I don't think 4 hours is that daunting. People get put off by long films but will happily binge watch a load of episodes of their favourite TV show over a few hours
I guess that might be because it is easier to pace a binge-watch than it is to watch a long movie. Hear me out; Watching a long movie like Once Upon a Time in America is sort of like running a marathon. You have to be in the right mind-set for it, set down the four hours and be prepared that this is gonna take four hours. You have to give it your time. Binge-watching you can do more on your own terms. You can watch just a couple of episodes (if a comedy or animated you can watch three episodes in about an hour) or you can watch a whole season, but you decide when to break. And it is easier to choose a break because you have lot more outs. A long movie might have an intermission, but with a tv-series you get a nice chance to take a break after every episode. Those short breaks give you a chance to catch your breath, maybe get a snack or go to the bathroom without breaking the flow too much, so to speak. Knowing that you *can* break also makes the task seem less daunting for people, so there is that to take into consideration also. I guess what I'm trying to say is it takes more commitment, and another form of endurance, to watch a very long movie in one sitting than to binge-watch. Note that I love Once Upon a Time in America. But even I have to admit that I don't watch it as often as I re-watch a lot of other films I love, because I know it demands it's time and commitment from me. But when I give it the time, it has always been worth it.
It ranked at #169 of all time on BFI's critic's poll earlier this decade, which says a lot in terms of historical claim. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly isn't on the top 250.
This film was too much emotional it feels like nobody talks how brilliant and the same time the tragedy of how a man who rises from poverty to successful man until the bank problems.
@@samanthab1923 i think it's to cement the idea that he is a piece of shit. He feels he's owed something from her after a date. I think it's leonne's way of reminding us that he was a criminal and still is.
I admire this movie, but I don't think it is a masterpiece. If you accept it as an 'opium dream', then it works better, but I did not really believe in the characters that I was watching, and not one of them was the least bit likeable. Too much time was spent with the characters as children, but the big problem for me was the story itself----it makes little sense in whatever version it has been released in. There is no way that Max could have faked his death so easily, and have not one person catch on to the fact that he ends up as a big time politician years later. He would have had to kill a lot more people than just his three friends to accomplish this deception. I also don't believe that 'Noodles' could have hid that easily either. It also makes no dramatic sense that Deborah would end up with Max, an even worse thug than 'Noodles'. Elizabeth McGovern is terrible in the role of the adult Deborah, and she is about as Jewish as Betty Rubble. My Dad thought the hiding of the million dollars in a train station locker was totally laughable. He spent a lot of time in New York, and he pointed out that those lockers are not very secure and they are in fact cleaned out several times a week. The gang had a huge speakeasy/deli as their base of operations, yet they don't have the million dollars in a safe at this secure location. What important item do they keep there? The key to the train locker. That is totally stupid. This movie needed a more cohesive script, better story editing, and a much tighter running time in order for it to be compared to a true crime classic such as "The Godfather".
A man once said "A man should eat drink and sleep, but not necessarily in that order". Your life proves it. Christ who cares about such a trivial pretentious quote haha...
I've never seen the chopped down version that was released in the states. I've only seen the 4hr version but I heard the released the version that leone initially wanted to release I'm definitely hoping to see that version
The best film ever made. When watching this film, patience is paramount. no director would have the guts to make this film today because audiences wouldn't understand it .
I studied Once Upon a Time In America as part of my second year of my degree in film studies and it blew me away. I also had to write a 2000 word essay on it and it made me appreciate the film for what it is, a masterpeice by a master director. The fact the film was butchered and released re-cut is not only criminal but also explains why it didn't win Oscars when it should have swept the board in every chategory. History will not be kind to those who conspired to ruin this masterpeice. What a fantastic film this is and it makes me weep with joy how awesome and powerful it truely is. Perfection.
@@mikemcmike6427 did you see the long version ? I tend to think it's a superior film although i like all of these. It's the last of the seventies movies...and it's the last Time New York has been recreated like this... It is poetic AND bleak AND disgusting at the same time. It's a combinaison i've never seen again afterwards.
@@mikemcmike6427 Agreed these are merely characteristics and not qualities. But it's a great love and betrayal story between two men. A love triangle or love square. The ending is sutle and rich. Would you deny this ? Did you feel the ending wasn't earned ? And sure it's long...hard to deny that fact.
@@JeanAriaMouy you are more just describing the attributed and story elements of the movie without showing why its good... and just throwing in "great".
it's funny because whenever I watch this film, I seem to forget that I'm watching a gangster film, to me it's the aspects of friendship and nostalgia which mostly get to me. the bond that these men have shared throughout the film really makes me think about my own friendships and about how lucky I am to have them and it's kind of ironic because these men are actually brutal criminals, I don't know if this was Sergio leone's intentions but whatever they were, they certainly worked
I agree, as someone who has made (and experienced the consequences of) the 'mistakes of wayward youth' it's all about Friendship, and the forging of Alliances, which, for such Young Men as Noodles, Max, and many deprived, disadvantaged, and disturbed Inner City Kids, is the only, Consistent, Reliable thing they ever have.
