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I think your review is flawed - while you obviously love the film, as do I, your review looks at the film as if Noodles, et al. gets old. I think you should do another review - where you recognize that the future - everything after DeNiro gets high on opium - is a forward looking dream. Noodles NEVER leaves the Opium den - most likely he gets shot by the hitman trailing him through the Chinese Theater. Your review could/should consider all of Noodles future situations in terms of them being in the opium dream of Noodles. It’s hard to even think about it. Some things to ponder: - what real world thing is the ringing phone - loud buzzing that wakes Noodles from his opium stupor? Is that when he gets killed? - what’s with the frisbee? - If Noodles doesn’t wake up and leave the opium den - when does the dream begin? When the Opium den workers wake him up and usher him out? (In reality, he’s really still in his high - he never wakes up). So - at what event/point in the plot does his dream begin? I suspect there’s many minutes of lost footage that explains all this - but based on the few sequences of the film resurrected by Scorsese - I’d rather it stay enigmatic.
I’d pay an absurd amount of money in order to view Leone’s cut of this film in the way that he had envisioned. I believe that many, many people would do the same.
@@evanpetelle5669 I’m there with you, I’ve watched this film so many times since the age of 13 I am now 35. I’d pay a ridiculous amount of money to watch all of it 😩
@@evanpetelle5669the European cut (229 Minutes) is Leone‘s cut. The one shown in the US was only two hours long. The one he originally planned was just over 4 hrs, so around + 15 Minutes. We do have his vision and it‘s quite frankly my definition of everything that makes great cinema.
I watched all four hours of this amazing film last night for the second time in its entirety. I saw it over twenty years ago and you are really right when you say each of us will view it differently depending upon how often we've seen it and where in our own lives we are when we viewed it again. The first time, in my early twenties, the film was entertaining, shocking and confusing. Last night, at 56, when one realizes how much gray there is in life and that good and bad are constantly in a state of emerging transience, I felt humbled, grateful, sad and reflective. I also felt less able to judge these characters despite many of their unforgivable actions. Rape, murder, betrayal and yet the humanity and compassion explored in the film is always evident even when it seems not to be. The score is gorgeous and I am sure assists in humanizing the more reprehensible characteristics of this fantastic epic.
Thank you so much Jim! I teach high school and it has been a hard day. The film has been on my mind throughout it and last night after watching the entire four hours in one sitting with good scotch, my dreams were pretty much filled with imagery from the film. It is such a deep experience and what you said was so accurate and true and it of course made me further reflect on the film. Your wonderful insight into how time within our own lives can frame the current cinematic experience was such an "obvious," observation and yet one I was not consciously aware of. Thanks for your reply and the work you did to convey the meaning, importance and validity of this exemplary piece of wonder and art. All the best from Portland, Oregon.
Johndjr I grew up on the LES of NYC-50s-70s moved to Florida in 96- very accurate even decades after. Thank goodness I got the degree from the university of the street and Baruch college CUNY
Best movie of all times!!!Better than Godfather, includes everything about life: friendships, love, betrayal, crime. Ennio Morricone's music is the greatest..
This isn't a movie, it's an experience. James Woods is on fire in this movie. Its an astounding masterpiece. Miles better than the godfather, good fellas etc.
I could not have said it better. You captured exactly why I love this film. I do believe I will come to appreciate this film more as I age. Even at 27, I can already identify in certain respects with the regrets the characters have, and how they reflect my own mistakes in life. A true masterpiece with a soundtrack I listen to almost daily.
I have only gotten this deep feeling watching 2 films and that is ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, I can’t describe the feeling but I know it when I’ve felt it.
What happened to this movie might be one of the greatest tragedies in cinematic history. The saddest part is that we may never see what Leone had originally intended. He had ten hours of footage which was edited into Leone’s intended six hour film, to be released in two parts. However, due to the failure of Bernardo Bertolucci’s five hour epic, 1900 (also starring Robert De Niro), it was cut down to 269 minutes (4h 29m), this was also too long, so Leone cut this down to 3h 49m, which is the most widely seen version, and is a near undisputed masterpiece, up there with films like Ford Coppola’s The Godfather in the crime genre. It’s among my favourite films and it’s truly beautiful, the cinematography, the music, the acting (one of De Niro’s greatest performances). I really hope the lost footage can someday be recovered. Thankfully, the film’s legacy seems to live on, as Martin Scorsese took the baton of violent gangsters and ran with it in GoodFellas, and has even aided in the recovery of lost footage, which has led to the creation of the 4h 11m version. Also, this film really got a bum rap at the Oscars, not even nominated, here’s what I think it deserved: Best Picture - Arnon Milchan Best Actor - Robert De Niro Best Supporting Actor Nomination - James Woods Best Supporting Actress Nomination - Elizabeth McGovern/Jennifer Connelly Best Original Score - Ennio Morricone Best Cinematography- Tonino Delli Colli Best Adapted Screenplay (from ‘The Hoods’ by Harry Grey) - That freakin’ army of writers (including Leone) Best Director - Sergio Leone Also some nominations for best Costume Design and Art Direction quite possibly
@@JimTheMovieGeek personally, if anything, it deserved Best Cinematography. Tonino Delli Colli also shot Once Upon A Time In The West and The Good the Bad and the Ugly and just for those credits alone he’s one of the best cinematographers ever. Many of the shots in those films are among the greatest in all of cinema. Are you really telling me, The Killing Fields had better cinematography? Also, Make-Up dept should have been nominated for the old age effects in the 1968 sequences
@@bryantbarth9051 true, true. I’m just a bit bummed that this movie was so poorly treated when it came out that it didn’t even have a chance to be one recognised
Great analysis of this absolute masterwork of cinema, which as you rightly said, is one of the greatest movies ever made. I once read somewhere where they asked director James Cameron which he thought was superior, 'The Godfather' or 'Once Upon a Time in America' and he brilliantly replied; "one is a movie, the other is cinema".
Godfather, Once upon a time in America and Goodfellas are not just great gangster movies, they are cinema masterpiece. Great storytelling, great characters, great actors.
I was speechless after the first time I saw this GEM. It's perfect, just so perfect. I can't believe I'd never seen Once Upon A Time only a few years ago!
Its crazy when we're all dead and gone movies will outlive all of us....I'm glad this movie was made and i hope more people will enjoy its greatness... and hopefully we will one day get the version that needs to be seen.
