Directed by:
Sergio LeoneCinematography:
Tonino Delli ColliComposer:
Ennio MorriconeCast:
Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson, Gabriele Ferzetti, Don Galloway, Paolo Stoppa, Woody Strode, Jack Elam, Keenan Wynn (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
In this epic spaghetti Western, a flinty gunslinger is hired by a railroad tycoon to kill anyone standing in the way of his trans-American iron horse. (Netflix)
Videos (2)
Reviews (14)
Once upon a time there were two Italians who already knew each other well and whose collaboration was apparently a fateful affair. One of them had no problem writing six hundred pages with detailed descriptions of individual scenes and even the actors' movements, so that the visual and narrative aspects of his upcoming project would not contain a single flaw. The other, for his part, reached to the bottom of his musical talent and wrung from it a repertoire of the most breathtaking melodies that not only chill throughout the film, but above all elevate the story of a classic western with taciturn characters into the realm of the most admired and unsurpassed cinematic art. Then there was one beautiful Italian woman, who only had to stand still in front of the camera to the accompaniment of majestic music, to provide an unprecedented, almost soulful experience. And then there were three very charismatic Americans, whose interactions and intrigues seem to get more subtle and spectacular with each viewing, making any other western become mediocre in comparison. Well, this wild bunch is behind the creation of a groundbreaking film that not only changed the look of modern westerns, relegated the old ones to a worn-out commodity and set an unbeatable bar for upcoming ones, but most importantly, it prepared for me such an exotic and untold delicacy that after each new bite I get even hungrier and ask myself if it is even possible to digest and absorb all these different tastes in one sitting. But I won't know unless I taste it again and again... 100%
()
It is simply impossible to pick out one particular thing from this film that deserves to be singled out, because it has to be seen in its entirety, and also several times, in order to make one believe that even a western can have the dimensions of a Shakespearean drama! (That's my review)__P.S. from May 14, 2013 - I finally saw Once Upon a Time in the West in the movie theater... And again, I have nothing to add. Perhaps only that Cheyenne is probably the biggest all-star of all the spaghetti western characters.
()
You know what? After watching this artistic epic, I can see why so many people view it as the greatest cinematic achievement in history. Sergio Leone really created a masterpiece in every way. I knew the film would consist of many long expository shots, but everything makes sense. Even the opening, slowly flowing sequence leading to the reveal of the Harmonica character is breathtaking. And the soundtrack? What more can be said… Ennio Morricone composed something truly exceptional and legendary that goes beyond mere film music. Each of the four main characters has their unique musical motif (where else have you seen that?). I also enjoyed the central storyline. The revelation at the end actually explained why Harmonica had been after Frank all along, and cleverly enhanced everything that led to the final resolution. Last but not least, the cast… they gave their absolute best; I enjoyed how many sequences relied solely on looks and expressions (Charles Bronson was a great actor!). Words are not always necessary. Once Upon a Time in the West deserves all the admiration. A majestic work in every aspect. For me, it’s a 9/10.
()
This movie is simply a gem, which sucks you in and enchants you with its soundtrack, atmosphere, and individual performances. Even though it is well over two hours long, you do not get bored for a minute, and thanks to the truly amazing soundtrack, you experience everything to the fullest. Furthermore, Claudia Cardinale is probably the most beautiful woman I have ever seen on the screen, and especially in this movie, she is simply irresistible.
()
Last time I saw this movie, I was a little boy who loved cowgirls, and Sergio Leone's classic inevitably seemed strange, protracted, not very "dramatic"... It took a few years, and it occurred to me that Once Upon a Time in the West is much more than an absolutely riveting western example of drama, where wild west genre supplements serve only as backdrops. Leone concentrated the focus of the narrative perspective on the detail and semi-detail of Tonino Delli Colli's superbly composed camera; it's almost unbelievable that maybe half the film is concentrated on the faces of the actors. The weight seen in the facial expression is unreal, and the grace with which the actors bear it is equally unreal. Bronson and Fonda manage the expressionist emphasis on the eyes with a breath-taking statuette rigidity, while Claudia Cardinale's sexy face has an ageless charm – fragility, treacherousness, seductiveness. The archetypal story of the avenger is done by Leone so incredibly personally, in a focused way and with feeling that it would be hard to find a stronger film. Moreover, Ennio Morricone's brilliant soundtrack amplifies all the emotions tenfold. How does Once Upon a Time in the West trump all the other westerns? It's not the story, the effectiveness of the shootouts... it's what a classical philosopher would call the cinematicity of the film. Once Upon a Time in the West is one of the most cinematic films I know.
()
Ads