Great analysis! This movie, although seemingly loved and praised by critics, seems to be criminally underrated or just generally unknown to the general public. Everyone loves the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino but I rarely hear someone mention this film when talking about great mob movies. For me it's up there with the best of them.
Observação perfeita. As pessoas comuns só citam O poderoso chefão, Os bons companheiros, Os intocáveis, etc. e nunca este filme monumental, que não fica atrás de nenhum daqueles citados. E pode ser até melhor. Leone era diferenciado demais.
i hope scorsese and leone’s daughters find and restore the complete film. that director’s cut bluray looks pretty damn good if that’s all we’ll ever get
Once Upon A Time in America is a perfect example of how Hollywood execs understand nothing about cinema. Leone's was on record as saying that they had destroyed his film with all the cuts that they insisted on.
The extended director's cut is 4 hrs 11 mins. I have no idea why the "restored" footage couldn't have been put through a decent digital intermediate to at least fix the color grading to match. Can't be too difficult.
Great vid. A few tips from a humble New Yorker. The kids are all from New York... not New Jersey. The map you use is a dream map proposed Dr. T Kennard Thomson in 1916 who wanted to fill in the East River and extend Manhattan (creating a new East River). As we know, this never happened and the East River stands -- separating Manhattan from Brooklyn (where most of the gang's criminal activity happens). What you have circled is modern-day Jersey City, Newark, and dream land never constructed. The iconic shot is of the Manhattan Bridge. But all shots of bridges are Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Williamsburg which connect Manhattan (New York, NY) to Brooklyn, NY near Washington Street. For a laugh, you can see most of the same shots used by Bananarama in their video for Cruel Summer. The area has looked pretty much the same for almost a hundred years as overhead highways built in 1939 permanently depressed the lower southwest side of Brooklyn.
I would say that the music elevates this film to be more than just a gangster flick. Easily the best aspect. Great video on a personal favorite of mine!
A most beautiful piece of cinema. Soundtrack is the best. No other film has moved me to the extent that this has. I shall always hold it as a great piece of art. Thanks to Leone and Maricone
I saw the restored version of Once Upon a Time in America, which was 251 minutes long, in one sitting in the middle of the night. It was difficult only because I was tired, but I loved the movie regardless. It's my favorite gangster movie of all time. I loved pretty much everything about it.
To me this is the pure essence of cinema, score and scene are in perfect symbiosis, together they form a jar, in wich we can put our interpreations and feelings. This film would even work without one single line of dialouge.
This is the greatest film ever made about America. It's a masterpiece. Do not watch the version that was destroyed by the cowardly producers. Watch the film as Sergio cut it.
I bought the blu ray for $5 a while ago but never got to it because the running time. This review has got me excited and I think I’ll split it for two nights. Great review as always.
The video producers/host is very confused geographically (he also thinks the kids grew up in NJ and not Brooklyn). But his message is still appreciated and gives me another way to view the movie.
1:35- the shot is from Brooklyn on the E River- NOT from Jersey the way the map dictates, sorry I had to say it. There needs to be some better understanding of the bridges of NYC- Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Brooklyn
Also, the map used is a fantasy proposal for filling in the East River and extending Manhattan southwards to provide more land and easier access to the central city (among other fantasy modifications). Kinda a weird map to use, or perhaps intentional?
@@urbananalrapist I don't think it was intentional. I believe the fantasy map he showed featuring a filled-in East River got him turned around a complete 180º. Must have thought he was looking at the Hudson even though there are no bridges crossing the Hudson from Lower Manhattan. That is why he believed the Brooklyn scene with the car turning the corner and driving up hill away from the river was in New Jersey.
That was going to be my critique as well, thanks for pointing this out for the rest. That famous shot, down Washington Street (in DUMBO where I live) is, as has been pointed out, the Manhattan Bridge.
The scene you point out at the start and then circle as New Jersey is infact Dumbo in Brooklyn. It's also the scene where the kid is shot and Bugsy is killed.
The shot referenced in this video was not set in New Jersey but in Brooklyn. You can see the Manhattan Bridge in the horizon and the shot ends at the base of the Queensboro Bridge. I thought I'd mention it because you specifically say it's New Jersey.
1:35 is Brooklyn not Jersey. You can see the Williamsburg bridge at 1:50 and the train. I also love this movie and surprised that many people have not seen it.
My dad is a big fan of Sergio Leone's westerns Once Upon a Time in America is the first movie from Leone I've ever seen, and I loved. My dad however didn't know the movie was also made by Leone, and so he couldn't handle the violence
i knew somebody who drove a van for gateway industries who was in once upon a time in america,his name was jerry reagan & he was in the version that was released in europe & he played the rabbi.
Because of the genious distributors who decided that a four a hour non linear movie was unmarketable for an American audience and recut and reorder it on chronological to the hate and dismiss of the critics and audiences alike. Later on the original european cut was released to the like of people who had previously hated it; but it was too late and the harm had already been done.
