on my watchlist for nearly 20 years. Cathartic. You started to wonder how the same man who made all those films in the 70s/80s was the man directing this, and then he lingers on someone who just got his nose shoved off his face.
Rated 29 May 2022
terrymacterrymac
Rated 23 May 2020
80
84th
Really nicely put together, with some nasty bits of violence and thoroughly unpleasant characters, and featuring some interesting themes and ideas. I didn't mind that there were a lot of gaps unfilled, but felt that credibility was being stretched very slightly towards the end. That said, the very last scene was very effective in the context of everything that had gone before. Punchy and compelling.
Rated 23 May 2020
nilkynarfynilkynarfy
Rated 01 May 2018
75
68th
Comeback films don't have to be great, they just have to make money. It's conventional in a not-quite-but-almost disappointing way, but if I didn't know the director, I would probably enjoy it more. I'm also falling in love with Maps to the Stars lately and want that to be my late Cronenberg template.
Rated 01 May 2018
thehynesthehynes
Rated 28 Apr 2015
48
26th
a really good concept for a film that unfortunately went seriously awry.A rubbish plot,some unconvincing acting,the fact our man turns out to be a Philadephia Ninja,the laughably inept bad guys,the angry/rape sex scene,the total lack of police interest in a multiple homicide etc etc. Just laughable really but there's just about enough about the film and it's premise to stop it going down the pan completely
Rated 28 Apr 2015
backwardsuitbackwardsuit
Rated 12 Nov 2014
83
86th
I almost can't believe how brilliantly it's directed. The tone goes from comical to realistic to absurd and extreme without losing the story once. Bello and Mortensen are just fabulous and manage to keep the story from falling apart in its innate craziness. On the page this must have looked like an absolute train wreck. The most confident film from Cronenberg since the vastly overlooked Crash.
Rated 12 Nov 2014
ddrudgesd_drudges
Rated 30 Aug 2014
40
44th
Could have been an opportunity to explore the cycle of violence that has defined humanity's existence thus far, but unfortunately the characters and their motivations come straight from your average comic book. The movie is wholly uncharacteristic of David Cronenberg's career and definitely one of his lowest points.
Rated 30 Aug 2014
ocelotOcelot
Rated 26 Jun 2014
85
94th
A mostly excellent film that's dragged down by a stupid climax, featuring a bizarrely praised William Hurt playing a cartoon mobster. The rest of the performances are, however, excellent, and the other formal elements combine to create a domestic thriller that ranges from mostly to very effective. Ultimately a disappointment considering its very strong first act.
Rated 26 Jun 2014
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 20 Nov 2012
4
74th
I think it all went over my head the first time I watched this, but now I see it as a wickedly clever, subversive, and intense film. Cronenberg paints the nuclear family with big cliched strokes (it nearly borders on mockery), only to poke holes in the values of Americana and reveal a proclivity to violence. What's more, this is no story of redemption and transcendence. In the end the corrupted American Dream is still there, sitting at the family dinner table.
Rated 20 Nov 2012
lumpnboylumpnboy
Rated 10 Jun 2012
40
35th
One of Cronenberg's least interesting movies. Don't say it was based on a comic, it was based on a 'graphic novel'. Anyway, I was reading one of those Garfield graphic novels the other day...
Rated 10 Jun 2012
damildamil
Rated 12 Jan 2012
20
2nd
I was immensely disappointed. It seems to be a pretty well-received film but, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why. The story wasn't necessarily bad but it was executed horribly. The dialogue was absolutely cliché-ridden & unimaginative. The actors' performances were totally wooden & unrealistic. The violence as well as the nudity/sex scenes were so awfully gratuitous. The whole thing was quite cringe-worthy, to be honest. What I find most odd is that David Cronenberg is a great director!
Rated 12 Jan 2012
kojilessKojiless
Rated 18 Nov 2011
88
90th
Violence has never been so historic.
Rated 18 Nov 2011
neonmanNeonman
Rated 05 Sep 2011
87
87th
An excellent slow-burner; every scene, no matter how innocent seeming, is like a prolonged shock. The acting is pretty bad-ass throughout, but tight. A film that treats its audience smarter than it is, but still manages to surprise with either sudden violence or unpredictable hilarity, or both at the same time.
Rated 05 Sep 2011
freshFresh
Rated 19 Jul 2011
87
68th
A History of Violence raises compelling and thoughtful questions about the nature of violence, while representing a return to form for director David Cronenberg -- in one of his more uncharacteristic pieces.
