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Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Treat Williams, Tuesday Weld ... see more see more... , Burt Young , Joe Pesci , Danny Aiello , William Forsythe , James P. Hayden , Darlanne Fluegel , Larry Rapp , Amy Ryder , Scott Tiler , Rusty Jacobs , Jennifer Connelly , Adrian Curran , Brian Bloom , Julie Cohen , Noah Moazezi , James Russo , Karen Shallo , Mario Brega , Richard Bright , Clem Caserta , Scott Coffey , Joey Faye , Richard Foronjy , Frank Gio , Baxter Harris , Estelle Harris , Paul Herman , Olga Karlatos , Marcia Jean Kurtz , Dutch Miller , Gerard Murphy , Jerry Strivelli , Richard Zobel , Cis Corman , Cliff Cudney , Sergio Leone , Arnon Milchan , Angelo Florio , Bruno Iannone , Marvin Scott , Ray Dittrich , Paul Farentino , Mort Freeman , Linda Ipanema , Robert Harper , James Hayden , Elizabeth Mc Govern

Though some viewers might be put off by its length, graphic violence, and absence of likable characters, Sergio Leone's final film is also a cinematic masterpiece. Spanning four decades, the film tell... read more read more...s the story of David "Noodles" Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his Jewish pals, chronicling their childhoods on New York's Lower East Side in the 1920s, through their gangster careers in the 1930s, and culminating in Noodles' 1968 return to New York from self-imposed exile, at which time he learns the truth about the fate of his friends and again confronts the nightmare of his past. The acting, the re-creation of the time period, the cinematography, and the music are all superb. However, even more important is Leone's ability to make the film work on so many different levels: it's both a criticism of gangster-film mythology and a continuation of the director's exploration of the issues of time and history. Strange as it may seem, the violence and gore in the first half of the film turn into a sad elegy about wasted lives and lost love. The film's strengths emerge only in its full 229-minute version -- the 139-minute and other edited versions don't make nearly the same impact. ~ Yuri German, Rovi

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91% liked it

67,587 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

36 critics

R, 2 hr. 24 min.

Directed by: Sergio Leone

Release Date: June 1, 1984

Keywords: mafia, mob, gangster, epic

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DVD Release Date: June 10, 2003

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Stats: 4,363 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (4,363)