It happened the same to me, God and just had the craziest mixture of feeling I’ve ever had, I mean Sergio Leone, Ennio Morricone, Robert DeNiro, this is a film made by geniuses, I’ll never forget what this movie made me feel and it keeps doing it every time I watch it, I know this is not the best movie ever made, but it is the best movie ever made in my opinion because whenever I think of this movie I don’t think of it as “the movie”, I think of it as “the masterpiece”, this movie taught me what a movie can do to an individual, how a movie can shape your perspective of everything and I know many people won’t agree with, but as Noddles said “Is just the way I see things”.
The best movie in cinema history and the most mesmerizing score ever , the first time I saw I thought I hated it didn't know that I loved it until after some moths the second time
As usual: great analysis of a great movie! Thanks for sharing your insight. Watched the movie when it was first released (on a 35mm film print with some grainy parts, the way I truly like it). Loved the look and feel of it - and of course the fantastic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone featuring the great Gheorghe Zamfir on Romenian pan flute (it fits perfectly just as twangy electric guitar in spaghetti westerns, it's all about creativity and thinking outside the box, but I digress). I found the non linear storytelling intriguing and the last shot had me thinking exactly what you confirmed. Best of luck with Patreon! Looking forward to many more great insightful videos containing a fresh view and important information about the meaning.
This film cannot ever be truly appreciated until Leone's intended 4h30 version is finally available. I've always liked the film, but I've never loved it. I NEED to see the full version, not the 3h50 version I have on DVD. And let's not even talk about the six hour version that we'll definitely never see.
this movie becomes a horror film, when you look at the interpretation that its all noodles dream while high mourning his loved ones, he would rather imagine they lived and betrayed him.
"Once Upon A Time In America" (1984), such fond memories I've had watching what was a truly epic, engaging, breathtaking classic, time after time, never once losing its' flavor. :D Sergio Leone had so much more tales to tell, but for his illustrious career to end with this beautiful masterpiece before his tragic death, he definitely went out on a high note! ^.^
You made a really good Review on this Masterpiece! Its on Point! My Favourite Movie since i was a Child! The Godfather is about Family, Goodfellas is about the living of Wiseguys, but this Movie is about Life!
Watched this movie many times, one of my faves. Looked it up on UA-cam, I guess to see if there were any new videos. And this is a great review! Subbed right after watching
You are a sharp analyst, few has talked about this film on this level. I congratulate you my friend. (Anyone dedicated to this film is someone who will be dear to me in my soul)
Since I saw this movie the first time, I'm doubting about the real meaning of this brilliant piece of art. Was it a dream? Was it real? This Leone quote leads me to the fact, that the movie has to be understood, as a dream of Noodles, starting cronologically from the scene he is smoking opium. So, what happened before Noodles smoked, really occurred, what happened after was just his dream. However, this movie is goosebumps, all 3h49min long. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
What makes this the greatest movie ever is what Leone said about the past and the future blending. As the viewer ages, this movie and the emotions it triggers will change and your own mind will wander just as Noodles' does. I cannot picture another movie that was so different when I first saw it in my early 20's to my 30's, 40's and now 50s. Everytime it was a different experience and that is what makes this move great, unique and a true masterpiece.
Just hearing the music in this video from the movie makes me tear up and just I love this movie and idk why but the music makes me so sad sometimes. I love this dissection. Thanks for making me cry again :)) one of the darkest but most beautiful movies I've seen. I absolutely adore this film and Sergio Leone and all the movies he has made I like or absolutely adore. I got the video game Grand Theft Auto 4 and I found in game where that famous shot of the bridge was. I know the game isn't New York City but it has basically the same shot and I am so happy I got a beautiful picture like that in a video game. :))
@Jack, great thought provoking video on one of probably the best movie ever made...one tiny mistake tho if no one else already said - Noodles&co. grow up across fhe river from Manhattan, but across the East River in Brooklyn, not across the Hudson in New Jersey like you had circled on the map. just an FYI cheers
I love this movie from beginning to end and back to beginning. The in-movie score was just beautiful to listen to really. It is surely in my top 20. What a movie!
I just finished watching this movie again for the 4th time I’m in love with this movie Wow what an over looked master piece this movie is tbh I think this movie might be better then The Godfather the way this movie is shot and how the story is told is so unique for its time this movie should be up there with The Godfather and the rest of the other mobster films cause this movie really shows the true grit of being a New York Jewish gangster during probation and the soundtrack ennio marconi score is amazing.
Hello Jake: this was very good. I would only like to let you know, that at 2:36 you mention that scene being shot in New Jersey. That is wrong. That scene was shot on the Brooklyn side of the bridge . Other than that small error it was very entertaining .
The issue I have with this movie is that every single character (with the possible exception of the limo driver) is totally despicable and devoid of the slightest sense of principals. The main protagonist played by DeNiro is clearly an unapologetic serial sex offender and abuser (he spies, gropes, blackmails, solicites, and violently rapes on two seperate occasions - the second upon his childhood sweetheart who is also the sister of one of his closest "friends"). So, that's some ugly stuff to literally end smiling on.