My mum brought this movie home on vhs in about 86, and when I got round to watching in its entirety it was then and still is my favourite movie of all time, in England we where never subjected to the cut version so only ever knew the full cut, I debated it as better than godfather when in A level film studies and to this day is still my favourite movie of all time, I got to see Ennio Morricone in concert n Milan 2 years before he passed, Debra’s theme brought a tear to my eye when heard with a 60 piece orchestra…Sergio Leones magnum opus… pure cinema and the greatest soundtrack ever
It's awesome that you always got the full cut, I saw the hacked up cut first so it made me ignore the film for years till I saw the incredible actual correct cut
An amazing film! Sergio's vision gives us an incredible scope of what it means to be human, from the tender innocence of first love to the complications and tensions of relationships. He shows our ugliness as well as our hopes, dreams and aspirations. Most of all, he shows how the passage of time defeats us all, breaking apart our lives and our loves. Morricone's sublime score percolates the images perfectly matching the poignancy and tenderness of its subject matter. A masterpiece. I too rate Fanny and alexander as a masterpiece also. Thank you.
thanks so much for the kind words, and I agree, and so great to speak to another fan of fanny and alexander, possibly the least discussed of all masterpieces
@@JimTheMovieGeek Yes, I agree Fanny and Alexander is so neglected and I don't know a better film. Interestingly, it's themes are similar to those of Once Upon a Time in America - what it means to be human, what shapes us from our earliest experiences, and which of our choices impacts us most. Bergman's masterpiece is cinema at full stretch, discussing the most important aspects of our humanness. Thanks Jim, I appreciate your channel.
This is definitely in my top 6, arguably higher but everything at that level is so close. I watched a movie the day before I put in my top 20 and blew me away, then I got to this and I was at a loss for words. Incredible film
Could not agree with you more. There are many great movies .. and then there is this one .. a cinematic masterpiece. Whenever I see a scene., whenever I hear the soundtrack, I am transported to another time and place.
Several people, including you, have perfectly put into words what I have been feeling in regards to this movie. There’s a staggering contrast between the beauty of the cinematography and Ennio Morricone’s music and the horrible people these gangsters are.
Watched this film again for the second time. Such an amazing film great realistic story of people and their charecters and a beautiful soundtrack. Just love it .
It's pretty great, but definitely one I have to be in the right mood for. The way the flashbacks are structured is really good, it really feels like memories Noodles is having.
@@DeanH92 I think he could be referring to the length, sometimes to watch the full five hours you need to be in the right situation or mindset I think that's also part of the effect of the film the fact it's not the easiest watch like all great films it requires an investment from yourself also
@@JimTheMovieGeek I was thinking about it yesterday as basically a full 8 hour shift, where you need some time to set your environment, use the intermission block off your schedule, and when all is said and done: go for a walk and get out for the rest of the day to just think about whatever comes mind. I bought a load of Laserdiscs early last year, a genuine library of cinema, and have been watching whatever is in the lot. Watched "Once Upon" yesterday for the first time having no idea what to expect, and it knocks out. It's my first Sergio Lionne film, and man...
@@KiramidHeadthe two rape scenes and the scenes of the child prostitute are to me the only reasons why this film doesn’t get the praise of a film like The Godfather or the Shawshank Redemption
Whoever dislikes this film or don’t think it’s good enough is seriously smoking crack, because this is literally my number 1 favorite film of all time.
one of the things that makes Leona special is that he clearly loved actors. all those long slow clos ups without words allow the actors to show their ability to express emotions. He even makes minor characters unforgettable in this way. Perhaps not so much in this film, but the opening of Once upon a time in the west, or the faces in the crowd watching Tuco being hanged in The good the bad and the ugly.
I’ve shown it to 2 people and both have left the movie different just like me when I first saw it. This movie changes you in ways you can’t really explain. I wish I can live long enough to see the full 6hr cut or just more scenes cause this film is just so dense with almost every emotion of the human experience.
I don't think there's a single review on CZcams that actually says every feeling I have for this movie, ur review is spot-on. Greatest movie ever made in every aspect from the story to the cinematography to the amazing score which still to this day makes me tear up whenever I hear it, the flute is classic. I could keep on rambling forever on every aspect about how I love this movie but I just have one question.... The ending what r ur thoughts?
@@JimTheMovieGeek I also think it wasn't a dream but just Sergio Leone trying to throw us off with a scene from the past. I guess I just don't want it to be a dream cus then there won't be anyone to blame. Thx for answering, i appreciate it
Holy Crap - I just figured out the Frisbee scene!!! This has been haunting me since I first saw the film in 1983!!! What’s with the Frisbee? It had to be more than just a “transition” device. Why would Leone insert a pop culture toy from the 1960’s in his film, unless it meant something!?!? The answer is not what or why - it’s WHERE?!Here’s my analysis: The “frisbee” is a round disk flying through the air. When else in Noodles’ life was there a disk spinning through the air? Two places (I found): when Noodles tosses his cap in the back seat of the car, when Max picks him up from prison. The other is when Dominic is shot by Bugsy. (In slow motion) And so, WHERE does the shooting of Dominic occur? Right outside of the Manhattan Bridge. (Infamous Manhattan Bridge photo from the poster). Okay - where does the frisbee fly by Noodles????? UNDER A BRIDGE!!! Ironically - where Noodles walks is now called DUMBO - (Directly Under the Manhattan Bridge Off-ramp!!). It’s a very trendy place now (in Brooklyn). Only someone who knows NYC would know this - but I’m convinced the Frisbee is Noodles dream replaying Dominic’s shooting during the 1960’s flash-forward.
A morricone score is the highest bar there is and he ensured that it will eternally be so with this opus. And leone delivered the perfect movie to accompany it. Truly immortal. Noodles I slipped. Every single time it gets me like the first time. The ultimate example of high cinema. And noodles spying on Deborah practicing her ballet routine is the most perfect scene ever to pass through a projector. On the whole, I thoroughly recommend it or you can fuck off
The contrast you made between Once Upon A Time In America (1984) and Shawshank Redemption (1994) was perfect. The latter film has a sense of hope amidst the despair of prison. The former starts out in despair and takes us back to the days of hope, before everything fell apart.
I wouldn't say this was better than The Godfather. I wouldn't go that far. And its not better than Godfather 2. But this film I would say is in the top ten of all time gangsta film classics.
I think when you see the version how Leone intended you realise it is a thing of beauty as is the score which is beyond perfect.. also agree you see different things and feel different things along the way as you get older... the sad part is that real Film buffs aside that this will in part go undetected and never get the full credit id truly merits... Could easily be Leone and DeNiro`s best work and that is high praise given there body - A word for Woods and the support simply superb!
Very insightful. One of my personal favorites, it’s just so entrancing and hypnotizing. My only issue is that I was pretty confused a lot of the times. Haven’t seen it in a while but I remember being confused about what happened to Moe - why he died in the beginning - and also if the scenes with old Deniro/Woods are illusions or reality.
