Once Upon a Time in America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Jewish gangsters do crime, Robert De Niro does regret, time does a wibbly-wobbly thing, and someone ends up in a garbage truck, maybe.

🍿 Once Upon a Time in America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Return to the Lower East Side (1968)

David “Noodles” Aaronson returns to New York after 35 years, drawn back by a mysterious summons. He seeks answers about his past and the fate of his old friends, leading him to Fat Moe, the only remaining connection to his former life. Haunted by guilt and suspicion, Noodles starts piecing together the events that led to his exile, driven by an unknown purpose.

Childhood and Early Crimes (1920s)

The film flashes back to Noodles’ childhood in the 1920s, depicting his early friendships and criminal activities. He meets Max, forming a complex bond that shapes their lives. The young gang engages in petty crimes, navigating poverty and the allure of quick money. This era establishes the foundation for their future ambitions and the tragic events to come.

Rise and Betrayal During Prohibition (1930s)

As the gang rises in prominence during the Prohibition era, their operations expand, and their wealth increases. However, tensions grow, particularly between Noodles and Max. Max’s increasingly reckless ambitions clash with Noodles’ desire to maintain control and loyalty. The seeds of betrayal are sown as Max proposes a plan to rob the Federal Reserve, a scheme Noodles believes is suicidal.

The Fateful Phone Call

Haunted by Max’s dangerous ambition, Noodles makes a fateful anonymous phone call to the police, hoping to prevent the robbery and save his friends from certain death. This act of betrayal sets in motion a series of events that lead to the apparent deaths of his friends and forces Noodles to flee New York, consumed by guilt and regret. The aftermath of this decision shapes the rest of his life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Noodles (Robert De Niro): A guilt-ridden former gangster, Noodles returns to confront his past and the betrayals that haunt him.
• Max (James Woods): Charismatic and ambitious, Max’s ruthless pursuit of power drives the gang’s trajectory and ultimately betrays Noodles.
• Deborah (Elizabeth McGovern): The object of Noodles’s lifelong affection, Deborah embodies a life beyond the reach of the gangsters’ violent world.
• Patsy (James Hayden): A loyal but ultimately doomed member of Noodles’s gang.
• Cockeye (William Forsythe): Another steadfast, but ultimately tragic member of Noodles’s childhood gang.
• Fat Moe (Larry Rapp): Noodles’s long-suffering friend who is tied into their world through his bar.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Noodles: “I slipped.” – Dominic’s last words after being shot by Bugsy, haunting Noodles throughout his life as a symbol of lost innocence and responsibility.
• Max: “Noodles, people are not born equal. Some are born to scrub toilets, others to pilot airplanes.” – Max’s cynical worldview, illustrating his ambition and belief in a hierarchical society where he aims to reach the top, regardless of the cost.
• Deborah: “You can’t waste your life on foolish dreams. The world doesn’t work that way.” – Deborah’s pragmatic outlook on life, contrasting with Noodles’ romantic and often self-destructive tendencies, highlighting their incompatible desires.
• Noodles: “I did a bad thing, I called the police.” – Noodles’ admission of his betrayal, a pivotal moment that sets in motion the events of the film’s latter half and underscores his guilt and regret.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,321,508
• Worldwide Gross: $5,476,126

💥 Once Upon a Time in America Reviews

Personal Review

I saw ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ for the first time last year, and it blew me away. The way Leone jumps between timelines is confusing at first, but it pulls you deeper into Noodles’ fractured memories. The scene where Noodles returns to New York and wanders through his old haunts, you can feel the weight of his past. The music, especially Deborah’s theme, gets me every time. It is a long movie, but it feels like an epic, heartbreaking poem.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic gangster films like The Godfather”
  • “Viewers who appreciate complex, character-driven stories”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas set during the Prohibition era”
  • “Admirers of Sergio Leone’s unique directorial style”
  • “Audiences who don’t mind slow pacing and ambiguous endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New Yorker: “Leone’s epic is a breathtaking, sprawling canvas of American crime, a meditation on memory, betrayal, and the corrosive power of time. The performances are uniformly superb, and Morricone’s score is hauntingly unforgettable. This is cinema at its grandest and most melancholic.
• Variety: “A visually stunning, albeit narratively dense, gangster saga. De Niro delivers a nuanced performance, and Woods is electrifying. However, the film’s length and non-linear structure may deter some viewers, but patient audiences will be rewarded with a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “Sergio Leone’s masterpiece is a powerful and moving epic that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a story of friendship, betrayal, and regret, told with a visual flair and emotional depth that is rarely seen in cinema. One of the greatest gangster films ever made.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praise the stunning visuals and masterful direction that create an immersive experience.: The film’s emotional depth and exploration of complex themes resonate deeply with many viewers.

