Epic vision of the ganster film from the great Leone!

Rating: Null/10 (26 November 2003)

Leone changed the the American Western because he loved it. In "Once Upon a Time in America" he embraces the American gangster film and changes it too-- don't listen to those who say it is too long. This is a gangster film as Opera-- all the themes, all the violence, all the anti-heroes, all the Old New York blown up into Leone's panoramic vision of America. It's a wonderful homage to American gangster films and a recreation of their myths. In "Once Upon a Time in America" Leone comes to America to celebrate its problems, myths, and impact upon world culture. After "Scarface (1983) and the "Godfather" films, "once Upon a Time in America" is the great postmodern gangster saga.
Viva Leone!