Once Upon a Time in the West

One of the finest westerns ever made.

What sets this film apart is its focus on character complexity. Harmonica, in particular, is a fascinating study – his restraint, exemplified by [spoiler] his decision not to immediately kill Frank, reveals a meticulous mind driven by a carefully planned vengeance. This contrasts sharply with the more frenetic action of Leone’s The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, but that deliberate pacing actually amplifies the tension and makes each duel feel monumental. A brilliant example is Harmonica's seemingly helpful act towards Frank, which ultimately serves his larger purpose – a testament to his calculated approach, unlike many modern characters who are driven by instinct alone (a point I appreciate even when considering favorites like John Wick). [/spoiler]

The film’s emotional power is also significantly enhanced by Ennio Morricone’s iconic score. The fact that the music was composed before filming allowed the actors to perform with a pre-existing emotional framework, resulting in performances of incredible depth and nuance. Each musical cue isn't just background noise; it's an integral part of the storytelling, amplifying both the characters' internal struggles and the audience’s experience.

When was the last time you watched a movie where after the first hour of the movie you didn't know any of the main character's names or what the movie was about yet you were completely engrossed? Ah, the genius of Sergio Leone. Once again, Leone paints a detailed picture with scant few words and captivates the audience while doing it. This film is also widely regarded as the greatest "face" movie of all time. While Henry Fonda was at the top of the billing, it is actually Charles Bronson (I kid you not) that is the star of this film.
One thing I love about Leone is that he's never trying to make a point. There isn't a moral to the story and there aren't any feel-good moments. He brings together a group of characters and spares you the details of who they are and where they come from. There are no good vs. evil confronations. In fact, the most sympathetic person in this movie was a reformed prostitute and the lead in the movie (Bronson) is never actually identified by name.

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Masterful and enthralling storytelling, while barely uttering a word. They just dont make them like this anymore. Really just a mesmerizing film and score

The absolute best Western to date.

Still the best Western ever made. Superb cinematography. Superb score. Superb actors. A story that is simple in its core and yet told in a complex way with a lot of twists, sub-plots and multi-layered anti-heroes. When you watch this movie for the first time, you won't know the main protagonist's motivation till the end. This movie doesn't shy away from the most brutal aspects of life. Not even sure the outcome is a positive one.

There's only little to be criticized. Like the sometimes too cartoon-ish character of some characters. And like the great depiction of violence without the notable exception of blood or visible wounds (That's excused though - it's a 60's movie with strict regulations). It's not really needed though and I certainly don't want this to be a splatter movie but it would add to the immersion.

The original italian title of the film is C'era una volta il West.

If you want to watch this superb western. There is excellent UHD bluray release.

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/once-upon-a-time-in-the-west-4k-2024-blu-ray-review-ultra-hd-collectors-edition-dolby-vision-uhd.21790/

An absolute classic in spaghetti western. The great Sergio Leone made again a slow paced movie that grips you from beginning to end. Who is Harmonica and what does he want. Suspense and and the overall vibe make this one of the greatest movies of the genre.