This movie is incredibly hard to watch. There are so many questionable scenes, mainly 2 scenes involving Noodles. To be honest I felt Noodles was more evil than Max for his evil crimes against humanity
The scenes aren't questionable. The personality of a the character is. You see, that's what we used to call "making a movie." I agree that it's a tough watch, though. Hell, that's the point.
You also couldn’t put this into chronological order because otherwise the audience wouldn’t care. As Gene Siskel pointed out, we wouldn’t see Robert De Niro - the star of the film - until about an hour and a half into the movie, so the audience would be stuck with a bunch of mean little boys we don’t care about and we don’t know why we should be paying attention to. The film only works as it is with its structure, which isn’t even that bad. It’s mainly in a chronological flashback with some future scenes intercut. People act like it’s The Prestige or something.
This is a very nice review of a very complicated/complicating, but magnifiscent, film. It is the sort of film that arrests your eyes and ears for the entire run, and when it is all done you sit there with an invisible hand pressing on you, keeping you in place for a minute of two. It's one of those films that leaves one in a daze of wonder for the excellence in every aspect of the production, how the story was at all created and how it was told.
The first time I saw this movie was at the age of young Noodles as an innocent and unsuspecting adolescent in the late 80s. It was an unforgetable, shocking experience. Had to rewatch it numerous times and each time it held me for days. 35 years later, having experienced treachery and betrayal in real life, I admit I find it a little less overwhelming, but still among my top three favorites of all time.
I saw this movie some years ago as a young man with an old girlfriend, I might have been 23. It all went over my head. Lol. Watched it again last year and again just last weekend, and the amount of pain, melancholy, regret, contemplation but also just bare humanity this film 🎞 inspires is really mind blowing (of course, I’m 50 now). To me these characters lean on the allegorical side as a commentary on America, but the intimate moments, of which pretty much every scene contains intimate, poignant moments, are no less powerful because of it. Great review, thank you. 😊🙏🏻
I look forward with perhaps some caution watching this when I'm at 50 too I'm sure it hits on an entirely different level, I think its one of those films that rewards you through different life stages, and at the same time slaps you in the face at different life stages I'm sure and hits hard
Indeed it does. Something symbolic occurred to me as well. What is the myth of how Rome was founded, the two babes nursed by a wolf, what were their names, Remus and Romulus..? America is the new Rome. In the film OUATIA, The two babies, brothers, are Max and Noodles, suckled by “the wolf,” which is materialism, the American pursuit of money. I don’t know if this was intentional on Leone’s part but being Italian, lol, of course he would be intimately cognizant of this myth. Perhaps it is so ingrained it was unintentional, but that’s the way it spoke to me. Movies and literature are fascinating that way.
In my opinion it is a film about human nature, which is not made of black and white, but of greys, and about the possibility of choice, about free will. Noodles has the chance to change his life several times, but always gets sucked into the dark side in the end. Criminal choice starts as a game, it even looks fun, but then it sucks you back into evil every time. Noodles escapes from his reality for only a few hours in the fumes of opium, looking for what perhaps would have been a different life if he hadn't made certain choices and actions. Max is apparently back on the straight and narrow, to an honest life, but is that the case? Or he simply chose a more refined path, one of higher level crime, but in the end his initial choice comes back knocking on the door.
I really like and appreciate this movie. I have the blu ray with both (good versions) i recommend. That being said i think the few complaints about the movie being misogynistic is completely valid and it takes me out of the movie. Of course the main characters are terrible people but how could a woman be brutally raped then laugh about it a couple years later. Huh?
Best movie i ever lyed eyes on im 36 im watchn it since i was 11 12 wen i got older it made more sence n den the oringal just blow my mind its a masterpiece from dublin ireland 🇮🇪❤
This film stays with me since the day I saw it in 1984. The score, the acting, the pathos, the cinematography! All - so great. But - what’s with the Frisbee?
Well done on this video - well done for not editing your commentary too much. This is a picture that makes you look at your own life with a deeper appreciation and reflection. Another De Niro film - The Deer Hunter had that effect on me too. Why don't we see films like this anymore ?
I watched it twice, because it's my favorite movie genre. I couldn't get into it as much as The Godfather, Goodfellas or even lesser films like Donnie Brasco or Bronx Tale.
Just re watched the film at the same time I discovered your channel. On second viewing may be on of the best films I've seen (not a bad channel you have here either 😉). Watched the first time when I was a teenager. This time was a much different viewing experience
Thanks so much for your kind words, and yes this is a film which you can get different things out of when you watch at different stages of life, it's an incredibly enduring work
I belive that you miss what really happened.... when charachters is old- it is not reality, it is just Noodles imagination on opium... think about that: how is posiblle that Fat Moe doesnt know that Max and Deborah( his own sister) have Child? Hove is posible that Noodles and Moe( or Max ex lover) doesnt never saw him on tv/ newspaper- man become senator.... Last scene on movie- Noodles in opium delirium, think about that
@@JimTheMovieGeek one more thing- how is posible that Deborah is not any older after 35 years-he speaks normal with man who rape her? Deborah would never been with Max- if he know that he kill 2 best frieds and destroy Noodles life..
Somebody should make a movie about the odyssey this film went on before being restored to the masterpiece it is today. It's initial triumph at Cannes and internationally, it's subsequent destruction in the USA by the Ladd Company, and its triumphant resurrection by Leone's children and Martin Scorsese would make a compelling drama in itself.
@@JimTheMovieGeekwell after I seen your video I watched it and man was it a dam masterpiece like I can't put into words how it made me feel it's my 2nd favorite film of all time since my first time watching it I've rewatched it 2 other times and I'm going to rewatch it again it's just so dam good
There was a lot to work with within this movie. It lacked a lot of cohesion between the scenes unfortunately. There was a lot that didn't make any realistic sense. The most difficult flaw to overlook was how everyone had an unrealistic sense of loyalty from childhood to adulthood, despite Noodles being away in prison for so long. Especially when everyone other than Noodles love was so obnoxious as youth.
I must give you my congratulations fo a very rational discussion and analyze about this amazing movie. I agree with you completely. I read in an interview about Sergio Leones reaction, concerning this movie and then they were about to release a new version, chronological. This movie can not be made chronological. It would be criminal to destroy this remarkable masterpiece and completely change the narration.With the exception of The Godfather - Part II, this is one of the greatest movie ever made. Everything fits well, the story, the narration, the actors, the photo and foremost the Music, the movie would not be the same without the music. The atmosphere and the emotions in this movie, is built up by this totally amazing music. The ´movie will partly take place in the 1920´s and when you watch the movie, it IS the 1920´s. Magic, pure magic, by Mr. Leone! Chronological? Not the greatest idéa! Leave this great, great movie, as it is! If anyone would change it, the magic of the movie is gone.