The Ennio Morricone score is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful and haunting soundtracks in cinematic history.: Robert De Niro and James Woods deliver unforgettable performances that elevate the film to greatness.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant epic, though its length and non-linear structure may not appeal to all viewers. Considered a masterpiece by many, particularly for its performances and score.

Awards

1. BAFTA Film Award (Best Costume Design)- 1985
2. BAFTA Film Award (Best Score)- 1985

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sergio Leone initially wanted to cast two separate sets of actors to play the younger and older versions of Noodles and Max, but Robert De Niro and James Woods insisted on playing their characters across the decades.”
• “The film was shot primarily in chronological order, a rarity for films with extensive flashback sequences, to help the actors understand and portray their characters’ emotional arcs more effectively.”
• “Ennio Morricone composed much of the score before filming began, allowing Leone to play the music on set to influence the actors’ performances and the overall mood.”

🖥️ How to Watch Once Upon a Time in America?

Once Upon a Time in America is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential streaming options or availability through cable providers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Once Upon a Time in America, you might like these similar films:

• The Godfather (1972): Direct comparison; both are epic gangster films exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power.
• Goodfellas (1990): Offers a similar immersive experience into the world of gangsters, with a focus on the rise and fall of its characters and the consequences of their choices.
• Miller’s Crossing (1990): Features complex characters, a twisting plot, and explores themes of loyalty and betrayal within a gangster setting, with a distinct visual style.
• The Untouchables (1987): Focuses on the Prohibition era and the battle against organized crime, with a stylized visual approach and strong performances.
• Road to Perdition (2002): A modern gangster film with strong visual storytelling and a focus on themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of violence, creating a similar sense of melancholic reflection.

🛒 Once Upon a Time in America Related Products

• Once Upon a Time in America: Extended Director’s Cut [Blu-ray]: Experience Sergio Leone’s complete vision with this meticulously restored extended cut. Includes behind-the-scenes documentaries and commentary. A must-have for any cinephile.
• Ennio Morricone – Once Upon a Time in America (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Own the iconic score on vinyl. Features the complete score by Ennio Morricone, remastered for audiophile quality. The packaging includes original artwork from the film.
• Robert De Niro: A Life in Pictures: Discover the career-defining roles from one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures and the creation of his role as Noodles in Once Upon a Time in America.
• Once Upon a Time in America Movie Poster: High-quality print of the film’s iconic theatrical poster. Perfect for home theaters, living rooms, or any space where you want to showcase your love for classic cinema.

🎧 Soundtrack

Once Upon a Time in America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Deborah’s Theme” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Amapola” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Once Upon a Time in America” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “God Bless America” – performed by Kate Smith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did Max Throw Himself Into The Garbage Truck? | Once Upon a Time in America Explained

Ever wondered about the true fate of Max in ‘Once Upon a Time in America’? In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the film’s haunting conclusion and explore a compelling theory that will leave you pondering.

Quentin Tarantino about Sergio Leone

Get ready for a treat! Quentin Tarantino, the master of cinema, shares his thoughts on Sergio Leone, the legendary director behind ‘Once Upon a Time in America’. Prepare to be enthralled as Tarantino unravels Leone’s genius.

Once Upon a Time In the West ( filming location video ) Ennio Morricone Leone Fonda Bronson

Journey to the stunning locations that brought ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ to life! This captivating behind-the-scenes video showcases the breathtaking landscapes and reveals the secrets behind Sergio Leone’s cinematic magic.

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