Rated 19 Jul 2011
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 15 Apr 2011
68
45th
An excellent opening only makes it more disappointing when it changes into some sterile and rote drama and action. Cronenberg frequently comments on detachment and alienation, but too often he misses the mark and seems to me to end up making the film itself detached and lifeless. This is one of those films, and it just doesn't feel right, almost like everyone took acting lessons from Martians.
Rated 15 Apr 2011
rufamRufam
Rated 26 Feb 2011
75
72nd
"A History of Violence" is a good film that could have been great. The first part works as an intriguing, spooky and quietly suspenseful thriller with sudden bursts of realistic violence. In the second part, the plot just goes ridiculously over-the-top -what began as a thoughtful drama evolves into an extremely naive and cartoonish farce once Viggo arrives at his brother's mansion. The final confrontation at the dinner table is purgative, but it can't compensate for the mess that preceded it.
Rated 26 Feb 2011
ashmac13ash_mac13
Rated 06 Feb 2011
72
44th
A brilliant idea for a story, which starts out very promising. It's clear that the director intended to portray a story so dark and non-fairytale that audiences were moved to be uncomfortable. Oddly enough, I did feel uncomfortable, but for different reasons. The events which unfolded; and the characters therein; seemed oddly un-human, which left me feeling no connection to the characters at all. As such, the film's potential power was lost on me.
Rated 06 Feb 2011
vertiggoVertiggo
Rated 25 Nov 2010
91
88th
I love you Karen.
Rated 25 Nov 2010
matthew_parkinsonMatthew Parkinson
Rated 16 Oct 2010
60
62nd
A History of Violence is a single-minded film that is stretched out far too long. That doesn't mean it isn't still a good movie, but it certainly could have been better. The acting is overall fairly solid, with Viggo Mortenson and Ed Harris being the big stars. The film delves into whether or not violence is ever justified, as well as taking stabs at society's fascination with violence as a concept, but this basically feels like a reason to show some of the things that it does.
Rated 16 Oct 2010
echingEChing
Rated 08 Oct 2010
95
90th
Impressed with Cronenberg's grasp of the emotional fabric of Tom and Edie Stall's marriage. Believable performances by Mortensen and Bello.
Rated 08 Oct 2010
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 24 Sep 2010
77
93rd
A streamlined Cronenberg really fits this movie well. Although this easily could have been better with a little history to Tom's character, there is no doubting the sense of menace.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 27 Jan 2010
85
66th
And interesting Cronenberg film, and--like all Cronenberg films--disturbing.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
purgatospurgatos
Rated 18 Nov 2009
75
61st
Good movie with some very effective scenes, often uncomfortable and menacing. More simple and straightforward than I like my Cronenberg though.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
bitch_alertBitch Alert
Rated 27 Aug 2008
70
65th
I like the fact that the viewer is constantly expecting to see Maria Bello nude but the director keeps disappointing him/her(?) time after time. All the sex and not even a nipple. And then, all of the sudden, there she is: in the doorway, naked from head to toe. Talk about genius!
Rated 27 Aug 2008
filliganFilligan
Rated 18 Aug 2008
61
11th
Mortensen has his impressive moments and, sure, it's an entertaining movie. You'll want to keep watching. But some of it feels out of place, almost borderline silly. It could be the fact that I could have written the screenplay when I was fourteen. Seriously. William Hurt is the biggest stand-out.
Rated 18 Aug 2008
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 27 Jun 2008
74
85th
Nice
Rated 27 Jun 2008
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 18 May 2008
84
86th
Haven't read the comic, but this movie is well made, and has a extremely well done plot. P.S. was the last movie made in VHS format
Rated 18 May 2008
boobjuiceBoobjuice
Rated 13 May 2008
81
83rd
Mortensen plays both nonthreatening, small-town Average Joe and twitchy, menacing former gangster exceedingly well... great film.
Rated 13 May 2008
halfjapaneseHalfJapanese
Rated 31 Dec 2007
85
76th
Cronenberg takes on the gangster film and comes out a winner.
Rated 31 Dec 2007
manhattaManhatta
Rated 30 Dec 2007
84
67th
I had mixed feelings about this throughout, but the ending was very, very good. The sex scenes were great within the context of the story, and the violence was as terrible as it needed to be to fit the theme.
Rated 30 Dec 2007
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 14 Nov 2007
5
91st
As brilliant an examination of violence and human nature as you'll find. The contrasting portrayals of rural and urban America are stark, but staggeringly effective, and the way the movie plays with and against cliches intertwines beautifully with Cronenberg's notions of portrayals of violence in film and media. The four primaries - Mortensen, Bello, Harris and Hurt - are uniformly fantastic.
