Sergio Leone epic

Rating: 8/10 (22 July 2016)

David "Noodles" Aaronson (Robert De Niro) is a gangster on the run after his bootlegger comrades Patrick "Patsy" Goldberg (James Hayden), Phillip "Cockeye" Stein (William Forsythe), and Max Bercovicz (James Woods) are killed. Noodles goes to the bus station but finds his money missing. He escapes out of town. Years later, he returns as an old man after being notified about his friends' burial. He recalls his childhood as a young troublemaker with his friends. His great love is Fat Moe's sister Deborah (Jennifer Connelly, Elizabeth McGovern).
This epic, especially the longer versions of around four hours, is a legendary Sergio Leone gangster movie. It is memorable. De Niro is amazing. That's not a surprise. I do wish for a scene of the four friends together in the opening. The first time watching the first act can leave it a little cold and confused. Nevertheless, it's a compelling story and a worthwhile repeat watch.