I love having movies to watch that are 4 hours long. I usually don’t watch them.. but when I do, I enjoy seeing so much I had forgotten about since seeing it previously
Sir, a good video - but a couple notes. In the "scene" the bridge featured.is the Manhattan bridge, not Brooklyn. Secondly, the "despair" across from Manhattan is not in Jersey City, it's Brooklyn.
Idk, Not Just an Opium Dream interpretation still holds too. Less artsy but more meaningful. Not getting dangerously close to "It was all a dream" trope. Cause opium doesn't give you vivid and intricate dreams of the future like that, that's a stretch too far. The point of the ending is that Noodles is going to live a mundane life in hiding, thinking of his "betrayal" of friends and love, and at the end he doesn't get a satisfaction in revenge. But as of now, he's smiling, irrationally, because of opium and induced optimism. This is more than just a foreigner's view on some aspects of American history, this is a story about life and how it's worth living. That's a true poetry of the movie to me.
I remembered watching this movie on TV several times and it usually is edited. I'll have to try to get this on DVD. Thanks for your thoughts and your review, Jack. Could you please do an analysis on "The Onion Field"? I would be quite interested in hearing your thoughts on the film, because I have plans to buy it on DVD to add to my collection. Thanks.
I don't think 4 hours is that daunting. People get put off by long films but will happily binge watch a load of episodes of their favourite TV show over a few hours
Depends on someones taste i guess
Exactly.
Very true
I guess that might be because it is easier to pace a binge-watch than it is to watch a long movie.
Hear me out; Watching a long movie like Once Upon a Time in America is sort of like running a marathon. You have to be in the right mind-set for it, set down the four hours and be prepared that this is gonna take four hours. You have to give it your time.
Binge-watching you can do more on your own terms. You can watch just a couple of episodes (if a comedy or animated you can watch three episodes in about an hour) or you can watch a whole season, but you decide when to break. And it is easier to choose a break because you have lot more outs. A long movie might have an intermission, but with a tv-series you get a nice chance to take a break after every episode. Those short breaks give you a chance to catch your breath, maybe get a snack or go to the bathroom without breaking the flow too much, so to speak.
Knowing that you *can* break also makes the task seem less daunting for people, so there is that to take into consideration also.
I guess what I'm trying to say is it takes more commitment, and another form of endurance, to watch a very long movie in one sitting than to binge-watch.
Note that I love Once Upon a Time in America. But even I have to admit that I don't watch it as often as I re-watch a lot of other films I love, because I know it demands it's time and commitment from me. But when I give it the time, it has always been worth it.
I love long films. Sometimes there are stories that need a longer period of time to make it complete.
No one ever talks about this movie and that makes me sad. So happy that you made this!
Me too! I bet that if it had a better release, it would be more talked about today!
It ranked at #169 of all time on BFI's critic's poll earlier this decade, which says a lot in terms of historical claim. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly isn't on the top 250.
I haven’t seen it in a while but its really hard to keep track of what with the 3 different timelines and near 4 hour runtime.
@@ethidian3444 What? Heh heh. You are having a laugh with Tuco.
This film was too much emotional it feels like nobody talks how brilliant and the same time the tragedy of how a man who rises from poverty to successful man until the bank problems.
That rape scene with Deborah is really tough and uncomfortable. It makes you go from rooting for Noodles, to absolutely despising him.
Never understood why?
@@samanthab1923 i think it's to cement the idea that he is a piece of shit. He feels he's owed something from her after a date. I think it's leonne's way of reminding us that he was a criminal and still is.
I stopped rooting for him when he switched the babies, couldn't switch them back, and showed no remorse whatsoever.
@@ThePigeonBrain 8's a good number lol, that was pretty damm cruel though
I admire this movie, but I don't think it is a masterpiece. If you accept it as an 'opium dream', then it works better, but I did not really believe in the characters that I was watching, and not one of them was the least bit likeable. Too much time was spent with the characters as children, but the big problem for me was the story itself----it makes little sense in whatever version it has been released in. There is no way that Max could have faked his death so easily, and have not one person catch on to the fact that he ends up as a big time politician years later. He would have had to kill a lot more people than just his three friends to accomplish this deception. I also don't believe that 'Noodles' could have hid that easily either. It also makes no dramatic sense that Deborah would end up with Max, an even worse thug than 'Noodles'. Elizabeth McGovern is terrible in the role of the adult Deborah, and she is about as Jewish as Betty Rubble. My Dad thought the hiding of the million dollars in a train station locker was totally laughable. He spent a lot of time in New York, and he pointed out that those lockers are not very secure and they are in fact cleaned out several times a week. The gang had a huge speakeasy/deli as their base of operations, yet they don't have the million dollars in a safe at this secure location. What important item do they keep there? The key to the train locker. That is totally stupid. This movie needed a more cohesive script, better story editing, and a much tighter running time in order for it to be compared to a true crime classic such as "The Godfather".