Rated 14 Nov 2007
ytadelYtadel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
57th
William Hurt cannot do badass what the hell you guys
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mdruskinmdruskin
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
14th
History of Violence could have been pretty interesting, but unfrotunately it really lacks a plot that makes sense and features horrible dialog and some poor acting (from the kids). The dialog is actually so bad that I often laughed at what people said and the situations they got into. This completely kills the dark, tense mood of the movie and the last scene is not very effective because the climax is laughable. The violence in the movie is also very gory and that gives the whole thing a very un
Rated 14 Aug 2007
vince_leoVince Leo
Rated 14 Aug 2007
76
78th
They say that those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and that is the central lesson learned in A History of Violence, making this something more substantial than a revenge thriller or character study.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
leshiileshii
Rated 14 Aug 2007
17
2nd
Possibly the most overrated movie in recent film history, except for Crash and Million Dollar Baby. The trailer offered us one movie and we got something totally different.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
eveeluneveelun
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
78th
The film is richly layered - the story of a mob vengeance and prestige is interesting enough, but really just a front for a fascinating examination of how we condemn, condone, or praise acts of hideous brutality depending on context.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
caimancaiman
Rated 02 Mar 2007
71
40th
Good acting, well shot, intriguing ideas, and Cronenberg is one of the directors I find most fascinating. So why don't I love this? There's something, SOMETHING, terribly off with this movie. I've seen it three times and still can't fully put my finger on it, but it has to do with its odd cornball approach to the subject matter; some scenes have a downright after-school-special vibe. Is this intentional? Until I can answer that, this remains one of the most vexing movies I've ever seen.
Rated 02 Mar 2007
thaneoffifeThaneOfFife
Rated 01 Mar 2007
90
76th
This movie is brutal, no doubt about it. I thought it was very good, and I may be in the minority on that one. Ed Harris' character is the definition of evil. Every part of him just oozed bad guy.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 10 Feb 2007
90
85th
My brain can't tell the difference between William Hurt and Ed Harris. They don't even look similar. It's incredibly frustrating.
Rated 10 Feb 2007
jazzlordjazzlord
Rated 06 Oct 2024
58
16th
I feel like this film wants to say something about how violent actions affect those around us, relying on the absence of violence in the film as much as the action scenes, Unfortunately the writing is pretty poor with characters making unbelievable decisions and the acting isn't great either, so it doesn't succeed at what it attempts and is instead very nothing-y.
Rated 06 Oct 2024
lofisofilofisofi
Rated 15 Mar 2024
90
94th
the american dream, a continuous monopoly of violence
Rated 15 Mar 2024
angrypierreangrypierre
Rated 24 Nov 2023
50
21st
A surprisingly dull take on the hitman tries to live a new quiet life trope. Two of the weirdest sex scenes you could imagine plonked straight into an otherwise po-faced affair.
Rated 24 Nov 2023
robbytrobbyt
Rated 05 Jun 2023
60
18th
I made it until the end.
Rated 05 Jun 2023
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 30 Apr 2023
86
88th
This is an outstanding, very thoughtful and taut thriller/drama with strong performances by Mortensen, Bello, Ed Harris, and William Hurt (in one scene.) The ending is one of the better extended dialogue-less drama scenes I've seen. The only time it really falters is toward the beginning, as some of the aspects establishing the loving couple and the bullying situation, etc, don't ring true and can even be eye-roll worthy. Once it gets past that and into the main story it doesn't miss much.
Rated 30 Apr 2023
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 12 Dec 2022
67
15th
Very corny. Was the lame dialogue meant to be satirical?
Rated 12 Dec 2022
silent_discosilent disco
Rated 08 Sep 2022
55
28th
This is a Lifetime movie.
Rated 08 Sep 2022
bownBown
Rated 11 Jun 2022
75
34th
I wouldn’t really call this a history of violence. If it was a textbook, you’d be pretty unhappy, you know?
Rated 11 Jun 2022
pyrosexualpyrosexual
Rated 04 Feb 2022
55
8th
Bland, contrived, and dumbed down. William Hurt's oscar winning turn reminds me of Al Pacino in Gigli and my wife points out one of the major plot points is suspiciously similar to what's going on in Cool as Ice starring Vanilla Ice. Both of these other movies are far more entertaining than A History of Violence.
Rated 04 Feb 2022
tuwandaTuwanda
Rated 24 Aug 2021
100
90th
Not to be crass or immature, but this movie has one of the best sex scenes I've ever seen.
Rated 24 Aug 2021
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 15 May 2021
61
45th
I like the core idea but I don't think it digs deep enough into Viggo's psychology to be effective. If the family drama were less rote, I might appreciate the overall film more. While I appreciate how brutal the violence is, I think the choreography leaves a lot to be desired. Our hero doesn't overcome the stacked odds against him because he's the most skilled or determined, he overcomes them because his opponents all patiently wait off to the side while he slowly brutalizes one man at a time.
