Once Upon a Time in America
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VHS Movie Reviews of Once Upon a Time in America
Movie Review: not a gangster film, but a love story
Summary: 3 Stars
Robert De Niro and James Woods star in this Sergio Leone flick as two Jewish gangsters, "Noodles" and Max, who share a forbidden love for each other that the hyper-macho world they inhabit both creates and scorns. Unable to admit their love, they pursue a series of troubling, violent love affairs (especially Noodles - whose idea of intimacy is rape) with a number of women, whom unfailingly either conform to the stereotypes of the virgin or, more commonly, the whore (the women in this film, oddly enough, are either able to enjoy or forget the times that Noodles rapes them.) By the end of this nearly four hour exploration of unrequited love, Noodles has come to love Max so much that he's unable to take rightful revenge for all the heartbreak and hardship he's caused him. Kudos to Leone, well-known for his tough guy anti-hero films, for having the courage to explore such a taboo subject. Movie Review: Not a gangster film -- something much more special...
Summary: 5 Stars
...a meditation on time, memory, and the nature of cinema itself. Imagine a gangster film written by Proust and directed by Max Ophuls. Leone devoted 15 years of his life to this project; when it was all over (betrayed by America itself, just like Noodles), it pretty much killed him. There are rumors that Leone's intial cut, 40-50 minutes longer than the "long" (227 min.) version released in Europe, is being restored. I hope and pray this is true. Christopher Frayling's excellent biography of Leone outlines the missing footage -- some violence, and a lot of stuff from the "1968" sections of the movie -- more of Noodles enountering faces from his past, particularly Tuesday Weld and Treat Williams. I always found that the 1968 material seemed rushed and choppy -- hopefully this footage will remedy that and turn "Once Upon A Time In America" into the masterpiece it undoubtedly is.
Movie Review: A masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
In only a few words. The best gangaster film ever, perhaps one of the best films in the history. Was ranked by the critics as one of the best films of the 80's, overlooked in the oscars, but when the real release of the film was displayed everyone asserted in saying that this is a masterpiece.Movie Review: Enough said but mind these two points.....
Summary: 5 Stars
I have loved this film from the first time I saw it. My fellow reviewers have covered this beautifully and I feel I can't add anymore praise. If you however choose to buy this movie, DO NOT repeat DO NOT buy the 2 hour version. The 2 hour was the actual theatrical release which also killed this movie at the box office as well as robbed it of it's place in history as one of the great movies of all time. The four hour version (cut down from Leone's 6 hour version) has the much needed subplot that's essential to the story. Don't settle for less! Also, mind the scene near the end where De Niro and James Woods haven't seen each other for many years and they're doing some uncomfortable catching up. Just before filming this scene, De Niro bet James Woods that he could not act the scene in a pair of high heels. He did and if you pay attention, you can tell he's just a little taller. He also won the bet, and capped off one of the best performances of the film. Incredible! An apt description for this movie too! Enjoy.... Movie Review: Well done...
Summary: 5 Stars
This film came to me with high recommendation, for which I give thanks; and I can write without reserve that it was extremely enjoyable. Have always been a fan of DeNiro, but over and above that, I have to say the young actors in this movie were brilliant. Zamphir on the pan flute was no slouch either.
I will be looking for more from DeNiro, both acting and directing, in the near future.