Sergio Leone once said a film should have a beginning middle and an end ....but not necessarily in that order ...this film proves it.
TERRY. W I believe that quote is from Godard, but I might be wrong
wasn't Godard who said so?
Jaction Johnson lmaoooo
A man once said "A man should eat drink and sleep, but not necessarily in that order". Your life proves it.
Christ who cares about such a trivial pretentious quote haha...
@@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE ...
I believe this is one of the best movies ever made if not the best. I'm a huge film buff that seen many films and this is on the top of my list.
How many films have you watched? Not trying to make a point, just curious.
@@thevideocommenter3061 I have watched 5000 movies, and this movie is my favorite.
I agree
That's a bold statement. I think Beetlejuice is better.
This movie is a masterpiece.
The best way I could describe this movie is that it is an immersive masterpiece.
Exactly,it definitely deserves an Academy Award for best movie.
This movie is overrated.
@@josecarranza7555 No, it's not.
Marcelo Moura It is overrated.
What’s cool about raping women and showing people sit in the toilet?
This might be the most underrated movie ever.
Y'know what? I'd probably go with that.
True.
Make sure to watch the long version and not the edited one
I've never seen the chopped down version that was released in the states. I've only seen the 4hr version but I heard the released the version that leone initially wanted to release I'm definitely hoping to see that version
ouidah I saw the 4 hour version on Netflix, it’s beautiful.
I've seen 229 min version
That version has never seen the light of day since its initial release.
@@aaron_osborne When was this movie on Netflix?
i adore the film but that quote is just stunning.
"We walk together. Noodles with his dream. And me with mine."
Tears.
Hit me too.
The best film ever made. When watching this film, patience is paramount. no director would have the guts to make this film today because audiences wouldn't understand it .
If they do that, surely they're cancelled!
Underrated masterpiece, almost makes you feel privileged to be able to appreciate it when so many never saw the correct cut
Jesus this movie is a piece of art, I’m glad I watched all of it.
I studied Once Upon a Time In America as part of my second year of my degree in film studies and it blew me away. I also had to write a 2000 word essay on it and it made me appreciate the film for what it is, a masterpeice by a master director. The fact the film was butchered and released re-cut is not only criminal but also explains why it didn't win Oscars when it should have swept the board in every chategory. History will not be kind to those who conspired to ruin this masterpeice. What a fantastic film this is and it makes me weep with joy how awesome and powerful it truely is. Perfection.
its a really bad meandering film. casino, goodfellas, the godfathers are all superior.
@@mikemcmike6427 did you see the long version ? I tend to think it's a superior film although i like all of these. It's the last of the seventies movies...and it's the last Time New York has been recreated like this...
It is poetic AND bleak AND disgusting at the same time. It's a combinaison i've never seen again afterwards.
@@JeanAriaMouy and none of that makes it good. It’s a meandering boring mess and I love meandering and long.
@@mikemcmike6427 Agreed these are merely characteristics and not qualities. But it's a great love and betrayal story between two men. A love triangle or love square. The ending is sutle and rich. Would you deny this ? Did you feel the ending wasn't earned ? And sure it's long...hard to deny that fact.
@@JeanAriaMouy you are more just describing the attributed and story elements of the movie without showing why its good... and just throwing in "great".
Finally, a UA-cam video essay on my favourite movie of all time, I'm in heaven!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!
It is my favorite movie of all time too man. It really moved me and genuinely affected me very deeply.
Aran Donnelly Its also my favourite movie
The music of this movie adds so much emotions to what’s is showed on the screen....
True. Sergio leone is a genius at showing emotion in scenes, especially by using music.
One of the greatest films ever..I lived in the neighborhood he filmed in in broklyn
it's funny because whenever I watch this film, I seem to forget that I'm watching a gangster film, to me it's the aspects of friendship and nostalgia which mostly get to me. the bond that these men have shared throughout the film really makes me think about my own friendships and about how lucky I am to have them and it's kind of ironic because these men are actually brutal criminals, I don't know if this was Sergio leone's intentions but whatever they were, they certainly worked
It definitely goes much deeper than just a gangster film
Yeah I'm same it really doesn't seem like a gangster movie, always think the characters feel almost like ghosts haunted by their past.
titanfilms03 agree completely 👌🏼
I agree, as someone who has made (and experienced the consequences of) the 'mistakes of wayward youth' it's all about Friendship, and the forging of Alliances, which, for such Young Men as Noodles, Max, and many deprived, disadvantaged, and disturbed Inner City Kids, is the only, Consistent, Reliable thing they ever have.
3:30 That's not the Brooklyn Bridge. Its the Manhattan Bridge.
Great analysis! This movie, although seemingly loved and praised by critics, seems to be criminally underrated or just generally unknown to the general public. Everyone loves the Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino but I rarely hear someone mention this film when talking about great mob movies. For me it's up there with the best of them.
Where would you say is a good half way marker?
