Once Upon a Time in America is a 1984 film directed by Sergio Leone. The film's plot is an epic crime drama that follows the lives of a group of gangster friends in 20th-century America, with a particular focus on the characters David "Noodles" Aaronson and Max Bercovicz. 

Plot

The story begins in the 1920s in New York City and follows a group of young friends, including David "Noodles" Aaronson (played by Robert De Niro) and Max Bercovicz (played by James Woods). The group makes their way into the criminal world and becomes involved in activities such as alcohol smuggling during the Prohibition era.

The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the characters' youth and their rise in the criminal world, as well as their personal conflicts and relationships. Noodles and Max often find themselves in power struggles and conflicts within the criminal underworld.

The film follows the characters' lives through decades of social and political changes, culminating in modern times when Noodles returns to New York City after a long exile. The plot is intricate and rich in detail, and the film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, remorse, and redemption.

"Once Upon a Time in America" is known for its lengthy duration and complexity and is considered one of Sergio Leone's masterpieces. It offers a profound exploration of the dark side of the American dream through the eyes of its protagonists.

Director: Sergio Leone

Writers: Sergio Leone, Leonardo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi, Enrico Medioli, Franco Arcalli, Franco Ferrini, Ernesto Gastaldi, Stuart M. Kaminsky (based on the novel by Harry Grey)

Producers: Arnon Milchan, Alberto Grimaldi

Music: Ennio Morricone

Main Cast:

• Robert De Niro as David "Noodles" Aaronson
• James Woods as Maximilian "Max" Bercovicz
• Elizabeth McGovern as Deborah Gelly
• Joe Pesci as Frankie Minaldi
• Burt Young as Joe
• Tuesday Weld as Carol

Major Awards: The film received positive reviews from critics but did not win major Oscars or Golden Globe awards.

Box Office Gross: The film had a good box office success.

Critical Reception: Once Upon a Time in America is an epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone and known for its extended runtime and complex narrative. The film follows the story of a group of gangster friends and their lives over several decades in New York. Robert De Niro and James Woods were praised for their performances. The film was considered one of cinema's most ambitious works and gained a cult following. Although it did not win major Oscars, it is regarded as a cinematic masterpiece and an example of epic storytelling.