What Is It?
Based on a graphic novel (comic book for adults) of the same name, "A History of Violence" contains all the grit and edginess you would expect for the medium. This is the story of a small town Christian man. One night when his diner is held up and the robbers explain that they will kill everyone before taking the money, Tom (Viggo Mortensen) snaps into action killing both men before they can hurt the people he cares about. The following media circus has Tom's face labeled "Hero" on every TV and newspaper in America, even in Philly.
His newfound fame has attracted the attention of a member of an organized crime syndicate who comes all the way from Pennsylvania to find out if Tom is really Joey Cusack, the hit man who disappeared 20 years ago after mutilating his face. Tom must now protect his family against these very lethal men who will stop at nothing to get their revenge on Joey and will not be dissuaded in their belief that Tom is their man.
How Was It?
This is the kind of movie that is subtle at first and then, before you know what has happened, you realize it has grabbed you with both hands. The small town country life and the love of the family is so inviting that the violence and threats of violence become even more pronounced in contrast. The movie looked great, especially for such a "little nothing town." There were several shots that made me wounder if they were direct homages to the illustrations in the source material.
This is a well acted, well written film that gets you to care about these characters and then be shocked by what happens to them despite your bracing for anything along the way. (Slight Spoiler) We also have a man developing in his faith and understanding about the importance of his new life and the separation of his past sins.
There were some close up shots of dead men's fatal wounds. This was done graphically, but well. They were just quick glances, shown long enough so you knew this was not fun, this was something honorable.
I usually don't put things like the following in the "How Was It?" section, but it seems relevant this time:
There are two sex scenes in the movie. They are both (from the little I saw and what my wife mentioned) more tasteful than anyone else would have done them. They are also important to the plot. They give us character information and details as well as letting us know what is going on with the relationship between Tom and his wife. The first scene shows them playing a "We are Teenagers" game with her in a cheerleader outfit. (I won’t even get into the poor morals that their "game" is demonstrating.) It lets us know when they met each other and shows them "happy" together. The second scene is (Big Spoiler) after she has found out that he "is" the former hit man. It starts with violence and becomes a combination with sex. Artistically it does reveal a lot about their relationship (and apparently Viggo's backside as well), but to mix sex and violence is just irresponsible. I realize that the makers of this film were probably not Christians, and therefore I cannot expect them to hold to Christian standards. Still, in any society, mixing your porn* with violence, even if the story itself does not condone it, sends the wrong message dispite any context.
Is It Good For Kids?
No.
This film, though the overall theme is good, has negative images with such power that I question the ability of most adults to not have them overshadow the film.
You can get a complete breakdown of what is on the screen at Screenit.com.
How about Spiritual Issues?
The mother and father are Christians. Whenever they are in doubt, we get another shot of their matching silver crosses dangling from their necks. Theres an awkwardly placed line about seeing Tom in church on Sunday. (Here come the SPOILERS) Tom talks about being born again, and it's more "graphic" knowing he really was someone else, but he really now follows Jesus.
He upholds marriage as being better than getting to be with any beautiful woman you want. He sees violence as a bad choice, only to be made when it's self defense or for the protection of others. His son is reprimanded for fighting at school, but it also shows the confusion Tom has brought to his family.
(Spoiler) The last line in the film seems to be Tom's real brother questioning Tom's change while misusing God's name "Jesus Joey?" and Tom answering (after shooting him) "Jesus, Richie." delivered as if there was a "Yes in front of the line. (Yes, it's Jesus Richie.)
We also see his family accept him knowing that he was bad, knowing that he is a new man. His wife does this with prayer.
Still, the deft presentation of the violence and the sex will overshadow an already real but subtle message. It will be very easy for the casual observer to just see the message as "Ya, you wait till they hit first, then you get to finish them off."
What Is Your Recommendation?
This is a good film with some wonderful insight, but the overall presentation of the story makes it impossible to recommend as entertainment.
If you had a non-Christian friend who had seen the movie, it may be worth it to be able to talk about the redemptive and Biblical themes that did make it into the film. Otherwise, if you are looking for righteous grit, I would suggest "Man On Fire" or, for something with a gritty edge but less intense, "Mercy Streets" (both on video).
* any sex scene that shows any of the bodies or the act is, in fact, porn.
