Review of Once Upon a Time in America (1984) by Patrick B — 06 Jun 2011

This is Leone's masterpiece. It is an epic tale of love, loss, betrayal and greed set against a backdrop of the rise of the American gangsters through the 1920s to the 1960s. It is shown in a non-linear structure, much alike "Pulp Fiction" - this will make it 'confusing' for some viewers but if you can cope with a near four hour film, you should be fine.

DeNiro, as always, is just phenomenal, as is the rest of the cast. The cinematography is beautiful, the direction is one of the best I have ever seen and the script is so beautifully and horrifically poetic.

If you plan to watch this, I must warn you on the American cut (which is a little over two hours), if you plan to watch this version...DON'T, it dilutes all that makes the film what it is (eg the violence and rape, which some may find unnecessary, however these controversial matters are what makes the film so miraculous, and all is justified in context with the film) and takes it from the epic 3hr 47mins to a ridiculous 2hr 19mins.

Watch the Leone cut of 3hr47, or even the European cut of 3hr39. A film every film buff has to see and will most likely love, but a film that non-film lovers will find unnecessary and pointless.