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A History of Violence

2005·Movie
1h 36min·R
79
GreatGoodWatch score

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High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.

Energy

Brutally violent and tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Violence9
  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline7

Heart

Emotionally reserved

Much of it is about family.

  • Family Dynamics8
  • Melancholy6
  • Pathos5

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor4
  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Cringe Humor2

World

Everyday modern life, crime, and family

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, direction, and storytelling

  • Acting9
  • Direction8
  • Narrative Structure8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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Graphic violence bothers you

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Tom Stall had the perfect life...until he became a hero.

An average family is thrust into the spotlight after the father commits a seemingly self-defense murder at his diner.
Violent Crime ThrillerSmall Town SecretsIdentity and TransformationMoral AmbiguityPsychological DepthFamily Bonds TestedHaunted PastVisceral and Tense

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about A History of Violence

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream A History of Violence legally?

A History of Violence is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is A History of Violence worth watching?

79
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 88%, and Metacritic 82). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is A History of Violence rated?

RViolenceSexual contentStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, sexual content, and strong language.

How long is A History of Violence?

1 h 36 min

A History of Violence runs 1 h 36 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on A History of Violence?

Critics85
Audiences75

Not quite. Critics rate A History of Violence higher (85) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

Was A History of Violence a box office hit?

Budget$32 million
Box office$61 million

Roughly broke even. It cost about $32 million to make and earned $61 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.

What language is A History of Violence in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Germany, United States.

In how many countries can I watch A History of Violence?

96ADAEAGAOARATAUAZBBBEBFBGBHBO+82

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A History of Violence in 96 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does A History of Violence use?

Attempted RapeHome Field AdvantageVillainous LineageViolence Is DisturbingDismissive KickAdaptational Name ChangeVomit Discretion ShotPretty Little HeadshotsDeconstructor FleetMaking Love in All the Wrong PlacesObviously EvilYou Have Failed Meand 95 more

TV Tropes lists 107 storytelling tropes for A History of Violence, including Attempted Rape, Home Field Advantage, Villainous Lineage.