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)
Sergio Leone's monumental picture ranks among his most admired achievements. In the dying days of the Old West, a struggle to control water in a dusty desert town embroils three hard-bitten gunmen in an epic clash of greed, honor and revenge. Henry Fonda stars in his most sinister role as Frank, a hired killer who ruthlessly slays an entire family. Jason Robards plays Cheyenne, an infamous bandit framed for the slaughter. And Charles Bronson is The Man, a mysterious loner determined to exact vengeance for a grudge he refuses to divulge. An influence on countless directors, Leone's masterpiece is considered among the greatest Westerns ever made. (Paramount Home Entertainment)
(more)Videos (2)
Reviews (14)
Someone might mind that the genius music loops throughout the movie until you’re blue in the face. And someone might mind that it’s not very comprehensive at times and it’s very hard to watch out for details for those nearly three hours. But I don’t mind, because I’d rather get a temporary paralysis of the eyelid if that meant that I can watch every single second of a movie as genius as this western.
()
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.
()
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.
()
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.
()
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.
()
Gallery (153)
Photo © Paramount Pictures
![Once Upon a Time in the West - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/158/528/158528266_d8ed0b.jpg)
Ads