Once Upon a Time in America (Two-
Disc Special Edition) starring Robert
De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth
McGovern, Tuesday Weld, Treat
Williams
Leones Godfather Version, And About As Good
This movie has a checkered history, having been chopped from its original
227-minute directors cut to 139 minutes for its U.S. release. This long er
edition benefits from having the complete story (the short version has huge
gaps) about turn-of-the-century Jewish immigrants in America finding their
way into lives of crime, as told in flashback by an aging Jewish gangster
named Noodles (Robert De Nir o). On the other hand, its almost four hours
long, and this sometimes-indulgent Sergio Leone film is no Godfather. Still,
it is notable for the contrast between Leones elegiac take on the gangster
film and his occasional explosive action, as well as for the mix of the stoic,
inexpressive De Niro and the hyperactive James Woods as his lifelong
friend and rival. --Marshall Fine
This Godfather-type film was done by Sergio Leone, of spaghetti-western
fame, so you know you will see and experience several of his trademarks.
Namely: (1) a lot of facial closeups; (2) some slow-motion or slow-moving
dramatic scenes; (3) good overall photography and (4) a unique
soundtrack.
The period sets here are magnificent. You get a real feel of the time,
whether its 1910, 1933 or 1967. The colors are awash in blacks, browns
and grays and the DVD brings all these out very well, especially
considering the film is 25 years old. Now the next step is a Blu-Ray
version.
This is a fascinating film to watch for the story, too. There are numerous
memorable scenes, some of them involving some downright shocking
violence, even for todays movies. However, the amount of violence is less
than what you often see today in crime films.
The movie also sports an interesting twist near the end involving the two
major characters, played by Robert De Niro and James Woods. The story
is not always clear, either, so be prepared to be possibly confused about a
few things....at least on the first viewing. Intense actors such as the two
men just mentioned, along with Elizabeth McGovern, Tuesday Weld, Joe
Pecsi, Burt Young, Treat Williams and more, just add to the five-star rating
of this movie.
The child actors in here take up almost half the movie and are excellent.
What an injustice they dont receive any publicity for their acting, especially
the kids who played De Niro and Woods as youngsters. One of the girls
has become a famous adult actress: Jennifer Connelly. She was 12 years
old in this film and was already alluring.
This is Godfather-type crime movie that ranks right up there with that
famous film, not taking a back seat to it at all.
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Once Upon a Time in America (Two-Disc Special Edition) starring Robert De N iro,
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