Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Editor's Note Two boyhood friends grow up to become the kingpins of a prohibition-era criminal empire until their own greed and ambition cause their downfall. Based on Larry Grey's novel, "The Hoods."

	James Woods
	Joe Pesci
	Jennifer Connelly
	Elizabeth McGovern
	Robert De Niro
	Ennio Morricone - Composer
	Sergio Leone - Director

Sergio Leone's epic film chronicles the lives and loves of a quintet of Jewish mobsters from New York. Beginning with their boyhood in the 1920's, the film covers the story from the point of view of the aging troupe's clever ringleader, Noodles. He recounts the tale of a life filled with brutality and violence. And clearly he's still got some plans up his sleeve... Variety
"...[The] lensing is excellent..." 05/23/1984

Los Angeles Times
"...Richly cinematic....[An] exceptional film, both artificial and naturalistic, excessive as well as tightly controlled..." 07/10/1999 p.C1

Film Comment
"...This time-slipping Freudian gangster epic is an awe-inspiring achievement..." 05/01/2003 p.78

Total Film
"...ONCE UPON A TIME is a work of technical beauty and sombre emotion..." 08/01/2003 p.121

Sight and Sound
"...Epic in every sense....A triumph of the pure art of cinematic storytelling..." 09/01/2003 p.70

Entertainment Weekly
"Visually, the film is jaw-dropping....De Niro is magical." -- Grade: B 01/21/2011

Empire
5 stars out of 5 -- "Sergio Leone's final, glorious masterpiece....ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA is nearly four full hours of pure cinematic joy." 03/01/2011