Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Andy S — 23 Feb 2013

This was Sergio Leone's last film; and boy what an epic piece of work it is! I guess I have to say, for the record, that I have seen it before but it's one of those films that stays with you for a very long time afterwards. Even though it's been many years since I last saw it, I could still remember much of the plot as I was re-watching it. It was like re-acquainting myself with an old friend. But I digress; here's an extremely brief summary before I give you my thoughts.

We are told the story of four friends; David 'Noodles' Aaronson (Robert De Niro), Maximilian 'Max' Bercovicz (James Woods), Patrick 'Patsy' Goldberg (James Hayden) and Philip 'Cockeye' Stein (William Forsythe). We learn how, from an early age, they find themselves involved in illegal activities and how this shapes their lives. We learn about their loves; Deborah Gelly (Elizabeth McGovern) among them; and the many people they do business with, including Frankie Manoldi (Joe Pesci). Oh, and I mustn't forget Deborah's brother, 'Fat' Moe Gelly (Larry Rapp); he has a part to play in all this as well. It's mostly told in flashback as 'Noodles' returns to his old neighbourhood after thirty years in exile. It's an epic tale with many twists and turns along the way; but in the end it does all make sense. Oh and look out for a young Jennifer Connelly as the young Deborah.

I first have to say I loved the story; it's epic and no mistaking; very long, but never boring. Leone manages to keep it interesting despite quite a slow pace to the proceedings and quite a complex plot. Although I usually like the film music of Ennio Morricone, on this rare occasion I found the music a little too sentimental; particularly the pan pipe refrain. I loved the visual style of the film; it is almost like one of those old Leone spaghetti westerns in places; unmistakably his work! Despite all its good points though I found I did have to mark it down slightly just because it is so very long! At over three and a half hours (nearly four), it really does test even the most ardent film fan. I read that it was released in three separate parts in Russia! Over all though, I did very much enjoy it despite the length and the somewhat overly-sentimental musical score. Definitely worth a look (if you can spare the four hours or so).

SteelMonster's verdict: RECOMMENDED.

My score: 8.2/10.