Rated 15 May 2021
nickzecNickZec
Rated 15 Nov 2020
25
10th
Laughable, cartoonish, and amateurishly acted.
Rated 15 Nov 2020
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 10 Mar 2020
41
20th
Seen: 2. I hated this the first time I saw it, with its clumsy acting and poorly constructed mystery. Upon second viewing, I don't hate it. But that is about the best I can say. The acting and mystery are not as terrible as I first thought.
Rated 10 Mar 2020
solomonburrrSolomonBurrr
Rated 08 Mar 2020
76
68th
76.1
Rated 08 Mar 2020
jentzejentze
Rated 01 Jan 2020
80
64th
Very good noir film with some graphic violence. Only thing I find off putting is the family drama between Tom and his teenage son. It is said that Cronenberg makes movies that may appear simple at first - to me A History of Violence is quite simple and economical even after multiple views.
Rated 01 Jan 2020
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 09 Nov 2019
70
71st
An interesting film that really goes against the Hollywood cliches early on. It has some moments that should’ve been cut or altered, but the acting is good and it’s entertaining enough for what it is.
Rated 09 Nov 2019
comepeliculacomepelicula
Rated 19 Jul 2018
70
72nd
A very entertaining and enjoyable film with some subtle subtheme going on, the suspense is quite good.
Rated 19 Jul 2018
seckintayfunseckintayfun
Rated 01 Feb 2018
4
10th
completely disappointed
Rated 01 Feb 2018
syntheseizurSyntheseizur
Rated 24 Nov 2017
78
54th
Cronenberg often crafts cartoonish villains and heroes who act out their darkest instincts, but in the mundane context of suburban America, these tendencies shine new light on the nature of violence: our disgust for it, our thirst for it, our need to push those urges out of our minds, our need to call on them for our survival. Through all the exaggerated gore, stilted dialogue, and archetypal characters, he reveals something unique about the roles violence plays in our collective consciousness.
Rated 24 Nov 2017
parexus2Parexus2
Rated 02 Oct 2017
68
14th
I love me some Cronenberg, but what the fuck is this? I really expected more than this underwhelming Lifetime movie. Yeah, I understand the duality but is that really an excuse? How did this get as good ratings as it does. I like the story but they managed to make an hour and a half drama with some violence look like a 10,000$ budget movie. IT had the same budget and look what it managed. Fuck sakes Cronenberg.
Rated 02 Oct 2017
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 10 May 2017
65
45th
The pay-off does not match the build-up. This describes both the movie and sex on stairs.
Rated 10 May 2017
andreaslutroandreaslutro
Rated 15 Jan 2017
60
24th
A mostly well done story about a man making up with or fighting his past, somewhat undercut by shallow characters, some corny writing and somewhat underwhelming ending.
Rated 15 Jan 2017
lenaclena_c
Rated 01 Oct 2016
2
17th
Oh my .... I was really bored. I can appreciate the performances but in this case it just wasn't enough. *Okay
Rated 01 Oct 2016
chengmingchengming
Rated 23 Jun 2016
70
62nd
Interesting way of storytelling and well-made, but in the end too many lapses into Hollywood clichés.
Rated 23 Jun 2016
cstewart64CStewart64
Rated 03 May 2016
11
45th
W3E0P1S1V2M1A2R1. Don't remember it well, but I remember images from it vividly, because it was a nice mix of understated and shocking.
Rated 03 May 2016
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 20 Feb 2016
17
93rd
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 20 Feb 2016
ksrivasksrivas
Rated 20 Oct 2015
90
94th
I've watched this movie many times, and it entertains me every time.
Rated 20 Oct 2015
timon88Timon88
Rated 10 Sep 2015
82
85th
Very well-paced--low-key, tension-building scenes and manic, violent outbursts are kept in just the right balance, deftly aided by an effective musical score. And it all highlights excellent performances from the actors--everyone, really, but especially Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris. William Hurt does some highly entertaining scenery-chewing in his big scene. I haven't been so pleasantly surprised by a movie in a very long time.
Rated 10 Sep 2015
lethiaslethias
Rated 31 May 2015
85
67th
God damn it this movie has some really good scenes and overall excellent feel to it.
Rated 31 May 2015
badfurdayBadFurDay
Rated 22 May 2015
3
11th
Simply way too slow. Pretentiously slow. Dumb plot with a strong but dumb resolution.
