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)
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Reviews (14)
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.
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The best western ever, there is not a single ingredient out of place. Very imaginative direction, great actors and a soundtrack that has long since transcended "mere" film music and become a musical treasure and legend. Leone had a very lucky hand in choosing the actors (as always). Henry Fonda handled his only one role as a villain with aplomb (the American audiences couldn't get over the fact that the model good guy was playing such an asshole), Charles Bronson played perhaps the best role of his career, Claudia Cardinale is a delight to the eye and Jason Robards as Cheyenne is one of my favourite movie characters ever. A must see in widescreen format, the VHS crop amounts to a crime on this cinematic gem.
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Absolutely awesome in all respects. The acting, the screenplay, the direction, the cinematography. Everything I can think of is excellent. The film doesn’t have any weaknesses. Even if I did find one, it wouldn't matter. The score would make me forget it immediately. That's what happens when true masters work together. There aren’t enough stars for me to rate this.
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A gem, with something legendary, precious, and brilliant in every scene from Sergio Leone, in every note from Ennio Morricone, and in every gesture or word from Charles Bronson, Peter Fonda, Jason Robards, and the beautiful Claudia Cardinale. Whoever finds this epic boring should just give up on movies altogether.
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The music improves the image. To be honest, at the beginning, when a dirty, hirsute bloke is shown swatting a fly for three minutes, I thought that in the next 160 minutes I would die out of boredom. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case, and in the end this film entertained me a lot more than The Godfather, for instance. Mostly thanks to the music, the direction and the performances, because the contents don’t stand out. I can’t get rid of the feeling that I will never be a fan of western as a genre.
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