
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 ... (Full plot summary below)
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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?
Leave your thoughts about Once Upon a Time in America.
| Washington PostGary ArnoldThis would-be epic schlep, dragging almost 50 years of chronology over a sluggish 140 minutes, is far too slight of text and ponderous of presentation to sustain more than nodding-off dramatic interest. [U.S. theatrical release] |
| Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThere are times when we don't understand exactly what is happening, but never a time when we don't feel confidence in the film's narrative. |
| Common Sense MediaJeffrey M. AndersonComplex gangster epic has strong violence, sex. |
| Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranThis epic is a compendium of kitsch, but it’s kitsch aestheticized by someone who loves it and sees it as the poetry of the masses. It isn’t just the echoing moments that keep you absorbed—it’s the reverberant dreamland settings and Leone’s majestic, billowing sense of film movement. |
| People MagazineRalph NovakThe film, photographed by Tonino Delli Colli, is striking to look at, especially its New York street scenes, which were shot in Manhattan, Montreal and a back lot near Rome. The acting is stunning. |
| The Film YapNick RogersA tale of haunting introspection, unremitting power and potent symbolism. "America" ruminates on the corrosive effects of greed, violence, objectification and pain, and forces us to face despicable acts of a stand-in for our nation's worst impulses. |
| rec.arts.movies.reviewsTed PriggeThe film seems to be too ambiguous for its own good. But somehow it holds together, and becomes a masterpiece, and a wonderful little exit piece for the genius Mr. Leone. |
| Film4Film4 StaffSad and vast yet compelling throughout, this remain Leone's most towering achievement. |
| Hollywood ReporterDouglas PrattAs one would expect from Leone, the film is a brilliant stylistic accomplishment. |
| Washington PostPaul AttanasioSergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America has the mind of a dazzling art film and the soul of a TV mini-series. |