Observação perfeita. As pessoas comuns só citam O poderoso chefão, Os bons companheiros, Os intocáveis, etc. e nunca este filme monumental, que não fica atrás de nenhum daqueles citados. E pode ser até melhor. Leone era diferenciado demais.
i hope scorsese and leone’s daughters find and restore the complete film. that director’s cut bluray looks pretty damn good if that’s all we’ll ever get
Once Upon A Time in America is a perfect example of how Hollywood execs understand nothing about cinema. Leone's was on record as saying that they had destroyed his film with all the cuts that they insisted on.
The extended director's cut is 4 hrs 11 mins. I have no idea why the "restored" footage couldn't have been put through a decent digital intermediate to at least fix the color grading to match. Can't be too difficult.
Watched it today for the first time. I think I am obsessed now. I really want to sea the extended 4-hour cut
Great vid. A few tips from a humble New Yorker. The kids are all from New York... not New Jersey. The map you use is a dream map proposed Dr. T Kennard Thomson in 1916 who wanted to fill in the East River and extend Manhattan (creating a new East River). As we know, this never happened and the East River stands -- separating Manhattan from Brooklyn (where most of the gang's criminal activity happens). What you have circled is modern-day Jersey City, Newark, and dream land never constructed.
The iconic shot is of the Manhattan Bridge. But all shots of bridges are Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Williamsburg which connect Manhattan (New York, NY) to Brooklyn, NY near Washington Street. For a laugh, you can see most of the same shots used by Bananarama in their video for Cruel Summer. The area has looked pretty much the same for almost a hundred years as overhead highways built in 1939 permanently depressed the lower southwest side of Brooklyn.
Thank you for that info Jim.
I would say that the music elevates this film to be more than just a gangster flick. Easily the best aspect. Great video on a personal favorite of mine!
This movie is flawless
A most beautiful piece of cinema. Soundtrack is the best. No other film has moved me to the extent that this has. I shall always hold it as a great piece of art. Thanks to Leone and Maricone
Enjoyed this movie and also great score as usual by Ennio
I saw the restored version of Once Upon a Time in America, which was 251 minutes long, in one sitting in the middle of the night. It was difficult only because I was tired, but I loved the movie regardless. It's my favorite gangster movie of all time. I loved pretty much everything about it.
To me this is the pure essence of cinema, score and scene are in perfect symbiosis, together they form a jar, in wich we can put our interpreations and feelings. This film would even work without one single line of dialouge.
This is the greatest film ever made about America. It's a masterpiece. Do not watch the version that was destroyed by the cowardly producers. Watch the film as Sergio cut it.
I bought the blu ray for $5 a while ago but never got to it because the running time. This review has got me excited and I think I’ll split it for two nights. Great review as always.
>"Leone grew up in Rome"
>Shows footage of Florence
In all seriousness though nice video, prompted me to take another watch of the movie I think
Nice display pic
The video producers/host is very confused geographically (he also thinks the kids grew up in NJ and not Brooklyn). But his message is still appreciated and gives me another way to view the movie.
It is also all shot in Brooklyn, but I noticed that too.
Yes Leone grew up in Rome and specifically in Trastevere, the medio-eval neighboorhod! He was pretty lucky!!!
I hate leaving the political internet only to find another politized idiot.
An underrated gem, to say the least.
1:35- the shot is from Brooklyn on the E River- NOT from Jersey the way the map dictates, sorry I had to say it. There needs to be some better understanding of the bridges of NYC- Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Brooklyn
Also, the map used is a fantasy proposal for filling in the East River and extending Manhattan southwards to provide more land and easier access to the central city (among other fantasy modifications). Kinda a weird map to use, or perhaps intentional?
@@urbananalrapist I don't think it was intentional. I believe the fantasy map he showed featuring a filled-in East River
got him turned around a complete 180º. Must have thought he was looking at the Hudson even though there are no bridges
crossing the Hudson from Lower Manhattan.
That is why he believed the Brooklyn scene with the car turning the corner and driving up hill away from the river was in New Jersey.
Also misidentified the Manhatten Bridge as the Brooklyn Bridge. Sloppy.
He turns to Boulevard in Williamsburg, then turning to Dunham Pl
That was going to be my critique as well, thanks for pointing this out for the rest. That famous shot, down Washington Street (in DUMBO where I live) is, as has been pointed out, the Manhattan Bridge.
The scene you point out at the start and then circle as New Jersey is infact Dumbo in Brooklyn. It's also the scene where the kid is shot and Bugsy is killed.
The shot referenced in this video was not set in New Jersey but in Brooklyn. You can see the Manhattan Bridge in the horizon and the shot ends at the base of the Queensboro Bridge. I thought I'd mention it because you specifically say it's New Jersey.
1:35 is Brooklyn not Jersey. You can see the Williamsburg bridge at 1:50 and the train. I also love this movie and surprised that many people have not seen it.
I’d love an extensive review on this film. My favorite of all time.
This movie should have been nominated for best movie and I'm sure it would have won,what a shame. Haha still got this on VHS it's two tapes.