Great review. OUATIA is truly awesome, I have never bastardised USA version but no the long version is truly great, and as you say you the viewer interpreting events while looking at these characters who are lowlifes. Kubrick movies are the same, having a different dimensions through different times in your life. I personally feel it is Woods movie though, because even when he not on screen he controlling noodles behaviour and reactions.
I strongly disagree with your take on the movie. Deborah is just as sick as MAX. She is selfish and egotistic. That is why she ends up with MAX. They are two sociopaths. Noodles on the other hand keeps his foot on the ground. He understands the ultimate victory of not having a boss. That is all he wants. To be free and have friends he can trust and a woman he can love. Noodle is sanity inside a very sick world. Deborah and MAX they want all. Their EGOs are the moving force, not FREEDOM.
That's an interesting take I never really thought why Deborah would end up with max it is perhaps that's she's bad too, but I never really sensed that more she was lost and max would have took advantage
@@JimTheMovieGeek Remember Deborah tells Noodles at that romantic diner, she could be with Noodles, but she wanted to go all the way to the top and if she were to stay with Noodles she knows she wouldn't have the freedom to venture into her own business. She would become a mother and a wife. However I have recently started considering a different hypothesis. Bare with me on this one. Right after the death of all of his friends he goes into OPIUM deep. What does Opium does to you? You see the future as if it was the present. So Noodles so very high on drugs, had a dream which was the second part of the movie. Where his imagination tells him he didn't kill his friends and that MAX is alive and MAX not himself is to blame for his friends deaths. That is why at the last scene of the movie, he goes back to the OPIUM house ( as old as 1933 - which is right after their deaths ) and after a couple of puffs is smiling again.
It's the best movie I've ever seen in my life. City lights by Charles Chaplin is the second on my list. By the way, Sergio Leone loved Chaplin's movies ....
Saw this originally in the theater on the first release. It didn't confuse me so much as it bored me to tears. And l don't bore easily. Now l just watched the four hour version, and it didn't impress me. Yes, the production detail is amazing and the music is sad and memorable. But the actors, with the exception of Woods and Weld, are flat and uninspiring. The lead character is a rapist? The other characters are voyuers, thugs and thinly drawn. And McGovern's character doesn't appear to age while everyone else does? Is this a metaphor l missed? Yes, l understand there is a lot going on here, but like ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, it seemed like more of a film about settling and and mood more than character and great story telling. And finally, the aging makeup is really sub par, and will look worse once an upgrade is provided. I do miss epic filmmaking on this scale, and God bless Leone for being able to make it. But the whole project felt cold and detatched, and l still am as unmoved by it as l was back in 1984. Just doesn't do it for me.
I enjoyed the film but there is no way I'd put this over Godfather (1972), Once upon a time in America just didnt capture me as much as The Godfather did as there were too many scenes that were comical and I didnt care for the characters as much as I did in the Godfather but overall its still a good film.
Slightly misleading commentary. It was cut in America but released complete in Europe. So the truncated version has never been seen in the UK, or indeed, the rest of Europe.
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I think your review is flawed - while you obviously love the film, as do I, your review looks at the film as if Noodles, et al. gets old. I think you should do another review - where you recognize that the future - everything after DeNiro gets high on opium - is a forward looking dream. Noodles NEVER leaves the Opium den - most likely he gets shot by the hitman trailing him through the Chinese Theater. Your review could/should consider all of Noodles future situations in terms of them being in the opium dream of Noodles. It’s hard to even think about it.
Some things to ponder:
- what real world thing is the ringing phone - loud buzzing that wakes Noodles from his opium stupor? Is that when he gets killed?
- what’s with the frisbee?
- If Noodles doesn’t wake up and leave the opium den - when does the dream begin? When the Opium den workers wake him up and usher him out? (In reality, he’s really still in his high - he never wakes up). So - at what event/point in the plot does his dream begin?
I suspect there’s many minutes of lost footage that explains all this - but based on the few sequences of the film resurrected by Scorsese - I’d rather it stay enigmatic.
Adore this film. Sergio Leone really knocked it out of the park with this one. I still long for Leone’s full cut.
I’d pay an absurd amount of money in order to view Leone’s cut of this film in the way that he had envisioned.
I believe that many, many people would do the same.
@@evanpetelle5669 I’m there with you, I’ve watched this film so many times since the age of 13 I am now 35. I’d pay a ridiculous amount of money to watch all of it 😩
@@evanpetelle5669the European cut (229 Minutes) is Leone‘s cut. The one shown in the US was only two hours long. The one he originally planned was just over 4 hrs, so around + 15 Minutes. We do have his vision and it‘s quite frankly my definition of everything that makes great cinema.
The one on CZcams for free is 3 hours and 49min
I watched all four hours of this amazing film last night for the second time in its entirety. I saw it over twenty years ago and you are really right when you say each of us will view it differently depending upon how often we've seen it and where in our own lives we are when we viewed it again. The first time, in my early twenties, the film was entertaining, shocking and confusing. Last night, at 56, when one realizes how much gray there is in life and that good and bad are constantly in a state of emerging transience, I felt humbled, grateful, sad and reflective. I also felt less able to judge these characters despite many of their unforgivable actions. Rape, murder, betrayal and yet the humanity and compassion explored in the film is always evident even when it seems not to be. The score is gorgeous and I am sure assists in humanizing the more reprehensible characteristics of this fantastic epic.
Completely agree with your thoughtful take!
Thank you so much Jim! I teach high school and it has been a hard day. The film has been on my mind throughout it and last night after watching the entire four hours in one sitting with good scotch, my dreams were pretty much filled with imagery from the film. It is such a deep experience and what you said was so accurate and true and it of course made me further reflect on the film. Your wonderful insight into how time within our own lives can frame the current cinematic experience was such an "obvious," observation and yet one I was not consciously aware of. Thanks for your reply and the work you did to convey the meaning, importance and validity of this exemplary piece of wonder and art. All the best from Portland, Oregon.
Es una Oda a la amistad. a la traición y al amor. ❤
Mesmerizing, from start to finish, as I grow older, it sends me a different message;each time I watch it. Truly, one of the greatest movies ever made.
Johndjr I grew up on the LES of NYC-50s-70s moved to Florida in 96- very accurate even decades after. Thank goodness I got the degree from the university of the street and Baruch college CUNY
Best movie of all times!!!Better than Godfather, includes everything about life: friendships, love, betrayal, crime. Ennio Morricone's music is the greatest..
Passion
Ok don’t get too excited. The Godfather part 2 is the best movie ever made
@@jessebrucepinkman9834
1. GFpart2
2. GF
3. OUATIA
4. GOODFELLAS
5. PUBLIC ENEMY
@@jessebrucepinkman9834 I really don't think that it's better than Once Upon a Time in America.
strongly agree
This isn't a movie, it's an experience. James Woods is on fire in this movie. Its an astounding masterpiece. Miles better than the godfather, good fellas etc.