  • fb1664868775
    March 5, 2012
    fb1664868775
    It's hard to judge this masterpiece when thinking about Coppola and Scorsese's more well known gangster flicks or even to compare it to Leone's earlier westerns. It's unlike any other of his films as far pacing, energy etc. On the other hand, it is a truly epic, amazing look at t... read morehe life of two individuals. The detail and deepness to the story is great.
  • fb712836066
    October 25, 2011
    fb712836066
    "Once Upon a Time in America" is a stunning, lengthy, and novel-esque narration of three pivotal years (1922, 1933, and 1967) in the lives of two Jewish New York Gang members, Noodles and Max. The non-linear depiction of events, the brilliant imagery, the soundtrack, and amazing... read more acting on behalf of Robert De Niro and James Woods make this film perfect, and it honestly defies categorization. "Once.." is not merely a gangster tale, but is more like a Dickens' novel in the vein of David Copperfield or Great Expectations. Every minute of its nearly 5 hours of duration is worth it, and one feels disappointed that the tale is told when the credits role. I could not possibly more highly rate a film, and I believe that it is as rewarding, entertaining, and fulfilling as any novel can be, and it should be elevated to a much higher regard. 89 percent simply doesn't cut it. 100 percent does. Find 5 hours during a dark night to ABSORB this masterpiece and don't you dare miss as single minute of it.
  • fb100001050230219
    September 4, 2011
    fb100001050230219
    A haunting, powerful, compelling, superbly-acted, visually beautiful and bold film from Sergio Leone. One of Robert De Niro's greatest performances as well. This crime epic is not only one of my favourites of the 1980s, it is in my top 5 favourite films of all-time.
  • fb634552688
    August 1, 2011
    fb634552688
    An epic film, in both length and pure awesomeness.
  • MrMarakai
    August 1, 2011
    MrMarakai
    Numerous excellent crime sagas have been made over the years and at the top of most peoples lists tend to be "The Godfather parts I & II", "Goodfellas" and some would even have "Scarface". Although these are superb inclusions in the genre, this Sergio Leone masterpiece is the def... read moreinitive and the real classic of them all.
    Based on the novel "The Hoods" by Harry Grey we are manificently told the story of David 'Noodles' Aaronson (Robert DeNiro) who, after several decades away, returns back to the lower east side of New York city where he grew up with his friends and became prominently involved in a Jewish life of crime. Having loved and lost throughout his time here, he reflects on what was a tumultuous time in his childhood (and young adulthood) and now in his twilight years, longs for answers to a fatal double-cross.
    Leone is better known for his spaghetti westerns and brings that same style from the dry barren western plains to the sprawling city of New York. Along with him, is composer Ennio Morricone and his idiosyncratic and masterful musical style. When these two combine their talents you know you're about to be treated to a wonderful storytelling experience. Just for good measure, throw in the iconic and most prodigious of screen actors in Robert DeNiro and what you have is a work of art. An absolute masterpiece of cinema. A multi-layerd epic that has such depth that it's yet to be matched. "The Godfather" saga has a similiar magnitude but only over three films. Leone manages to condence his elaborate tale in just under 4 hours. However, the original U.S. release was cut by 88mins, ceasing to make sense, with characters appearing and disappearing suddenly. This would explain why it didn't fare so well and shockingly wasn't even acknowledged for any awards. Although compellingly acted by DeNiro, this doesn't stand as his finest performance, but it certainly stands as his finest film and it's by far the best work that James Woods has delivered, as well as the impressive supporting cast of Tuesday Weld, Treat Williams, Joe Pesci and Jennifer Connelly is her film debut. It's all down to the excellence of Leone though and his stylish homage to the gangster film. It's long, it's engrossing and once all the pieces begin to fit together it's a quite heartbreaking story in it's telling,
    With it gorgeous art direction by Carlo Simi, it's heartwrenching soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and the magnitude of Sergio Leone's vision, it's one of the best films ever made. Sadly it was Leone's last but a virtuosa one to go out on.
  • CloudStrife84
    July 19, 2011
    CloudStrife84
    Mesmerizing crime epic and the most enjoyable film I've seen by Sergio Leone thus far. Spanning across several decades, it's a story that takes us on a journey like no other. Some may complain that it's slow, and to that I can agree, but at the same it makes wonderful use of each... read more of its 230 minutes. The atmosphere, the acting, the music and cinematography - all so excellent and grand that it's more a work of art than anything. I wouldn't say it's a masterpiece like so many others seem to do (for that it needs better pacing and more emotional impact in my view), but it's a fantastic film nevertheless and much better than I had imagined. A little too long for my liking, but certainly worth seeing just for its beautiful directing. If you enjoy films like Goodfellas and A Bronx Tale, then I can guarantee this story will have you captivated as well.
  • blkbomb
    May 13, 2011
    blkbomb
    I don't hold it against anyone if they find it impossible to sit through this movie. It is incredibly slow. With that said, it is a fantastic movie. The power of the movie shows right through the slow pace and it begins to become hypnotizing. It is entertaining despite being slow... read more and all the performances are great. This may be James Woods best work.
  • fb732260458
    April 3, 2011
    fb732260458
    This 229-minute behemoth in simply one of the most engrossing, stunning and emotionally heart-wrenching movies I've ever seen in my life. Sergio Leone's direction is not only visually bold but also hypnotic - and the performances he pulls out of Robert De Niro and James Woods are... read more career-defining.
  • imrealgod
    January 24, 2011
    imrealgod
    This epic masterpiece flick on love, lies and betrayal was simply not my cup of tea. Besides being slow, I didn't find the story engaging enough.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    August 26, 2010
    TheDudeLebowski65
    When you think of epic gangster/mafia films you immediately think of The Godfather and Goodfellas. Though two of the best of the genre, Once Upon A Time In America is one of the best, most unflinching and most brutal films in the gangster genre since The Godfather, it's also the ... read morebest since. If there's a film that can equal the power of The Godfather, it's Once Upon A Time In America. Sergio Leone had been planning this film for at least ten years. Leone was more than just a filmmaker, he was an artist. His camera his paintbrush, the celluloid his canvas. I like to think of Sergio Leone that way because his films truly defined the cinematic medium, his films were rich and detailed, if he could be compared to great artists, I'd compare him to Van Gogh, Monet and Goya. Once Upon A Time In America is a terrific film. It is Leone final say in the cinematic medium. Like everyone of Sergio Leone's masterworks, the film starts off slow and by the second hour things really take off. But with Leone, it's only normal as he was a storyteller with style. You can't start a story off with a bang, you have to tell it fvrom start up to the exciting middle and the explosive climax. This is the case with Leone's films. You think they'll be decent at best, but Leone manages to throw a curve ball and twist your senses and something that seemed a bit dull, is now very much exciting and thrilling. Thats what I love about Leone work, the element of surprise. A lot of reviews of the film have been positive, but many have claimed that this the worst Leone film. I strongly believe it's the case because they viewed the dreaded American cut version (134 Minutes) But if you view the full cut of the film (229 Minutes) My dad told me to skip this one, but I was curious and I love the gangster film genre, I love the old films as much as the new ones. I was blown away, the cast here is incredible. James Woods and Robert De Niro deliver jaw dropping performances. A powerful epic of three decades of crime, Once Upon A Time In America is one of the greatest crime films ever made. Many directors have made there mark in the genre, and now Sergio Leone has mastered the gangster film much like Francis Ford Coppola with The Godfather, Martin Scoresese with Goodfellas and maybe even Michael Mann with Heat. Despite this impressive array of films, Sergio Leone final master stroke remains one of the few gangster films that can hold a candle to The Godfather. A work of poignant genius from a man that made cinema into more than just a film making business. He turned films into a new art form of expression. Sergio Leone will always be seen as one of the greatest poets of film history. As for Once Upon A Time In America, view the uncensored complete cut of the film to experience Sergio Leone's true vision. Any less is an insult to Leone legacy.