Rated 22 May 2015
thereeldealthereeldeal
Rated 13 May 2015
80
80th
A sort of Blue Velvet contemporary, which is of the highest compliment. A History of Violence features similar themes of violence invading the idyllic American dream, only this time around it's resurfacing instead of being dug up. The darkness spreads like the plague in this fantastic thriller, and Cronenberg is at his most clever directing. Note the evolution of the weather and the naturalness of the dialogue in the violent scenes as opposed to the stiff calm scenes. Gripping and respectful.
Rated 13 May 2015
rymRYM
Rated 28 Mar 2015
69
70th
3.47/5
Rated 28 Mar 2015
stripyStripy
Rated 25 Mar 2015
83
69th
I always thought the guy on the poster = main character was Woody Harrelson.
Rated 25 Mar 2015
macswellMacSwell
Rated 10 Feb 2015
55
33rd
The scenes of violence are excellently, viscerally realised, whereas the family drama and sex scenes never feel necessary to the film's narrative, creating an acutely uneven tone. Cronenberg still does well with a thin story but more substance and more engaging dialogue, especially for Mortensen, would have been more than welcome. Harris and Hurt are terrific in sinister roles.
Rated 10 Feb 2015
boyd_crowderBoyd Crowder
Rated 16 Jan 2015
82
69th
rarely have I seen scenes of violence and sexual content more appropriately used than here. impressive stuff ... the portrayal of American town life and high school troubles on the other hand isn't really.
Rated 16 Jan 2015
salomaordsalomaord
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
David Cronenberg #6
Rated 02 Jan 2015
kenny_powersKenny Powers
Rated 03 Aug 2014
75
32nd
Interesting film with a great performance from Mortensen. Examines how one cannot out run sins of the past no matter how hard they try.
Rated 03 Aug 2014
rorror
Rated 21 Jul 2014
90
68th
Provocative. I'm still digesting this one.
Rated 21 Jul 2014
parallaxParallax
Rated 21 Apr 2014
81
62nd
Some of the superficiality in the acting is hard to take at times, but Cronenberg's mix of the idyllic and the extreme had me by the end.
Rated 21 Apr 2014
dylanwilson6dylanwilson6
Rated 15 Apr 2014
70
50th
So to the set this up, Mortensen has a history and it may perhaps involve some sort of violence (waiting to confirm with my sources on that). OK so while this movie has some good performances and an idea that they all hit on well, it's just not fleshed out as much as I would of hoped. It's a slow crawl till it finally gets going and when it does, it's great. But I feel that this film misses on it's full potential. The final scene is a pretty powerful moment though.
Rated 15 Apr 2014
jamesclarkJamesClark
Rated 11 Apr 2014
82
71st
I enjoyed the performances all around but Vigo Mortensen steals it with the duality and depth to his character. The final act feels a little disappointing for such an incredible build-up though.
Rated 11 Apr 2014
whotempwhotemp
Rated 01 Apr 2014
78
49th
- 7/12/12
Rated 01 Apr 2014
mariasMariaS
Rated 27 Mar 2014
89
77th
Love Viggo Mortensen
Rated 27 Mar 2014
caocaocaocao
Rated 23 Feb 2014
71
61st
I'm not sure if the cartoonish villains hurt it or not but the spread of violence was compelling stuff. At the end it was hard to tell just what the cost had been and what was next. It's the sort of ambiguous story that should lead to some interesting discussion.
Rated 23 Feb 2014
wezzoWezzo
Rated 23 Jan 2014
84
63rd
A festering, bubbling study of our pasts and what they make us. Works well as a straight-up thriller; works even better as psychoanalysis. Viggo Mortensen is superb.
Rated 23 Jan 2014
rttntomatoesrttntomatoes
Rated 22 Dec 2013
87
69th
A History of Violence raises compelling and thoughtful questions about the nature of violence, while representing a return to form for director David Cronenberg in one of his more uncharacteristic pieces.
Rated 22 Dec 2013
redactedredacted
Rated 25 Nov 2013
86
86th
After being dropped into the 2nd half of Tom Stalls life, HoV feels like 3 Breaking Bad plots running over the home-life arch. Sports some realistic violence & sex that for once compliments the plot. On that note, credit to Bello who stays within herself while being pushed & pulled emotionally throughout the script & earning those spine scars from all that staircase fuck. Could have lost the son/90's school-yard sub-plot as that seemed to just end without any real fallout.
Rated 25 Nov 2013
lisa_iilisa-
Rated 25 Oct 2013
5
70th
.
Rated 25 Oct 2013
glm01glm01
Rated 07 Oct 2013
85
83rd
85.000
Rated 07 Oct 2013

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