I completely agree! A colossal piece of work
One of the most beautiful scores ever , the music is a cast member
I could not have said it better. You captured exactly why I love this film. I do believe I will come to appreciate this film more as I age. Even at 27, I can already identify in certain respects with the regrets the characters have, and how they reflect my own mistakes in life. A true masterpiece with a soundtrack I listen to almost daily.
I have only gotten this deep feeling watching 2 films and that is ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in America’, I can’t describe the feeling but I know it when I’ve felt it.
One of the most insightful commentaries. Thanks.
Thanks for your kind words
What happened to this movie might be one of the greatest tragedies in cinematic history. The saddest part is that we may never see what Leone had originally intended. He had ten hours of footage which was edited into Leone’s intended six hour film, to be released in two parts. However, due to the failure of Bernardo Bertolucci’s five hour epic, 1900 (also starring Robert De Niro), it was cut down to 269 minutes (4h 29m), this was also too long, so Leone cut this down to 3h 49m, which is the most widely seen version, and is a near undisputed masterpiece, up there with films like Ford Coppola’s The Godfather in the crime genre. It’s among my favourite films and it’s truly beautiful, the cinematography, the music, the acting (one of De Niro’s greatest performances). I really hope the lost footage can someday be recovered. Thankfully, the film’s legacy seems to live on, as Martin Scorsese took the baton of violent gangsters and ran with it in GoodFellas, and has even aided in the recovery of lost footage, which has led to the creation of the 4h 11m version.
Also, this film really got a bum rap at the Oscars, not even nominated, here’s what I think it deserved:
Best Picture - Arnon Milchan
Best Actor - Robert De Niro
Best Supporting Actor Nomination - James Woods
Best Supporting Actress Nomination - Elizabeth McGovern/Jennifer Connelly
Best Original Score - Ennio Morricone
Best Cinematography- Tonino Delli Colli
Best Adapted Screenplay (from ‘The Hoods’ by Harry Grey) - That freakin’ army of writers (including Leone)
Best Director - Sergio Leone
Also some nominations for best Costume Design and Art Direction quite possibly
Best picture and actor surely were a given for this masterpiece
@@JimTheMovieGeek personally, if anything, it deserved Best Cinematography. Tonino Delli Colli also shot Once Upon A Time In The West and The Good the Bad and the Ugly and just for those credits alone he’s one of the best cinematographers ever. Many of the shots in those films are among the greatest in all of cinema. Are you really telling me, The Killing Fields had better cinematography? Also, Make-Up dept should have been nominated for the old age effects in the 1968 sequences
Ridiculous how despite the cut down version, it didn’t win best score, best cinematography and best makeup
@@samuelbarber6177 I think OUATIA Winning Best Adapted Screenplay winning is a stretch given all those Writers
@@bryantbarth9051 true, true. I’m just a bit bummed that this movie was so poorly treated when it came out that it didn’t even have a chance to be one recognised
Great analysis of this absolute masterwork of cinema, which as you rightly said, is one of the greatest movies ever made. I once read somewhere where they asked director James Cameron which he thought was superior, 'The Godfather' or 'Once Upon a Time in America' and he brilliantly replied; "one is a movie, the other is cinema".
Since I have seen this movie I have become obsessed with it. Its one of the best movie I have ever seen. Its a visual and musical masterpiece.
its a movie that is always in the back of my head, very haunting and beautiful
This movie is surreal. It is stuck in my mind. Movie and music.
Godfather, Once upon a time in America and Goodfellas are not just great gangster movies, they are cinema masterpiece. Great storytelling, great characters, great actors.
I agree!
I was speechless after the first time I saw this GEM. It's perfect, just so perfect. I can't believe I'd never seen Once Upon A Time only a few years ago!
Its crazy when we're all dead and gone movies will outlive all of us....I'm glad this movie was made and i hope more people will enjoy its greatness... and hopefully we will one day get the version that needs to be seen.
Very thoughtful comment totally agree mate
@@JimTheMovieGeek thanks
My mum brought this movie home on vhs in about 86, and when I got round to watching in its entirety it was then and still is my favourite movie of all time, in England we where never subjected to the cut version so only ever knew the full cut, I debated it as better than godfather when in A level film studies and to this day is still my favourite movie of all time, I got to see Ennio Morricone in concert n Milan 2 years before he passed, Debra’s theme brought a tear to my eye when heard with a 60 piece orchestra…Sergio Leones magnum opus… pure cinema and the greatest soundtrack ever
I think it's definitely better than the godfather, I love the godfather but that's how good this film is!
It's awesome that you always got the full cut, I saw the hacked up cut first so it made me ignore the film for years till I saw the incredible actual correct cut
An amazing film! Sergio's vision gives us an incredible scope of what it means to be human, from the tender innocence of first love to the complications and tensions of relationships. He shows our ugliness as well as our hopes, dreams and aspirations. Most of all, he shows how the passage of time defeats us all, breaking apart our lives and our loves. Morricone's sublime score percolates the images perfectly matching the poignancy and tenderness of its subject matter. A masterpiece. I too rate Fanny and alexander as a masterpiece also. Thank you.
thanks so much for the kind words, and I agree, and so great to speak to another fan of fanny and alexander, possibly the least discussed of all masterpieces
@@JimTheMovieGeek Yes, I agree Fanny and Alexander is so neglected and I don't know a better film. Interestingly, it's themes are similar to those of Once Upon a Time in America - what it means to be human, what shapes us from our earliest experiences, and which of our choices impacts us most. Bergman's masterpiece is cinema at full stretch, discussing the most important aspects of our humanness. Thanks Jim, I appreciate your channel.
Very well said, my friend!
The way it shifts between 3 different time periods is really clever
thank you, yes it gives it such a memory/dream like feel
This is definitely in my top 6, arguably higher but everything at that level is so close. I watched a movie the day before I put in my top 20 and blew me away, then I got to this and I was at a loss for words. Incredible film
Could not agree with you more. There are many great movies .. and then there is this one .. a cinematic masterpiece. Whenever I see a scene., whenever I hear the soundtrack, I am transported to another time and place.
Several people, including you, have perfectly put into words what I have been feeling in regards to this movie. There’s a staggering contrast between the beauty of the cinematography and Ennio Morricone’s music and the horrible people these gangsters are.
Watched this film again for the second time. Such an amazing film great realistic story of people and their charecters and a beautiful soundtrack. Just love it .
It's pretty great, but definitely one I have to be in the right mood for. The way the flashbacks are structured is really good, it really feels like memories Noodles is having.
What mood does one need to be in to watch a great film?
