Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Kevin M — 29 Jun 2010
Though some of the rape scenes will make you cringe, Leone's gangster masterpiece is as good as the Godfather. This movie is extremely long at nearly 4 hours but every scene in it is beautifully shot and executed.
The acting in is extraordiary, especially from Robert de Niro, James Woods Tuesday Weld who all should have been nominated for Oscars. The plot is a very simple plot about 4 friends who rise to power in the Prohibition era of the 20s and 30s, and a subplot about Noodles (de Niro's) doomed relationship with his girlfriend Deborah.
The music score is definitely one of the best, if not the best from the 80s and should have won an Oscar. In fact, it should have won an Oscar for- Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Original Score among others.
Seriously, if you're a fan of gangster movies, watch this movie. Though I'd rate The Godfather Part 1 and 2 and Miller's Crossing higher than this, it's still a 4 hour spectacle unlike any other.
This review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) was written by Kevin M on 29 Jun 2010.
Once Upon a Time in America has generally received very positive reviews.
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