The film Once Upon a Time in America, directed by Sergio Leone, is a movie that has gone from being a commercial failure to becoming a recognized masterpiece within the cinematic canon. Released in 1984 with a budget of 30 million dollars, it managed to gross only a sixth of that amount, which led to it being presented in a shortened version, designed to improve its viability at the box office. However, over time, the complete version has been acclaimed by critics and cinephiles, establishing itself as a benchmark in the gangster film genre.
A masterpiece by the great director of spaghetti westerns
The plot follows the relationship between a young Jewish man and a Hebrew boy who, in the context of Prohibition-era New York, build a criminal gang that rises to power and wealth. Masterfully portrayed by Robert De Niro and James Woods, these characters embody the complexities of friendship and betrayal in a world marked by the mafia. Throughout its more than three and a half hours of duration, the film demands considerable concentration from the viewer, although many agree that the length is necessary to maintain the narrative and emotional balance that characterizes the work.
Sergio Leone applied his well-known blend of patience and drama, previously acclaimed in his westerns, to create one of the most striking representations of gangster cinema in the history of American film. Once Upon a Time in America stands alongside masterpieces like The Godfather and Goodfellas, offering a deep insight into the transformation process of its characters and the social context of its time.
Starting today, the full version of the movie will be broadcast on television through Paramount and will also be available for streaming on Disney+, giving new audiences the opportunity to appreciate this gem of the seventh art.
