Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Mohamed A — 24 May 2013
"Once upon a time in America" is a Masterpiece but if we compared it to "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather " they will definetily win but don't get me wrong This film is a profound expression of truth regarding friendship and betrayal.
Noodles, played by Robert De Niro and Scott Tiler (during childhood), is a simple man and a thug with one credo: you can battle the entire world but you never betray a friend. During the course of this film we experience various pieces of Noodles's life, from childhood, through young adulthood and old age.
We learn what happens to his friends, his foes and the love of his life, Deborah. The time span considered is long, including Noodles's childhood shortly after the turn of the century, through the prohibition era, and finally the 1960's.
The film is about relationships; the many years Noodles spends away from his friends receive only a cursory mention. The film, like life and memories, unfolds slowly and reflectively. Sergio Leone's cuts are long and each scene is beautifully amplified my Ennio Morricone's haunting score.
The story is not told chronologically. Instead, the chapters of the story are slowly revealed like pieces of a great jigsaw puzzle.
This review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) was written by Mohamed A on 24 May 2013.
Once Upon a Time in America has generally received very positive reviews.
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