@@DeanH92 I think he could be referring to the length, sometimes to watch the full five hours you need to be in the right situation or mindset I think that's also part of the effect of the film the fact it's not the easiest watch like all great films it requires an investment from yourself also
@@JimTheMovieGeek It's both length and it gets pretty heavy and nasty (you know what scene).
@@JimTheMovieGeek I was thinking about it yesterday as basically a full 8 hour shift, where you need some time to set your environment, use the intermission block off your schedule, and when all is said and done: go for a walk and get out for the rest of the day to just think about whatever comes mind.
I bought a load of Laserdiscs early last year, a genuine library of cinema, and have been watching whatever is in the lot. Watched "Once Upon" yesterday for the first time having no idea what to expect, and it knocks out. It's my first Sergio Lionne film, and man...
@@KiramidHeadthe two rape scenes and the scenes of the child prostitute are to me the only reasons why this film doesn’t get the praise of a film like The Godfather or the Shawshank Redemption
Whoever dislikes this film or don’t think it’s good enough is seriously smoking crack, because this is literally my number 1 favorite film of all time.
Jim. This is one of the most incisive,fabulous film reviews I’ve ever heard. You cut to the heart of the film and did a great justice!
Thanks buddy 😊
one of the things that makes Leona special is that he clearly loved actors. all those long slow clos ups without words allow the actors to show their ability to express emotions. He even makes minor characters unforgettable in this way. Perhaps not so much in this film, but the opening of Once upon a time in the west, or the faces in the crowd watching Tuco being hanged in The good the bad and the ugly.
I’ve shown it to 2 people and both have left the movie different just like me when I first saw it. This movie changes you in ways you can’t really explain. I wish I can live long enough to see the full 6hr cut or just more scenes cause this film is just so dense with almost every emotion of the human experience.
Great analysis of the films effect, completely agree!
6 hours? Where did you get that info? It was originally a bit over 4, but Leone‘s cut is 229 minutes. There wasn‘t much more shot?
Thanks for making a video about my favorite film of all time.
your very welcome, its one of mine too, and when the chips are down it could be the greatest film ever made.
I don't think there's a single review on CZcams that actually says every feeling I have for this movie, ur review is spot-on.
Greatest movie ever made in every aspect from the story to the cinematography to the amazing score which still to this day makes me tear up whenever I hear it, the flute is classic.
I could keep on rambling forever on every aspect about how I love this movie but I just have one question.... The ending what r ur thoughts?
I genuinely like to think it wasn't all a dream, I like to think it's simply noodles trying to mask his inner pain
What's your take on it?
@@JimTheMovieGeek I also think it wasn't a dream but just Sergio Leone trying to throw us off with a scene from the past. I guess I just don't want it to be a dream cus then there won't be anyone to blame.
Thx for answering, i appreciate it
It really is an incredible work, rare that films get better and the effect washes over you even further with age
Have to watch this. Deniros a legend and Sergio leone a genius.
You definitely should, be prepared to be blown away
Holy Crap - I just figured out the Frisbee scene!!! This has been haunting me since I first saw the film in 1983!!! What’s with the Frisbee? It had to be more than just a “transition” device. Why would Leone insert a pop culture toy from the 1960’s in his film, unless it meant something!?!? The answer is not what or why - it’s WHERE?!Here’s my analysis: The “frisbee” is a round disk flying through the air. When else in Noodles’ life was there a disk spinning through the air? Two places (I found): when Noodles tosses his cap in the back seat of the car, when Max picks him up from prison. The other is when Dominic is shot by Bugsy. (In slow motion) And so, WHERE does the shooting of Dominic occur? Right outside of the Manhattan Bridge. (Infamous Manhattan Bridge photo from the poster). Okay - where does the frisbee fly by Noodles????? UNDER A BRIDGE!!! Ironically - where Noodles walks is now called DUMBO - (Directly Under the Manhattan Bridge Off-ramp!!). It’s a very trendy place now (in Brooklyn). Only someone who knows NYC would know this - but I’m convinced the Frisbee is Noodles dream replaying Dominic’s shooting during the 1960’s flash-forward.
A morricone score is the highest bar there is and he ensured that it will eternally be so with this opus. And leone delivered the perfect movie to accompany it. Truly immortal. Noodles I slipped. Every single time it gets me like the first time. The ultimate example of high cinema. And noodles spying on Deborah practicing her ballet routine is the most perfect scene ever to pass through a projector. On the whole, I thoroughly recommend it or you can fuck off
The contrast you made between Once Upon A Time In America (1984) and Shawshank Redemption (1994) was perfect. The latter film has a sense of hope amidst the despair of prison. The former starts out in despair and takes us back to the days of hope, before everything fell apart.
Just watched the full movie for the first time (thanks Amazon Prime). Wow.
Really meaningful when you first see it, and only means more over time. Definitely watch it in next few years again
Most definately my choice for greatest movie ever. So many layers of depth, meaning and emotions. It haunts me.
I wouldn't say this was better than The Godfather. I wouldn't go that far. And its not better than Godfather 2. But this film I would say is in the top ten of all time gangsta film classics.
I think when you see the version how Leone intended you realise it is a thing of beauty as is the score which is beyond perfect.. also agree you see different things and feel different things along the way as you get older... the sad part is that real Film buffs aside that this will in part go undetected and never get the full credit id truly merits... Could easily be Leone and DeNiro`s best work and that is high praise given there body - A word for Woods and the support simply superb!
And whoever cut up the original committed a crime against cinematic art.
It's crazy how much this film is of another era literally the only director living today who would even consider trying this is scorcese it's a shame
Very insightful. One of my personal favorites, it’s just so entrancing and hypnotizing.
My only issue is that I was pretty confused a lot of the times. Haven’t seen it in a while but I remember being confused about what happened to Moe - why he died in the beginning - and also if the scenes with old Deniro/Woods are illusions or reality.
I still get a bit confused I think that's the magic of the movie tho, your never supposed to entirely understand it but you find out more each time
@@JimTheMovieGeek yea that makes sense. I wonder what else was in the original cut. Great video man you earned a sub
@@MildSatire moe did not die in the beginning of the movie. All the old noodles scenes according to the director are an opium dream.
@@TomPillberg I think it was never confirmed by Leone though
@@MildSatire It was look up the quote.
This movie is incredibly hard to watch. There are so many questionable scenes, mainly 2 scenes involving Noodles. To be honest I felt Noodles was more evil than Max for his evil crimes against humanity
We are not meant to feel pity or remorse for these characters, but we do, that’s why it’s uncomfortable and sets it apart from other gangster films.
The scenes aren't questionable. The personality of a the character is. You see, that's what we used to call "making a movie." I agree that it's a tough watch, though. Hell, that's the point.
