A masterpiece...after the opening

Rating: 10/10 (7 September 2010)

(This is a review of the full 229 minute version) When this film started, I took against it.
The opening sequence is among the most brutal I've seen and is also totally confusing. In addition, there is an intensely annoying phone ringing in the background for a long time which made me want to switch off.
I'm glad I didn't.
I do not know why Leone chose such an off-putting way to begin what may be his magnum opus but it is worth persisting with this film. Much of the worst of it appears at the start.
After the opening, the film lurches from an ageing Robert De Niro to events which took place in his life decades earlier. Although non-linear these make sense and are beautifully shot and performed by a cast uniformly excellent.
There are many troubling (to me) aspects of this film including sexual scenes involving minors, rape and absolutely savage violence. All of this appears convincing in terms of the narrative and not cheap exploitation. This film is seductive because beautiful romantic scenes are interspersed with shocking acts.
The 4 hours of this film passed very quickly, a surprise since as I say, I almost switched off after 10 minutes.