Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984) stands as an epic, operatic masterpiece in the gangster genre—an ambitious and sprawling tale of friendship, betrayal, love, and the passage of time. Spanning several decades, this film traces the lives of a group of Jewish gangsters growing up in the gritty streets of New York City’s Lower East Side, with Robert De Niro delivering one of his most nuanced and haunting performances as David “Noodles” Aaronson.

Leone’s direction is both grand and intimate, weaving a non-linear narrative that moves fluidly between the protagonists’ youthful innocence in the 1920s, their rise in the criminal underworld during Prohibition, and their fractured reunion in the 1960s. This storytelling structure allows viewers to piece together the layers of memory, regret, and consequence, revealing how the choices made in youth echo through time.

The film’s visual style is richly atmospheric, from the dusty streets and speakeasies of the 1920s to the neon-lit decadence of mid-century New York. Leone’s trademark long takes and meticulously composed shots immerse audiences in the world of his characters, while Ennio Morricone’s haunting score underlines the film’s bittersweet tone.

At its core, Once Upon a Time in America is a meditation on loyalty and loss. The complex relationship between Noodles and his childhood friends—especially Max (James Woods)—forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their bond, tested by ambition, jealousy, and betrayal, unfolds with tragic inevitability.

While the film’s nearly four-hour runtime demands patience, those who commit are rewarded with a richly layered narrative and unforgettable performances. De Niro’s portrayal captures a man haunted by his past, while the supporting cast, including Elizabeth McGovern and Joe Pesci, bring depth and nuance to the ensemble.

Though it initially met mixed reactions due to its length and pacing, Once Upon a Time in America has since been recognized as a towering achievement in cinema—a deeply human story told on an epic scale, blending crime saga with elegy. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll, reminding us that time shapes and sometimes shatters the lives we build.