Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Aaron A — 14 Mar 2011
"I don't like bosses.".
This sprawling crime epic follows a group of Jewish mobsters who rise in the ranks of organized crime in 1920s New York City.
The film is an epic, in every sense of the word, as long as it's Leone's cut your watching. The art direction is impeccable with no detail out of place or missing, the story is long and complex with not a second of footage overlooked, and the direction masterful with no patience and understanding of good cinema lacking. Despite the picture having an intimidating runtime of almost 4 hours, the film is hypnotic from beginning to end.
Once Upon a Time in America is a study of lifetime criminality, and the mental, sexual, and emotional dysfunction that accompanies such a life. The sex is explicit, the emotions crude, and the lack of empathy for others is disturbing. Yet all this dysfunction is wrapped inside a picture that is obsessed with detail. The film is absolutely gorgeous.
Yea it's four hours long, but it's so good it doesn't feel a second over three.
This review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) was written by Aaron A on 14 Mar 2011.
Once Upon a Time in America has generally received very positive reviews.
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