Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Diego E — 24 Jul 2010
Almost 20 years have passed since Leone's gangster epic was first brought to our screens back in 1983. It's gritty realism and devoted marriage to cinema has yet to lose one shred of its impact and bravery of a time now gone, and will be as strong today as it truly ever will. After 16 years in the making, Leone along with his 322 page script set out to make what was to be his final masterpiece.
Set over 4 decades in the Jewish district of New York, the film follows the deacy of five friends, Noodles, Max, Cockeye, Patsy and Dominic, and opens with a visually exciting entrance that will send shivers down your rewind finger. From here on in we are introduced into thier way of life and as the movie slowly unfolds, thier greed for more pulsates into a manic frenzy sending the film into a violent turn into the corruption of society.
With a spot-on cast and a sharply written script, the near 4 hours it runs for is a healthy documentry into film-making. 1989 saw the death of Leone and the birth of the Director's Cut (the one to watch).
A True Landmark in Cinema History!
This review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) was written by Diego E on 24 Jul 2010.
Once Upon a Time in America has generally received very positive reviews.
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