You also couldn’t put this into chronological order because otherwise the audience wouldn’t care. As Gene Siskel pointed out, we wouldn’t see Robert De Niro - the star of the film - until about an hour and a half into the movie, so the audience would be stuck with a bunch of mean little boys we don’t care about and we don’t know why we should be paying attention to. The film only works as it is with its structure, which isn’t even that bad. It’s mainly in a chronological flashback with some future scenes intercut. People act like it’s The Prestige or something.
This is a very nice review of a very complicated/complicating, but magnifiscent, film.
It is the sort of film that arrests your eyes and ears for the entire run, and when it is all done you sit there with an invisible hand pressing on you, keeping you in place for a minute of two. It's one of those films that leaves one in a daze of wonder for the excellence in every aspect of the production, how the story was at all created and how it was told.
The first time I saw this movie was at the age of young Noodles as an innocent and unsuspecting adolescent in the late 80s. It was an unforgetable, shocking experience. Had to rewatch it numerous times and each time it held me for days. 35 years later, having experienced treachery and betrayal in real life, I admit I find it a little less overwhelming, but still among my top three favorites of all time.
Hands down absolutely one of my favorites of all time, I dare say one of the greatest films!
Its hard to have sympathy for Noodles because Noodles was a rapist. Why they never talked about that is odd.
I saw this movie some years ago as a young man with an old girlfriend, I might have been 23. It all went over my head. Lol. Watched it again last year and again just last weekend, and the amount of pain, melancholy, regret, contemplation but also just bare humanity this film 🎞 inspires is really mind blowing (of course, I’m 50 now).
To me these characters lean on the allegorical side as a commentary on America, but the intimate moments, of which pretty much every scene contains intimate, poignant moments, are no less powerful because of it.
Great review, thank you. 😊🙏🏻
I look forward with perhaps some caution watching this when I'm at 50 too I'm sure it hits on an entirely different level, I think its one of those films that rewards you through different life stages, and at the same time slaps you in the face at different life stages I'm sure and hits hard
Indeed it does. Something symbolic occurred to me as well.
What is the myth of how Rome was founded, the two babes nursed by a wolf, what were their names, Remus and Romulus..?
America is the new Rome. In the film OUATIA, The two babies, brothers, are Max and Noodles, suckled by “the wolf,” which is materialism, the American pursuit of money.
I don’t know if this was intentional on Leone’s part but being Italian, lol, of course he would be intimately cognizant of this myth. Perhaps it is so ingrained it was unintentional, but that’s the way it spoke to me. Movies and literature are fascinating that way.
I really appreciate your review and analysis of my all-time favorite movie.
In my opinion it is a film about human nature, which is not made of black and white, but of greys, and about the possibility of choice, about free will.
Noodles has the chance to change his life several times, but always gets sucked into the dark side in the end. Criminal choice starts as a game, it even looks fun, but then it sucks you back into evil every time.
Noodles escapes from his reality for only a few hours in the fumes of opium, looking for what perhaps would have been a different life if he hadn't made certain choices and actions.
Max is apparently back on the straight and narrow, to an honest life, but is that the case? Or he simply chose a more refined path, one of higher level crime, but in the end his initial choice comes back knocking on the door.
Yes definitely a film about possible predestination, was noodles always doomed to a path, same as max
I really like and appreciate this movie. I have the blu ray with both (good versions) i recommend. That being said i think the few complaints about the movie being misogynistic is completely valid and it takes me out of the movie. Of course the main characters are terrible people but how could a woman be brutally raped then laugh about it a couple years later. Huh?
Because she had a thing for it....
The jewelry store heist was an inside job that she was in on.
Well said a great summation. Cinema Paradiso next please and again Ennio Morricone's music score.
Thank you. I reviewed cinema paradise a few years ago check it out 🙂 czcams.com/video/NpOHdGFYBOI/video.html
Fantastic review brother.
Best movie i ever lyed eyes on im 36 im watchn it since i was 11 12 wen i got older it made more sence n den the oringal just blow my mind its a masterpiece from dublin ireland 🇮🇪❤
This film stays with me since the day I saw it in 1984. The score, the acting, the pathos, the cinematography! All - so great. But - what’s with the Frisbee?
it mirrors my life in many ways wish I could turn the clock back to those days.best film ever ever.
Well done on this video - well done for not editing your commentary too much.
This is a picture that makes you look at your own life with a deeper appreciation and reflection.
Another De Niro film - The Deer Hunter had that effect on me too.
Why don't we see films like this anymore ?
Deer hunter is incredible too
@@JimTheMovieGeek deer hunter is also great and honestly has some similar themes.
I thought that the Godfather was my favorite movie until I watched this gem
I watched it twice, because it's my favorite movie genre. I couldn't get into it as much as The Godfather, Goodfellas or even lesser films like Donnie Brasco or Bronx Tale.
That's a shame, I'll be honest I've known ppl to watch it and not get it then watch it years later and enjoy it so you never know
It can be a tough watch at times.
A Bronx Tale is a gem. My favourite De Niro character.
Great analysis.
I can’t argue against it being the finest Film of all time. It’s in my Top 1. Da Vinci couldn’t have done better if it was a Painting
Just re watched the film at the same time I discovered your channel. On second viewing may be on of the best films I've seen (not a bad channel you have here either 😉).
Watched the first time when I was a teenager. This time was a much different viewing experience
Thanks so much for your kind words, and yes this is a film which you can get different things out of when you watch at different stages of life, it's an incredibly enduring work
I belive that you miss what really happened.... when charachters is old- it is not reality, it is just Noodles imagination on opium... think about that: how is posiblle that Fat Moe doesnt know that Max and Deborah( his own sister) have Child? Hove is posible that Noodles and Moe( or Max ex lover) doesnt never saw him on tv/ newspaper- man become senator.... Last scene on movie- Noodles in opium delirium, think about that
Interesting ...
@@JimTheMovieGeek one more thing- how is posible that Deborah is not any older after 35 years-he speaks normal with man who rape her? Deborah would never been with Max- if he know that he kill 2 best frieds and destroy Noodles life..
The Danny Aiello scene! Made a difference and maybe some explanation.
one of the last great movies
My favorite film!
One of mine too!
Somebody should make a movie about the odyssey this film went on before being restored to the masterpiece it is today. It's initial triumph at Cannes and internationally, it's subsequent destruction in the USA by the Ladd Company, and its triumphant resurrection by Leone's children and Martin Scorsese would make a compelling drama in itself.
Thanks for a true heartffelt review of my favorite movie
Es una bella pelicula.
I know it makes me sad she hooked up with max/senator to hurt him for him hurting them both but he deserved it but I don’t hate noodles humans mess up
He honestly thought tipping off the cops before they robbed the place would be less dangerous then them robbing the heavily fortified place
The best movie ever made in cinema history.