Man this movie was so complex I think I might have to watch it again.
My dad is a big fan of Sergio Leone's westerns
Once Upon a Time in America is the first movie from Leone I've ever seen, and I loved. My dad however didn't know the movie was also made by Leone, and so he couldn't handle the violence
oh man that movie and the music still gives me goose bumps today, absolutely beautiful MASTERPIECE
Noodles I slipped. My favorite movie of all time thanks for this video.
What a coincidence I rewatched this movie the other day, in my opinion it is the most epic mob movie ever
I love this movie. One of the best movies ever made.
i knew somebody who drove a van for gateway industries who was in once upon a time in america,his name was jerry reagan & he was in the version that was released in europe & he played the rabbi.
I'll never know why this wonderful film was not more popular... it's a true classic.
Because of the genious distributors who decided that a four a hour non linear movie was unmarketable for an American audience and recut and reorder it on chronological to the hate and dismiss of the critics and audiences alike. Later on the original european cut was released to the like of people who had previously hated it; but it was too late and the harm had already been done.
Jack at 3:30 thats not the Brooklyn Bridge, That's the Manhattan Bridge.
yup yup
also, they are in Dumbo, Brooklyn, not New Jersey
Scott Dennen to be fair the term "Dumbo" didnt exist back then either
Josh Kimbrough they are in Williamsburg that’s the Williamsburg bridge and that’s Kent Ave and Broadway
In the scene that Josh Kimbrough referring to at 3:30 is most certainly the Manhattan Bridge.
Wiliamsburg bridge is in the scene at 0:57
.
It happened the same to me, God and just had the craziest mixture of feeling I’ve ever had, I mean Sergio Leone, Ennio Morricone, Robert DeNiro, this is a film made by geniuses, I’ll never forget what this movie made me feel and it keeps doing it every time I watch it, I know this is not the best movie ever made, but it is the best movie ever made in my opinion because whenever I think of this movie I don’t think of it as “the movie”, I think of it as “the masterpiece”, this movie taught me what a movie can do to an individual, how a movie can shape your perspective of everything and I know many people won’t agree with, but as Noddles said “Is just the way I see things”.
Everything about this movie is beautiful.
Absolutely one of my favorite Gangster movies ever
It's not the Brooklyn Bridge, that iconic shot is the Manhattan Bridge from the intersection of Washington & Water St in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn.
The best movie in cinema history and the most mesmerizing score ever , the first time I saw I thought I hated it didn't know that I loved it until after some moths the second time
As usual: great analysis of a great movie! Thanks for sharing your insight. Watched the movie when it was first released (on a 35mm film print with some grainy parts, the way I truly like it). Loved the look and feel of it - and of course the fantastic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone featuring the great Gheorghe Zamfir on Romenian pan flute (it fits perfectly just as twangy electric guitar in spaghetti westerns, it's all about creativity and thinking outside the box, but I digress).
I found the non linear storytelling intriguing and the last shot had me thinking exactly what you confirmed. Best of luck with Patreon! Looking forward to many more great insightful videos containing a fresh view and important information about the meaning.
truefilm Did you see the long version or the edited down version?
This film cannot ever be truly appreciated until Leone's intended 4h30 version is finally available. I've always liked the film, but I've never loved it. I NEED to see the full version, not the 3h50 version I have on DVD. And let's not even talk about the six hour version that we'll definitely never see.
I am just 45 minutes in and it's already a great film. Thanks.
this movie becomes a horror film, when you look at the interpretation that its all noodles dream while high mourning his loved ones, he would rather imagine they lived and betrayed him.
Directors cut is best movie ever made.
I’m so fucking glad you made a video of my favorite movie of all time :’)
"Once Upon A Time In America" (1984), such fond memories I've had watching what was a truly epic, engaging, breathtaking classic, time after time, never once losing its' flavor. :D Sergio Leone had so much more tales to tell, but for his illustrious career to end with this beautiful masterpiece before his tragic death, he definitely went out on a high note! ^.^
One of the BEST NYC films no one talks about. Most exterior locations are greenpoint n williamsburg brooklyn
You made a really good Review on this Masterpiece! Its on Point! My Favourite Movie since i was a Child! The Godfather is about Family, Goodfellas is about the living of Wiseguys, but this Movie is about Life!
Man this movie is a world apart. What an experience.
Damn, it's good to see my favourite film get the video essay treatment!
Watched this movie many times, one of my faves. Looked it up on UA-cam, I guess to see if there were any new videos. And this is a great review! Subbed right after watching
You are a sharp analyst, few has talked about this film on this level. I congratulate you my friend. (Anyone dedicated to this film is someone who will be dear to me in my soul)
Since I saw this movie the first time, I'm doubting about the real meaning of this brilliant piece of art. Was it a dream? Was it real? This Leone quote leads me to the fact, that the movie has to be understood, as a dream of Noodles, starting cronologically from the scene he is smoking opium. So, what happened before Noodles smoked, really occurred, what happened after was just his dream. However, this movie is goosebumps, all 3h49min long. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Wasnt Brooklyn bridge ;)
I’ve shed a few tears over this film , lots of times
Loved this video, it's the only good video I could find on this movie! Thanks for making it
What makes this the greatest movie ever is what Leone said about the past and the future blending. As the viewer ages, this movie and the emotions it triggers will change and your own mind will wander just as Noodles' does. I cannot picture another movie that was so different when I first saw it in my early 20's to my 30's, 40's and now 50s. Everytime it was a different experience and that is what makes this move great, unique and a true masterpiece.