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Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss
April 12, 2011
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

Leone is less interested in arousing an audience's easier emotions than in presenting, at a dispassionate distance, the horror of two men warily walking toward each other on a tightrope suspended abov... Full Review

Dave Kehr
April 12, 2011
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Every gesture is immediate, and every gesture seems eternal. Full Review

Variety Staff
September 12, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

A disappointment of considerable proportions. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

There are times when we don't understand exactly what is happening, but never a time when we don't feel confidence in the film's narrative. Full Review

Douglas Pratt
July 16, 2003
Douglas Pratt, Hollywood Reporter

As one would expect from Leone, the film is a brilliant stylistic accomplishment.

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

A lazily haullucinatory epic that means to encapsulate approximately 50 years of American social history into a single film. Full Review

John Hartl
January 1, 2000
John Hartl, Film.com

Seeing what Leone always intended is like getting your dirty glasses washed.

April 17, 2012
Film4

Sad and vast yet compelling throughout, this remain Leone's most towering achievement. Full Review

Tim Brayton
September 13, 2011
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy

Handsomely mounted beyond a shadow of a doubt, but as the final statement in Leone's career, it mostly makes me think of how fantastic his Westerns were. Full Review

Adam Smith
February 2, 2011
Adam Smith, Empire Magazine

While The Godfather delivers certainty and a comforting dramatic resolution, Once Upon A Time In America delivers a profound kind of mystery. Full Review

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    • Young Noodles: It's true I have killed people, Mr. Bailey. Sometimes to defend myself, sometimes for money. And many people used to come to us. Business partners, rivals, lovers. Some of the jobs we took, and some we didn't. Yours is one we would never touch, Mr Bailey.
    • Police Chief Aiello: I'm the chief of police, not the chief of the people.
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Once Upon a Time in America Trivia

  • in what movie did robert Deniro play the character Noodles?  Answer »
  • What Sergio Leone movie was partially shot in Montreal, QC?  Answer »
  • In wich movie did Robert De Niro was name David "Noodles" Aaronson?  Answer »
  • In which movie Johnny Depp did NOT play?  Answer »
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