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Once Upon a Time in America [DVD] [1984] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Joe Pesci, Burt Young

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Rating: - WELL WORTH THE RUNNING TIME

Sergio Leone's Once Upon A Time In America is undeniably a masterpiece. A superb film on every level, it feels like the brother of The Godfather Films. While both this film and the Godfather Part II make use of the flashback structure and both feature Robert De Niro, all comparisons end there as this is a vastly different film. Yes they are both gangster films, but this is a different kettle of fish. Whereas the main theme of the Godfather films is that of family, here we deal with the role of friendship in the life of the gangster and how betrayal can lead to bitter recriminations and heartache. However it doesn't just tell the story of gangster betrays friends, oh no, it goes deeper than that. We go into a world where you question the events depicted and the role many characters play. This is a film with no easy answers and with it comes difficult questions. This is essentially the more deeper cousin of The Godfather films. We come to question whether or not the sequences in the 1960's are real. Is it just a dream concocted by De Niro in the Opium den. It this a possible future, but one that is only possible. What about the brief case. Whereas in Pulp Fiction the case is more of a running joke, here it seems like a plot point that we have missed all of a sudden, while one also has to question why Noodles goes on to rape the woman he supposedly loves in one of the film's most shocking sequences.

To be honest I don't think Once Upon A Time In America is as good as The Godfather films, but it is a worthy film to be lined alongside Coppola's legacy. The story by Leone and his direction are first class, De Niro shows us why he is considered by many to be the finest actor working in American cinema today, while James Woods proves that no one can play a psychopath like himself. Then there is Ennio Morricone's music. Sublime and perfect, like The Godfather films, Once Upon a Time In America is complimented with a fine music score that adds gravitas to an already fine film.

Every part of this film is superb. The origin of the friendship between Max and Noodles is wonderfully done, the middle time frame sequences were we see the release of Noodles from prison and his reintegration with his friends and how it all leads to the ultimate act of betrayal and the later stages were an older Noodles reflects in the 60's all work well together. This film could have been a long, meandering sprawling bore fest, but instead it is one of the finest films committed to celluloid. However, it is not a film that is easily recommended. Nearly four hours long, very violent, containing a horrifying rape scene and an ending that only leaves you with more question, I'm not surprised that many have been divided over it, but I love it. It is quite simply a work of art.

Rating: - A Master Work!!!!!

ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA

"Once Upon A Time In America" is Sergio Leone's masterwork. This is movie making in its purest form. Wonderful. This is a truly classic Film.

The DVD extras on the Special Edition are a little thin. Richard Schickel's audio commentary is a crying shame. All he seems to do is repeat the action as it is happening on the screen with "you know, he opens the bag, you know, and finds, you know...er...er...you know?" I turned it off because I heard five "You Knows?" in one sentence. There is one short documentary, which has the highlight of an interview with James Woods.

Rating: - Once upon a time in America

I haven't bought this film as yet ,but after watching this on TV I am highly likely to do so.I thought the film was excellent and the acting was superb .However it did contain elements of the film 'Once upon a time in the West ' with Hendry Fonda ,Charles Bronson and Claude Cardinale also made by Sergio Leone .This is not to detract this from the 'America ' film as it is a very good ganster movie .I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of film

Rating: - Excellent

A brilliant film about the life of a group of kids that have to grow up and survive the streets of early 1900s New York city. With apperances from fabulous and original gangster actors like Robert De Niro(GodfatherII), Joe Pesci(Goodfellas) and James Woods(Casino)this puts Once Upon A Time In America at the top. This film is filled with violence, crime, sex and friendships with a very deep, emotional and sometimes funny storyline throughout the 4 hours of the film which is spread over two discs. So if you have the time and enjoy a good gangster film then you should definatly buy this!

Rating: - Epic Depression Americana

This is one film where the term TOO LONG doesnot come to mind.
At nearly four hours long this is Sergio Leones masterpiece with Holywood greats to bring what is arguably the finest gangster movie put to film,it is even on par with Copollas GODFATHER.

You have Robert De Nero,James Woods,Treat Williams and Elizabeth Magovern in a rather confusing but compelling drama set in prohibition downtown New York.

Without having seen the film it cronicles the life of four Jewish wouldbe hoods from childhood to adulthood. It is confusing showing flashbacks from childhood to adulthood but needs several viewings to fully comprehend the story.

When it was released Barry Norman in his film review heaped praise on it buy the almost four hour run time makes it a planned sit down and not a film you can watch at the spur of the moment.

If you have not seen the film it comes highly recommended with what is simply Ennio Morriconies most accomplished score.

There is one scene that has got to be one of the funniest scenes in a not too funny film.When the boys (led by Max played by James Woods) greet Noodles played by DeNiro comes out of prison having spent many years for murder ?

Watch this part of the film yourself if you donot laugh then you really need help.

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