When I first walking around in Queens, I feel this movie directly came out my mind
Just hearing the music in this video from the movie makes me tear up and just I love this movie and idk why but the music makes me so sad sometimes. I love this dissection. Thanks for making me cry again :)) one of the darkest but most beautiful movies I've seen. I absolutely adore this film and Sergio Leone and all the movies he has made I like or absolutely adore. I got the video game Grand Theft Auto 4 and I found in game where that famous shot of the bridge was. I know the game isn't New York City but it has basically the same shot and I am so happy I got a beautiful picture like that in a video game. :))
The greatest gangster film 10/10
Better then The Godfather ?
@@adrianothegoat Yes.
2:27 he isn’t in New Jersey, he’s in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
@Jack, great thought provoking video on one of probably the best movie ever made...one tiny mistake tho if no one else already said - Noodles&co. grow up across fhe river from Manhattan, but across the East River in Brooklyn, not across the Hudson in New Jersey like you had circled on the map. just an FYI cheers
You are really good at this...
Great video!!
I love this movie from beginning to end and back to beginning. The in-movie score was just beautiful to listen to really. It is surely in my top 20. What a movie!
I just finished watching this movie again for the 4th time I’m in love with this movie Wow what an over looked master piece this movie is tbh I think this movie might be better then The Godfather the way this movie is shot and how the story is told is so unique for its time this movie should be up there with The Godfather and the rest of the other mobster films cause this movie really shows the true grit of being a New York Jewish gangster during probation and the soundtrack ennio marconi score is amazing.
It would’ve been praised and received like The Godfather if they wouldn’t have shortened it for America cinemas...
Honestly it's better than godfather
One of the best movies ever made!
Hello Jake: this was very good. I would only like to let you know, that at 2:36 you mention that scene being shot in New Jersey. That is wrong. That scene was shot on the Brooklyn side of the bridge . Other than that small error it was very entertaining .
3:30 That iconic shot is of the Manhattan Bridge, NOT the Brooklyn Bridge.
The greatest gangster picture ever made.
One of my favourite films of all time
this film is a Masterpiece!!
The issue I have with this movie is that every single character (with the possible exception of the limo driver) is totally despicable and devoid of the slightest sense of principals. The main protagonist played by DeNiro is clearly an unapologetic serial sex offender and abuser (he spies, gropes, blackmails, solicites, and violently rapes on two seperate occasions - the second upon his childhood sweetheart who is also the sister of one of his closest "friends"). So, that's some ugly stuff to literally end smiling on.
I love having movies to watch that are 4 hours long. I usually don’t watch them.. but when I do, I enjoy seeing so much I had forgotten about since seeing it previously
my favorite movie of all time, then it follows Ran (1985) and Oldboy (2003)
Oldboy is insane!
True, it doesn't have mercy
That's why I like it, it doesn't have mercy. That and the plot twist: so intelligent fucking evil!
Sir, a good video - but a couple notes. In the "scene" the bridge featured.is the Manhattan bridge, not Brooklyn. Secondly, the "despair" across from Manhattan is not in Jersey City, it's Brooklyn.
Idk, Not Just an Opium Dream interpretation still holds too. Less artsy but more meaningful. Not getting dangerously close to "It was all a dream" trope. Cause opium doesn't give you vivid and intricate dreams of the future like that, that's a stretch too far. The point of the ending is that Noodles is going to live a mundane life in hiding, thinking of his "betrayal" of friends and love, and at the end he doesn't get a satisfaction in revenge. But as of now, he's smiling, irrationally, because of opium and induced optimism. This is more than just a foreigner's view on some aspects of American history, this is a story about life and how it's worth living. That's a true poetry of the movie to me.
Found this on vhs never seen it watched the first half last night so good so far
I know it's obviously too late and this video came out over three years ago, but that's not the Brooklyn Bridge. It is the Manhattan Bridge, friend.
One of my all time favourite movies!
This is one of the best films ever made.
the greatest masterpiece of all time, this movie struck me like a thunderstorm when I watched it first time in cinema at age 15
A brilliant video
I remembered watching this movie on TV several times and it usually is edited. I'll have to try to get this on DVD. Thanks for your thoughts and your review, Jack. Could you please do an analysis on "The Onion Field"? I would be quite interested in hearing your thoughts on the film, because I have plans to buy it on DVD to add to my collection. Thanks.
5:02 small critique. That's Brooklyn around the Williamsburg Bridge.