Once Upon a Time in America

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A story of two childhood friends from New York who become wealthy and powerful gangsters during the 1920s. Neither can satisfy his deepest dreams and hungers, and they separate in an explosion of violence which won't come to light for 35 years.

Composer: Ennio Morricone

Release date

1984

Running time

3:49:13

Audio

EnglishSpanish (Latin America)

Subtitle

English [CC]Spanish (Latin America)

White Gorilla Boy

4 weeks ago (edited)
The epic saga of young New York Jewish gangsters and their growth to old age. One of the best movies ever made, with an all-star cast. A Sergio Leone masterpiece.
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4 replies
[Adam Stevenson]

Adam Stevenson

10 days ago (edited)
A lot of people forget, but when this was released in theaters in 1984, the studio had edited it down to just TWO hours and 19 minutes - and not JUST that, but they also re-edited it to be in CHRONOLOGICAL order - and removed almost all of the childhood scenes - which was just unimaginable to do, as without them, none of the rest of it even makes sense. The studio did all of this against Leone's wishes and as a result, it got TERRIBLE reviews.

It was only when the film was RESTORED to the length of 3 hrs and 50 minutes (the cut above, here) that people realized what a masterpiece it was and how the studio had butchered it (for example, Ebert gave the film ONE star when it was first released - but when this longer cut was finally shown, he gave it FOUR stars). EVEN SO - LEONE's own cut was SIX HOURS (and I don't mean the rough cut - the rough cut was 10 hours and he edited it down to six) - and he planned to release it in two parts - basically two separate films.

But the studio convinced him to trim it down to over FOUR hours - and THEN the MPAA told him he had to cut several minutes from THAT, so he wouldn't get an X-rating (the two rape scenes - in the robbery and between DeNiro and his girl - were MUCH worse originally).

But FINALLY, this 3 hour and 50 minute cut is the one that survived and the one that Leone agreed to. But there is STILL a SIX HOUR version of this film that exists somewhere and was Leone's original vision for it, that they really should release at some point. But even if they do, I can't imagine it needing another 2 hours, as this version is just perfect to me.

The Void

4 weeks ago (edited)
THIS movie! For every rewatch, I cry every...damn...time. I always gravitate stories involving brotherhood and loyalty. The Leone & Morricone partnership strength in this film is unlike any other; personal, serene, and dejective. One of Leone's final film serves as a testament of a now bygone era of the old gangster epics of the 1930s during its true prohibition era also being the last of the "Once Upon a Time..." Trilogy. Like Schindler's List, few films can visually present us a snapshot on what it was like during these period pieces. A masterpiece unmatched for a film finished in the 1980s. Miss you both heavily ; RIP Ennio Morricone & Sergio Leone.

The Void

4 weeks ago (edited)

THIS movie! For every rewatch, I cry every...damn...time. I always gravitate stories involving brotherhood and loyalty. The Leone & Morricone partnership strength in this film is unlike any other; personal, serene, and dejective. One of Leone's final film serves as a testament of a now bygone era of the old gangster epics of the 1930s during its true prohibition era also being the last of the "Once Upon a Time..." Trilogy.  Like Schindler's List, few films can visually present us a snapshot on what it was like during these period pieces. A masterpiece unmatched for a film finished in the 1980s. 

Miss you both heavily ; RIP Ennio Morricone & Sergio Leone.

Memories of an old man (DeNiro) provide an epic backdrop for a story about friendship and betrayal, love and death. Leone's vision has a magnificent sweep, but the film finally subsides to a very somber emotional core. Only watch this longer version!

Adam Stevenson

11 days ago (edited)
The ending with Woods and the garbage crusher: apparently Leone himself was never clear about whether Max jumped into it to commit suicide or whether a rival family assassinated him in that moment or whether he ran off to escape justice. He wanted the audience to not really know and to work it out, themselves. Speaking personally, I think that ambiguity is beautiful, as DeNiro's character's life is full of ghosts at that point - and to have Max simply disappear is pure poetry. That said: the spinning blades of the truck definitely imply, to me, at least, that he jumped into it, committing suicide - over the impending trouble he was in, as well as the shame of betraying his friend. The symbolism of him disappearing into the garbage, I always took as the memory of Woods' life just being destroyed by the "garbage" of crime and corruption.

STANLEY M

3 weeks ago (edited)
This is one of my most viewed films ever. Probably been over 10 years since I last watched it. What a great story and cast, especially the gorgeous Elizabeth McGovern [] . Directed by the one and only Sergio Leone ! The soundtrack is somewhat haunting and brings me back to what it must have felt like during this time period. A little trivia : Leone turned down an offer to direct "The Godfather" . Initially the run time of this film was 8 -10 hours, with the idea of showing a 2 part film of 3 hrs. each. However, the executives decided on a 2 hr. version for theaters and it was basically shut out for all Oscar nominations...

327h

3 weeks ago
This movie reminds me of the Italian Film cinema paradise which won the Oscar for best foreign film in late 80’s . It is mostly about dwelling in the past and the memories of yesterday which we all have when we get to a certain age ( if we are lucky enough to live long enough ) Excellent film and very relatable to me .

Jonathan Gilmore

3 weeks ago
It’s a story about the growth and development of lives in all the ways we may superficially see ourselves, and perhaps in some ways we often don’t. The ways we often don’t are more difficult to see and understand! Noodles ultimately bears no loss of love for his childhood friends, even as he bears no resentment for his losses. His emotional growth and maturity is a useful testament to our potential to grow into real adulthood, with real empathy for others, rather than simple self-interest. His childhood, adolescence and young adulthood are poor ground for his growth. His loss of friends, love and money is his crucible; a testing ground for mature adulthood!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXdSN57UDHg

隴山隴西郡

Robert De NiroOnce Upon a Time in America1920s

Once Upon a Time in America

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The Void