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A History of Violence
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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 David Cronenberg
Written by:
Josh Olson Josh Olson John Wagner Vince Locke
+2 more
Starring:
William Hurt William Hurt Ed Harris Ed Harris Viggo Mortensen Viggo Mortensen Maria Bello Maria Bello Peter MacNeill Peter MacNeill Stephen McHattie Stephen McHattie Aidan Devine Ashton Holmes Ashton Holmes Heidi Hayes Greg Bryk Greg Bryk Gerry Quigley Gerry Quigley
More
Genres:
Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Countries:
Germany, USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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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 57.89% from 9463 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(9463)
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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
bigmacBig_Mac
Rated 24 Feb 2007
75
71st
Quite hard to pigeonhole into a single genre, really slow paced movie that is punctuated by very short, intense scenes of violence before settling back into sedateness. Whole caste does a good job but William Hurt and Ed Harris steal the show with contrasting but equally entertaining performances. Well worth a watch.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
screenwriterscreenwriter
Rated 14 Aug 2007
92
90th
VERY good flick from Cronenberg...some very solid perfromances from actos without a lot of dialogue.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kamrankamran
Rated 14 Aug 2007
89
91st
Cronenberg does it again. A deceptively simple thriller that actually works as a dissertation on violence, epistemic or physical, that intrudes in the home, the workplace and even in one's own marriage.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
taleaTalea
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
85th
As normal as Cronenberg has ever gotten, but sublime. Aside from a slightly dull climax and a child actor who needed to be replaced the film works fantastically well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
skunkfunkerskunkfunker
Rated 01 Dec 2010
75
28th
Quality movie. The scene where the wife wants to fuck the after he lies to her and then handles her roughly is very perceptive.
Rated 01 Dec 2010
2352.35
Rated 28 Dec 2007
90
44th
Very good, packed movie. Thrills me every time.
Rated 28 Dec 2007
dziekieldziekiel
Rated 16 Dec 2008
89
40th
Good Cronenberg. A well told, tight story with a nice jump off point, Viggo is excellent, as are Bello and Harris. A much more straight forward film than usual from Cronenberg, and he nails it.
Rated 16 Dec 2008
mrubiom_rubio
Rated 18 Dec 2011
85
52nd
Watched this one night with my friends. Thought it was a pretty good film.
Rated 18 Dec 2011
runtrunt
Rated 31 Oct 2007
1
1st
Awful. No real plot, poor acting and just plain boring
Rated 31 Oct 2007
eyemoeyemo
Rated 11 May 2009
78
33rd
Really good.
Rated 11 May 2009
ophirzemerophirzemer
Rated 14 Aug 2007
78
23rd
pretty much overrated
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ripviciousripvicious
Rated 14 Aug 2007
65
11th
Could have had more action. No real surprises.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
gberkegberke
Rated 11 Oct 2010
90
84th
great violence skills... well executed
Rated 11 Oct 2010
ruderude
Rated 08 Jun 2009
80
69th
The only Canadian I want trying to tell me about violence in America is one who's been shot at.
Rated 08 Jun 2009
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
terrypkimterrypkim
Rated 23 Jan 2008
80
23rd
Good replay value to the movie. It is a Cronenburg movie so expect some twists and turns but a combination of action with character development.
Rated 23 Jan 2008
valarValar
Rated 01 Dec 2007
90
87th
[You commented on this movie] Review: A History of Violence is David Cronenberg's finest achievement to date, the violent sequences were gore and brutal but extremely captivating and the underrated Mortensen giving one of his best performance. An unforgettable flick with several undertones. A History of Violence is David Cronenberg's finest achievement to date, the violent sequences were gore and brutal but extremely captivating and the underrated Mortensen giving one of his best performance.
Rated 01 Dec 2007
jamesmJamesM
Rated 24 Jan 2008
90
98th
An absolutely stunning return to the mainstream from David Cronenberg bringing Viggo Mortensenn into dangerous territory. The story relies on the characters to be a little less than human, but the things it says more than make up any shortcomings. If this movie doesn't reach something in you, then consider that you may have missed the point.
Rated 24 Jan 2008
karenakKarenAK
Rated 18 Aug 2007
98
89th
A film one just cannot forget. Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello in an often surreal movie about how all of a sudden a violent past catches up with a supposedly "normal" guy. Truly great movie.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
robbytrobbyt
Rated 05 Jun 2023
60
21st
I made it until the end.
