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Reviews Counted:195
Fresh:169
Rotten:26
Average Rating:7.9/10
Consensus: A History of Violence raises compelling and thoughtful questions about the nature of violence.
Theatrical Release:30-09-2005
Synopsis: Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) is living a happy and quiet life with his lawyer wife (Maria Bello) and their two children in the small town of Millbrook, Indiana, but one night their idyllic existence... [More]
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, William Hurt, Ed Harris
Director: David Cronenberg
Cronenberg's masterful, intelligent and gripping meta-thriller leaves us pondering about our enduringly perverse desire for alternative realities, in which surrogate violent alter egos run righteously and preposterously amok.
What Mortensen does brilliantly is to keep us guessing.
Though this is certainly Cronenberg’s most ‘mainstream’ movie in years, the fact that it’s so immediately enjoyable as a terrific thriller does not diminish its less obvious virtues.
Top CriticCronenberg's direction is astonishingly good, particularly during two contrasting sex scenes that demonstrate the irreversible power shift in the relationship between Tom and Edie.
Cronenberg’s best for a long time, broad and entertaining enough for those unacquainted with the director’s work, but layered with the themes of infection and mutation that have defined his work.
Top CriticThis may look like a mainstream gig for Cronenberg, but it's his most challenging -- and enjoyable -- work in years.
Top CriticElegant, simple, profoundly intelligent filmmaking that gauges the story impeccably.
Impeccable formal control to match audacity is mandatory, and Cronenberg provides it
The movie begins slowly, methodically, and builds increasingly toward a devastating climax.
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The tension builds in a slow boil, then ignites furiously when we're not quite ready for it.
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Shows its stuff as both suspenseful, eloquent storytelling, while giving rise to larger cultural questions connected to the entrenched institutionalization of aggression as a major means of problem solving in this country.
A History of Violence develops with the singleness of purpose, and the rigor, of a mathematical demonstration, one that begins with a commonly accepted truth and ends with brains spattered across the floor.
full review in Greek
A smart, absorbing thriller
A remarkably convincing examination of heroism, hero worship, and the seductive allure of villainy.
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A tantalisingly explosive film about inner conflicts and secrets... a sublime psychological thriller in a western setting.
A strange David Cronenberg movie, and not in the usual audaciously morbid way. A brooding, contemplative picture that's tough, tight and masterfully controlled.
September 26, 2008:
Paramount Taking Child's One Shot with Olson 
Paramount has hired "A History of Violence" screenwriter Josh Olson to pen an adaptation of Lee Child's "One Shot" novel, about "an ex-Army policeman who...gets tangled up with... More...
December 24, 2007:
RT on DVD: Rush Hour 3, The Kingdom, and More!
There's action and drama to be found this week, and not just with your family at Christmas dinner. And if you couldn't make it out of town for the holidays, you're in luck; this... More...
October 02, 2007:
Cory Goodman to Remake Cronenberg's Brood
You guys! Check it out! You aren't going to believe this, but...it's a news item about a remake! More...
September 20, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: Jovovich vs. Alba in Multiplex Mayhem
Jodie Foster will find herself in the middle of a catfight over the number one spot this weekend. The star of current chart-topper The Brave One will face challenges from Milla... More...
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