A History of Violence (2005) Review in 2025
A History of Violence is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner who is forced to confront his dark past.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to graphic violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
A History of Violence is a must-watch for fans of thrillers and dramas. It's a complex and engaging film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, it's not suitable for family viewing due to graphic violence and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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Tom Stall, a quiet and unassuming diner owner, is forced to confront his dark past when a group of thugs mistake him for his identical twin brother, Joey, a notorious gangster. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Tom's past is more complex and violent than he initially let on, leading to a thrilling and intense confrontation.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and complex, with a slow-burning tension that builds towards a thrilling climax. The plot twists are well-executed and unexpected, keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Viggo Mortensen delivering a standout performance as Tom Stall. The supporting cast is also impressive, particularly Maria Bello and William Hurt.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Tom Stall being a standout performance by Viggo Mortensen. The supporting cast is also impressive, particularly Maria Bello and William Hurt.
direction9.50/10
David Cronenberg's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human psyche. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of slow-burning tension and intense action sequences.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a muted color palette that adds to the overall mood of the film. The camera work is also impressive, with a mix of close-ups and wide shots that add to the tension.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's complex and engaging storyline, combined with its masterful direction and excellent acting, make it a standout film in its genre. The cinematography is also impressive, with a muted color palette that adds to the overall mood of the film.
Cons
The film's graphic violence and mature themes may not be suitable for all viewers. Additionally, some viewers may find the pacing to be a bit slow in the first half of the film.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a violent man."
"I'm not who you think I am."
"You don't know me."
