[REVIEW] Once Upon a Time in America - 07/12/2024

This movie was so good... I almost didn't watch it because of its length, but it was so worth it. Those four hours felt like only two. Once Upon a Time in America was a movie that held me from start to finish, with beautiful scenes and very good dialog. The scene where Noodles abuses Deborah really put me off, but I was able to carry on afterwards.

I felt that this film didn't have many dialogues, because there were many parts in silence or with background music, but in my opinion this made the film more dynamic and less tiring. These silent parts reminded me of Studio Ghibli films, which I think are great. The music is good too, it makes sense with the story and refers to it. The use of that wind instrument that Cockeye plays throughout the film is an incredible touch (I confess that before I realized this, I didn't like the main song of the film, but once I understood it, I loved it).

In addition to the wonderful music and scenes, the performances are very good. Robert De Niro and Scott Schutzman Tiler as Noodles and James Woods and Rusty Jacobs as Max were incredible in these roles. The actors chosen to play the boys as children were a great match for the adults and acted very well. All the actors were incredible, that's what I really mean.

If you have four hours to spare, watch this movie, you won't regret it! I think it's become one of my favorites.

review in letterboxd: https://boxd.it/6RCmBp