Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 film that captures the essence of nostalgia and the inevitability of time’s march. Directed by Sergio Leone, it follows the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters from the teenage years to their twilight years. Set in the era of the prohibition and spanning over 40 years, the film captures the essence of its time, with its rich themes and compelling characters leaving an indelible impression on viewers.
The movie portrays the life of David Aaronson (Robert De Niro) and his friend Maximillian “Max” Bercovicz (James Woods) as they grow up in New York City’s immigrant Jewish ghetto. The cinematography was incredible, capturing the nuances and details of their world. As they climb the ranks of organized crime, the film brings vividly to life the era of smuggling, speakeasies, and backroom deals that characterizes prohibition.
The story is complex, and the non-linear narrative does require some attention, but it is worth the effort. The use of flashbacks to aid the storytelling was phenomenal, as it details the familiar rise-to-power plot but with a twist, a betrayal that caused Max to despise David. The subplot of David’s lost love, Deborah (Jennifer Connelly) adds a layer of melancholy to the story and further humanizes the lead character.
The score from Ennio Morricone was nothing less than amazing, bringing the passion and sadness of the movie to the foreground. The sound design was also top-notch, providing an immersive experience as if we were transported back in time. Leone’s directing was masterful. He portrayed the decadence of America very well, while also capturing the tragic cruelty that a life of crime brings.
Once Upon a Time in America is a true masterpiece, and while not for everyone, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre or fans of movies with a great story. The use of symbolism, the themes of loyalty, trust, and betrayal, combined with an excellent cast of actors, make it a movie that you will want to revisit time and again. It is a film with a message, not just entertainment. An epic and compelling film, it will leave you thinking and moved long after the credits have rolled.
Lesson about Once Upon a Time in America
The movie Once Upon a Time in America teaches us about the consequences of greed, betrayal and the true meaning of friendship.
The Best of Once Upon a Time in America
- 1. Stellar Cast: One of the strongest points of Once Upon a Time in America is its powerful ensemble cast which includes Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, and Joe Pesci delivering some of their finest performances. Together, they bring to life the complex and nuanced characters that inhabit this epic crime drama.
- 2. Immersive Storytelling: The film is a cinematic masterpiece that draws viewers into a world of organized crime, friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The film’s nonlinear narrative structure keeps the audience guessing throughout, adding to the intrigue and suspense of the story. The film’s visual style, including its use of evocative flashbacks, enhances the immersive experience.
- 3. Timeless Themes: Once Upon a Time in America deals with themes such as loyalty, love, greed, and the price of power, which are as relevant today as they were when the film was released. The film’s exploration of the human condition and the choices people make, has made it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a timeless masterpiece.
Week points of Once Upon a Time in America
- 1. Length: The movie has a runtime of nearly four hours, which can be tiring for some viewers. The slow pacing of the movie also adds to the length and can make it feel even longer.
- 2. Historical Inaccuracy: The movie is set in the 1920s and 1930s in New York, but there are some historical inaccuracies in the film. For example, the use of a payphone in the 1920s is highly unlikely, and the appearance of cars from the 1950s and 60s breaks the realism of the story’s setting.
- 3. Lack of Relatable Characters: While the film has many interesting characters, they are all deeply flawed and difficult to relate to. The main character, Noodles, is especially problematic, as his actions are often cruel and hard to justify. This can make it difficult for viewers to become invested in the characters and their storylines.
Technical details of Once Upon a Time in America
| Title | Once Upon a Time in America |
|---|---|
| Year | 1984 |
| Rated | R |
| Released | 01 Jun 1984 |
| Runtime | 229 min |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| Director | Sergio Leone |
| Writer | Harry Grey, Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi |
| Actors | Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern |
| Plot | With the vivid memory of his long-gone childhood friends Max, Patsy, and Cockeye etched in his mind, his ferociously loyal partners-in-crime during their rise to prominence in New York's Prohibition-era Lower East Side, the defeated, penniless, and guilt-ridden former gangster David "Noodles" Aaronson returns to Manhattan. Not knowing what to expect on his mission to shed light on his opaque past, grizzled Noodles reunites with his only living friend Fat Moe after 35 haunted years of self-exile. However, the relentless, piercing sound of culpability stands in the way of finding closure, as the inscrutable content of a well-worn leather suitcase further complicates matters. And now, against the backdrop of a torn conscience, the sad, bittersweet recollections of more than 50 years of love, death, and everything in-between become inextricably intertwined, leading to even more puzzling questions. But what are a man's options when he is left with nothing? |
| Country | Italy, United States |
| Awards | Won 2 BAFTA 12 wins & 12 nominations total |