Rated 05 Jun 2023
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
bebe426BeBe426
Rated 14 Aug 2007
5
3rd
This was one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. I felt like parts were some guy's high school porn fantasy. No where near as good as it was "suppose" to be.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
afveliogluafvelioglu
Rated 03 Nov 2011
70
0th
Film giriş ve gelişim sürecinde başarılıyken abi karakterinin komikliği ve ölümünün saçmalığı güldürücü. Bu noktada filmden seni koparan etken oluyor.
Rated 03 Nov 2011
masterkazooMasterKazoo
Rated 04 Sep 2007
93
74th
History of Violence is about a man who is made a local hero after stopping an armed robbery in his family owned diner. Later he is approached by a mobster who claims the hero is someone else. Soon his family is dragged into a dangerous conflict and his true story unravels. Graphic killings, interesting story and good acting.
Rated 04 Sep 2007
ahartsigahartsig
Rated 04 Jun 2008
84
35th
This needs a reviewing as reviews are overwhelmingly positive. However, I was underwhelmed by it.
Rated 04 Jun 2008
tmberrytmberry
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
21st
Started out good, so-so mid-way through.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
fslherofsl_hero
Rated 03 Feb 2009
91
75th
A simple storyline is beautifully executed, with great performances by the cast. Highly recommended.
Rated 03 Feb 2009
silent_discosilent disco
Rated 08 Sep 2022
55
28th
This is a Lifetime movie.
Rated 08 Sep 2022
lynchmidgetLynchMidget
Rated 19 Jul 2008
65
48th
So overrated. Gone in a flash and it's violence over depth with this film, no matter what the critics have said. Same thing with Eastern Promises. Maybe I just don't like Cronenberg.
Rated 19 Jul 2008
buri3dburi3d
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
39th
Warning Guy Butt!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kimchiKIMCHI
Rated 09 Feb 2010
52
20th
The plot was fairly simple.
Rated 09 Feb 2010
cranialbonerCranialBoner
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
50th
An excellent look at how violence affects culture. One of the best films of the year.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
ssmodkssmodk
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
97th
Brutal and beautiful, this movie paces itself smoothly and delivers the simple story of a man trying to escape his past but finding that changing what you are is rarely easy and hard to live with.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
idiot27000idiot27000
Rated 14 Aug 2007
72
47th
Good performances and a pretty thrilling ending, but the rest of the film is schlocky and cliched. This one's only for fanatic comic book geeks.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
fowpfowp
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
67th
Somewhat overrated but an excellent film in the redeemed-bad-guy style of Unforgiven. Ed Harris and William Hurt steal the film as very nasty men, Mortensen is believable as the quiet man, some excellent direction from Cronenberg in his mature 'normal' style (ie - no mutants or mucus).
Rated 14 Aug 2007
default93default93
Rated 24 Jan 2010
60
40th
a bad remake of "eyes wide shut"
Rated 24 Jan 2010
mazorulerMazoruler
Rated 27 Jun 2012
81
33rd
A smalltown coffeeshop owner may or may not be who he says he is. A gripping film about family, crime, loyalty and redemption. It surprises with its gritty realism and cruelty. A very interesting character study from Cronenberg who decided to leave his usual themes to explore modern film noir with a particularly graphic style. Mortensen is very good, as Harris, but es William Hurt who briefly steals the film!
Rated 27 Jun 2012
moviejunkie5Moviejunkie5
Rated 05 Feb 2009
91
77th
A smart, absorbing thriller. One of my top 'Best Films of 2005'. Definitely one of my most favorite Cronenberg film along with 'The Fly' remake.
Rated 05 Feb 2009
determinist1determinist1
Rated 15 Nov 2008
85
44th
this movie was better than I expected
Rated 15 Nov 2008
corncabreCornCabre
Rated 14 Aug 2007
91
87th
Cronenburg's sexiest since Videodrome. If you don't get a hardon watching Maria Bello's fake-cheerleader scene, you are legally dead. Oh yeah, the movie's amazing too.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
beneBene
Rated 05 Aug 2007
67
38th
Cronenberg can't do mainstream...
Rated 05 Aug 2007
mrparallelmrparallel
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
89th
A return to form after a long dry spell for Cronenberg.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
smokebonessmoke_BONES
Rated 28 May 2007
85
37th
liked it
Rated 28 May 2007
fartfart
Rated 18 Aug 2007
85
77th
Good Cronenberg. Great Violence. Not too long. Cool Characters. William Hurt is fantastic.