I never understood this movie like "completely"
I feel like that's the beauty of it really it does have a lot that's open
best video ive seen on once upon a time in america just perfectly encapsulates my love for this film
Thank you! I've done several other videos about the film too deffo check them out 🙂
It's a masterpiece
Fortunately in Europe we were spared the 'chronologically correct' version.
That's the magic of editing. You can cut a film one way, it sucks. You cut it another way, it's great.
this is a complete masterpiece. love this movie so much, got to say even more then the godfather something about this movie just sticks with u
Really good review Jim
Thank you that really means a lot.
@@JimTheMovieGeek no problem
You complain to much. This is a classic film. There's much to be learned from it. How many films have you made?
movies are subjective and he praised the movie quite a lot
Ive never seen this movie i am considering watching it. Should I watch it?
Absolutely!
@@JimTheMovieGeekwell after I seen your video I watched it and man was it a dam masterpiece like I can't put into words how it made me feel it's my 2nd favorite film of all time since my first time watching it I've rewatched it 2 other times and I'm going to rewatch it again it's just so dam good
@@MiguelTheWorldIsYours so glad you loved it
@@JimTheMovieGeek hey Jim can u recap the scene when noodles visits max and max reveals he betrayed him
There was a lot to work with within this movie. It lacked a lot of cohesion between the scenes unfortunately. There was a lot that didn't make any realistic sense. The most difficult flaw to overlook was how everyone had an unrealistic sense of loyalty from childhood to adulthood, despite Noodles being away in prison for so long. Especially when everyone other than Noodles love was so obnoxious as youth.
One of my all time favorites. So emotional.
Me too 😁
wow, what a gosh darn brilliant review... fax!!!
I must give you my congratulations fo a very rational discussion and analyze about this amazing movie. I agree with you completely. I read in an interview about Sergio Leones reaction, concerning this movie and then they were about to release a new version, chronological. This movie can not be made chronological. It would be criminal to destroy this remarkable masterpiece and completely change the narration.With the exception of The Godfather - Part II, this is one of the greatest movie ever made. Everything fits well, the story, the narration, the actors, the photo and foremost the Music, the movie would not be the same without the music. The atmosphere and the emotions in this movie, is built up by this totally amazing music. The ´movie will partly take place in the 1920´s and when you watch the movie, it IS the 1920´s. Magic, pure magic, by Mr. Leone! Chronological? Not the greatest idéa! Leave this great, great movie, as it is! If anyone would change it, the magic of the movie is gone.
I completely agree!
DeNiro & Morricone at their best
Sergio Leone would later proclaim that he filmed scenes to suit Morricone's music
While watching this film recently I couldn't help but think of DeNiro's opinion of Donald Trump and Wood's support of him.
At unrepairable odds ultimately just like the film in the end lol
This is a beautiful movie! Where can i download Once upon a Time in America?
has so many great scenes but a flawed masterpiece
Great review. OUATIA is truly awesome, I have never bastardised USA version but no the long version is truly great, and as you say you the viewer interpreting events while looking at these characters who are lowlifes.
Kubrick movies are the same, having a different dimensions through different times in your life.
I personally feel it is Woods movie though, because even when he not on screen he controlling noodles behaviour and reactions.
She broke my heart😂
Amazing Review man
thanks buddy
I strongly disagree with your take on the movie. Deborah is just as sick as MAX. She is selfish and egotistic. That is why she ends up with MAX. They are two sociopaths. Noodles on the other hand keeps his foot on the ground. He understands the ultimate victory of not having a boss. That is all he wants. To be free and have friends he can trust and a woman he can love.
Noodle is sanity inside a very sick world.
Deborah and MAX they want all. Their EGOs are the moving force, not FREEDOM.
That's an interesting take I never really thought why Deborah would end up with max it is perhaps that's she's bad too, but I never really sensed that more she was lost and max would have took advantage
@@JimTheMovieGeek Remember Deborah tells Noodles at that romantic diner, she could be with Noodles, but she wanted to go all the way to the top and if she were to stay with Noodles she knows she wouldn't have the freedom to venture into her own business. She would become a mother and a wife.
However I have recently started considering a different hypothesis. Bare with me on this one.
Right after the death of all of his friends he goes into OPIUM deep. What does Opium does to you? You see the future as if it was the present.
So Noodles so very high on drugs, had a dream which was the second part of the movie. Where his imagination tells him he didn't kill his friends and that MAX is alive and MAX not himself is to blame for his friends deaths.
That is why at the last scene of the movie, he goes back to the OPIUM house ( as old as 1933 - which is right after their deaths )
and after a couple of puffs is smiling again.
It's the best movie I've ever seen in my life. City lights by Charles Chaplin is the second on my list. By the way, Sergio Leone loved Chaplin's movies ....
i agreed with both of those two of the greatest! Im actually working on a review of city lights! Stay tuned and consider subscribing if you havent yet
Great movie
Saw this originally in the theater on the first release. It didn't confuse me so much as it bored me to tears. And l don't bore easily. Now l just watched the four hour version, and it didn't impress me. Yes, the production detail is amazing and the music is sad and memorable. But the actors, with the exception of Woods and Weld, are flat and uninspiring. The lead character is a rapist? The other characters are voyuers, thugs and thinly drawn. And McGovern's character doesn't appear to age while everyone else does? Is this a metaphor l missed? Yes, l understand there is a lot going on here, but like ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, it seemed like more of a film about settling and and mood more than character and great story telling. And finally, the aging makeup is really sub par, and will look worse once an upgrade is provided. I do miss epic filmmaking on this scale, and God bless Leone for being able to make it. But the whole project felt cold and detatched, and l still am as unmoved by it as l was back in 1984. Just doesn't do it for me.
Anyone notice the cop is a dead ringer for Stalin?
You see in this world 🌎 🌍. There’s 2 kinds of movie 🎥 directors. SERGIO LEONE. And then everyone else ! YOU DIG ⛏?
I enjoyed the film but there is no way I'd put this over Godfather (1972), Once upon a time in America just didnt capture me as much as The Godfather did as there were too many scenes that were comical and I didnt care for the characters as much as I did in the Godfather but overall its still a good film.
Dead Poets Society and This movie are my all time favs
I need to watch dead poets society, a robin Williams film I have not seen
@@JimTheMovieGeek Un bel film anche lui! Anche fortemente educativo
Haven’t seen that film yet. Peter Weir is gem of a director. Try Master and Commander, another great of his.
Slightly misleading commentary. It was cut in America but released complete in Europe. So the truncated version has never been seen in the UK, or indeed, the rest of Europe.
Thanks for the information!
Interestingly, you never mention..Tonino Delli Colli