Rating: 
Summary: a genuinely great film from the 80s
Review: Like all masterpieces, this film completely absorbs for its duration, and stays with you long after. It is not simple escapism - it is a film that says so much about dreams, friendship, memory, growing old, wasted lives, and is imbued with a sense of the infinite. Whilst not overly misogynistic, it is definitely a male orientated film, with male friendship, real and imagined being the cornerstone of this tour de force. It retains its brilliance throughout, the four hours flew by. Therefore - if you are not interested or taken in by the story in the first half hour, then you probably never will be. Nevertheless - it's worth seeing for De Niro's brilliantly understated performance. I can't think of any other performance where so much can be conveyed by mere glances. Plus, James Woods provides a perfect counterbalance to De Niro, with Woods at his hyperactive best. But this time there is actually real depth to Woods' performance - not just surface fireworks.
Rating:
Summary: "AMERICA" A FILM OF STRENGTH AND BEAUTY
Review: Strangely moving, dreamlike gangster epic is masterfully executed by all involved. One of Leone's best. De Niro heads an amazing cast, but a large portion of the credit must go to the youngsters who portay these characters in their youths. Extremely well-developed characters in a magnificent screenplay along with breathtaking cinematography make this film worth watching by themselves. Also includes one of Morricone's most endearing and unforgettable scores. Indelible film will stay with you long after the final reel. 139m version is completely incomprehensible, and may be the key reason why the film was passed up for any Oscar consideration whatsoever. 225m version is a much different film, and is the version that is truly representative of Leone's genius. Not to be missed, although I would keep the kids away from this one. Two nasty rape scenes and scenes of graphic violence prove to be quite upsetting to some.
Rating:
Summary: no_english_speaker (about russian translation)
Review: Definitely, one if the best movie ever made, and of course, the best DeNiro's film. But I think it is not gangster movie. It's film about life, about love, about America. Great actors and music. Thanks to Sergio Leone! Remark: the book (Larry Grey's novel, "The Hoods." ) is very boring.
Rating: 
Summary: What's all the fuss?
Review: I don't know what film Dave Woosey was watching, but if it's the same film (or file?)that I watched then I don't know what all the fuss is about. This film was the most boring film ever. I would much rather watch Bugsey Malone (the musical) it's more true to life.
Rating:
Summary: Dave Woosey, England
Review: Once upon a time has got to be the best file ever, its a stunning story of a group of young hoodlems who grow up into big time crooks. Its an epic film that lasts over 3 and a half hours, but once you start watching you will not be able to stop. The only critisism I have, is that this all time classic film is not available on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Best hard times/ganster picture ever made!
Review: A 3 hour+ epic that spans the lives of a group of young street kids in turn of the century New York. No movie I've ever seen has better character developement than this one. Robert DeNiro as "Noodles", James Wood as "Max" and Elizabeth McGovern as "Deborah" are the main characters. The way that Max "worked" Noodles, for his own agenda, rang loud and clear to me from my own similar life experiences. Deborah is Max's lifelong love, but___well, see the movie. There are some very violent scenes and some graphic sexual content, but it is necessary for this movie. The short version doesn't have the rough sex or violence, but it doesn't have much of anything else either. If you can't handle the full length version, pick another movie. Lastly, where's the d__n DVD of this movie?
Rating:
Summary: Hands down, an American Masterpiece
Review: I am privelaged that Amazon has allowed me the opportunity to pay homage to what I believe is one of the finest films ever made on a piece of the american experience. Often touching, yet also boldly brutal at times, this film is like watching a 4 hour moving painting of images. You will be transfixed by what you see. The score is haunting and will stay with you long after the images are gone. Yes, it is 4 hours long. Take your time. Absorb it, and see it again and again. Truly a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Movie
Review: This is one of the great movies of all time. It is moving, it is real and it is provoking. It captures the emotions and life as it was for some in that period. The characters are deep. The story is rich and full. It is not for someone looking for 90 minutes of laughter. I have watched it many times and it is truly a special film. Sergio's use of dialog, camera, color, scenes and haunting music places the viewer in the moment and causes the viewer to feel the emotions and to feel them change as the movie moves to it conclusion. It is a highly recommended piece that can provoke thoughts and emotions. I lived close to this at one time. It is real.
Rating:
Summary: Among the best films ever.
Review: I have watched this film many times, and an always amazed at the depth and complexity I find. The score is outstanding and the characters are absolutely real. I grew up there!! You will never find a better film than this. Yeah, I know, what about the Godfather (I,II, and III)? I have that too, and watch all three once a year. On balance, Once Upon a Time in America has better consistency and just works better for me and my wife. But we love Godfather, too.
Rating:
Summary: To the viewer from Cincy
Review: ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA was named one of the best ten movies in the 1980s by the respectful "America Film" magazine, which tallied RAGING BULL as the best movie in the 80s. I think that ONCE finished either #2 or #4 on the list. Not a bad achievement for a movie that was brutally clipped to pieces when it was released in the US. Also Gene Siskel tallied the movie as the best in 84 in his annual top 10 list. The highly regarded "TIME OUT" (an English magazine) polled international directors, critics for the top 100 movies of all time and both "Once......in America and in the West" came out in the top 36. Really not a small feat for a great director that gets constantly neglected by the Academy.To me, "AMERICA" is one of the very few movies that changed my attitude toward life. It is arguably my favorite movie, along with "Casablanca", "the unbearable lightness of being", "gone with the wind", "godfather", "blue velvet", "breaking the waves"...to name a few. Thank you Sergio. I have so many friends around me who believe that you have achieved the Sistine Chapel in the movie industry.
|