Rated 18 Aug 2007
kmg90kmg90
Rated 03 Oct 2009
85
84th
Great plot keeps movie going near the end its starts getting a little boring and confusing. Great movie none the less
Rated 03 Oct 2009
motherfatherMotherFather
Rated 05 Aug 2007
90
55th
Another winner from David Cronenberg. A wonderful thriller that equals the strengths of the graphic novel on which it is based. The cast is superb and the final twists are worth the journey.
Rated 05 Aug 2007
xinsightxinsight
Rated 02 Mar 2009
90
90th
Cronenburg grows up and starts making films for adults.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
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
sunhushinsunhushin
Rated 05 Apr 2012
70
44th
Cronenberg and Mortensen. A gory combination to say the least. Mortensen's character just seemed a bit too unreal for me.
Rated 05 Apr 2012
maxwax123maxwax123
Rated 24 Sep 2013
79
27th
just nice
Rated 24 Sep 2013
moviecrismoviecris
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
89th
Now why didn't this get more Oscar nods? They can't appreciate an original piece of work when they see it? The director gives us an insight into violence, makes us wonder how we'd react, and all this thanks to the unbelievable performance of some damn good actors!!! Viggo seems to nail anything he does, completely becoming his character!
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cselstoncselston
Rated 17 Mar 2008
92
92nd
Arguably David Cronenberg's best film to date. Viggo Mortensen is outstanding as Tom Stall and this is probably Maria Bello's best work, too. Ed Harris and William Hurt are always on and this is no exception. I'll never forget the opening shot outside the run-down motel either. This is a heartbreaking, top-shelf film. An absolute must-see for any adult who is a fan of movies.
Rated 17 Mar 2008
fabfunkfabfunk
Rated 14 Aug 2007
98
96th
Maybe the best of the Cronenberg collection. Bristling at the seams with subtext, this parable of a simple man with a twisted past never goes in the expected direction. Cronenberg toys with the convention of the genre in unexpected ways- this is a master at the height of his craft.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
shutupmanShutupman
Rated 14 Aug 2007
37
6th
Intriguing to start with, but characters are dull and empty and plot is videogame quality
Rated 14 Aug 2007
kingcautiKingCauti
Rated 03 Aug 2011
70
59th
Viggo Mortensen is a very underrated actor.
Rated 03 Aug 2011
ravernravern
Rated 04 Jan 2012
80
49th
Really good, visceral, strong plot.
Rated 04 Jan 2012
demigodDemiGod
Rated 25 Feb 2007
85
62nd
great flick, excellent violence
Rated 25 Feb 2007
trustmeimjayTrustMeImJay
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
81st
David Cronenberg assembles a wonderful cast in this mysterious and hard hitting action flick that will leave you speechless.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
afullertafullert
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
31st
Terribly, horribly overrated, this is an interesting tale of the past catching up that never quite hit its stride...until the last 10 mintues with William Hurt.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
remisremis
Rated 14 Aug 2007
9
5th
pointless. even ed harris suck there..
Rated 14 Aug 2007
zephonithZephonith
Rated 24 Oct 2010
70
57th
A bit disturbing, a bit confusing, but I really liked the bleak visuals and the atmosphere of foreboding. Not really a good movie to watch in a group though.
Rated 24 Oct 2010
asoloasolo
Rated 12 May 2009
10
7th
waste of time
Rated 12 May 2009
jogarayzzjogarayzz
Rated 05 Apr 2008
100
77th
very unexpected story
Rated 05 Apr 2008
lauraj2913lauraj2913
Rated 09 May 2008
100
64th
like the twist to the film
Rated 09 May 2008
dinosaurDinosaur
Rated 04 Oct 2009
80
57th
Good movie. Kinda weird, as Cronenberg movies always are, but it ends kind of abruptly.
Rated 04 Oct 2009
mitamita
Rated 21 Dec 2006
20
6th
Inexplicably bad.
Rated 21 Dec 2006
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
warmachineWarMachine
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
42nd
This movie was a wierd one. The violent scenes where gruesome but the sex scenes where just too strange.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mariasMariaS
Rated 27 Mar 2014
89
77th
Love Viggo Mortensen
Rated 27 Mar 2014

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