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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.
All Critics (211) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (184) | Rotten (27) | DVD (19)
The less you know about this movie before seeing it -- and you really should see it -- the better. Apr 15, 2013 | Full Review…
The less you know about this movie before seeing it -- and you really should see it -- the better.
Christy Lemire
Cronenberg's direction, mirroring the split in Tom, is alternately measured and frighteningly explosive, and, as always, he gives the movie a nasty underlay of sexual perversity. Apr 15, 2013
Cronenberg's direction, mirroring the split in Tom, is alternately measured and frighteningly explosive, and, as always, he gives the movie a nasty underlay of sexual perversity.
David Denby
This peculiarly predictable picture has been calculated, or miscalculated, to set up certain expectations, fulfill them, and then do the same thing again, thereby giving us a chance to see what's coming and, at least in theory, be shocked. Apr 15, 2013 | Full Review…
This peculiarly predictable picture has been calculated, or miscalculated, to set up certain expectations, fulfill them, and then do the same thing again, thereby giving us a chance to see what's coming and, at least in theory, be shocked.
Joe Morgenstern
A remarkably convincing examination of heroism, hero worship, and the seductive allure of villainy. May 12, 2006
A remarkably convincing examination of heroism, hero worship, and the seductive allure of villainy.
Ken Tucker
There's nothing more off-putting than being treated like a guinea pig. Mar 10, 2006 | Full Review…
There's nothing more off-putting than being treated like a guinea pig.
Sandra Hall
The film, based on a graphic novel, has a crackling sense of visual tension. Oct 7, 2005 | Full Review…
The film, based on a graphic novel, has a crackling sense of visual tension.
Jim Emerson
That's what Cronenberg is up to here; although the film has an overly facile, glossy edge to it, it's the very polish that makes you question the proceedings. Aug 24, 2017 | Full Review…
That's what Cronenberg is up to here; although the film has an overly facile, glossy edge to it, it's the very polish that makes you question the proceedings.
Dorothy Woodend
Hopefully [it will] encourage a sobering sense of responsibility and a more truthful perspective on identities (individual and national). Dec 10, 2015 | Rating: A- | Full Review…
Hopefully [it will] encourage a sobering sense of responsibility and a more truthful perspective on identities (individual and national).
Jeffrey Overstreet
A fascinating exercise in cinematic restraint resulting in a captivating, not to be missed film. Oct 4, 2013 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review…
A fascinating exercise in cinematic restraint resulting in a captivating, not to be missed film.
Jeffrey Lyles
With A History Of Violence, Cronenberg uses the pulp gangster genre - as opposed to, say, sci-fi horror -- to draw us into a dialogue on our relationship as voyeurs to violence, both real and cinematic. Nov 7, 2012 | Rating: 4/5
With A History Of Violence, Cronenberg uses the pulp gangster genre - as opposed to, say, sci-fi horror -- to draw us into a dialogue on our relationship as voyeurs to violence, both real and cinematic.
Luke Goodsell
Without conceding any of his iconoclastic vision, Cronenberg has turned a genre film with classic Western overtones into a gripping psychological drama that examines the duality of man and his infatuation with the art of violence. Apr 20, 2011 | Rating: A- | Full Review…
Without conceding any of his iconoclastic vision, Cronenberg has turned a genre film with classic Western overtones into a gripping psychological drama that examines the duality of man and his infatuation with the art of violence.
Jeff Meyers
While it weakens in its final stretch...A History of Violence succeeds enormously thanks to the strength of its direction and performances. Aug 16, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
While it weakens in its final stretch...A History of Violence succeeds enormously thanks to the strength of its direction and performances.
Jay Antani
Flat out fantastic movie. Viggo takes this one by the reigns and never lets go. Lots of bloody violence, but the story is compelling and believable enough that you end up tagging along.
Super Reviewer
I am pretty let down I'm not going to lie. I love David Cronenberg's films, and waiting so long to view this film, I thought I didn't know what I had been missing, but I don't think I was missing much. Yes, his brilliant style is displayed here once again, but I think following a guy as things just happen with not really much shock value (which is what it was trying to convey), was kind of boring to me. The performances were good, but the supporting cast was just awful. There really wasn't much new to the genre here, and when villains are introduced, things happen that really throw you out of the story. I was very disappointed during this film, and it just did not connect with me. "A History of Violence" is fine for what it is I guess, but it's nothing special, especially coming from Cronenberg, although I admire it.
it's good at he beginning, but the movie is ruining the graphic novel. its much better in graphic novel. Dammit
Two bullies corner a quiet kid in a crowded school corridor and verbally humiliate him, calling him a coward. The quiet kid thereupon beats the living daylights out of the tough kids. So, in one instance, Cronenberg considers our societal relationship with violence: we like to say we deride it but actually but we always stop to watch. Too bad that its only a question of ethics presented and not a complete story, because after asking the question the director never follows through. As its Cronenberg, one does leave thinking: "that was one hell of a question!"
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