From NetFlix:

Director Sergio Leone’s sprawling crime epic follows a group of Jewish mobsters (including Robert De Niro, James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern) who rise in the ranks of organized crime in 1920s New York. Their story unfolds in flashbacks as ringleader Noodles (De Niro) returns to Brooklyn 30 years later to reunite and reminisce with his cohorts. Nominated for two Golden Globes, this gritty drama was Leone’s last directorial effort.

“Once Upon a Time in America” was made in 1984 by Sergio Leone. It requires 2 disks. The subject is a New York Jewish mob in the time of the depression and later. Before going any farther:

o It is violent
o The treatment of sex is frank, crude, adolescent, and abundant.
There is one no-holds-barred rape scene. Considering the
personalities, it all makes sense.

However, this is an important film which I loved. Most notable for me was the incredibly leisurely pace, which I mean in a constructive way. Conversations are not hurried. Scenes are allowed to linger. Am I wrong or do many of today’s films hurry ? Robert Di Niro, James Woods, and Elizabeth McGovern do a great job.

I have no idea whether this pretends to be a true history, but it doesn’t matter. There are surprising plot twists. Despite the fact that the protagonists are murderous thugs, you can’t help but feel what Di Niro suffers.

Don’t miss this classic!