once upon a time in america???

[dukas68]

Once upon a time in America, surely the greatest film of all time? discuss.... 

[Philtaz]

It's rather good yes, but I'd place the Shawshank Redemption above it any day.

[andy hughes]

The 'greatest' anything or anyone is entirely down to individual opinion. There are generally accepted opinions based on a large number of people who's opinion is taken as a benchmark, that a cultural item is among the best in its field. If you are talking about film, then 'Citizen Kane' is reckoned to be the best - not in my personal opinion, I've never seen it. I would agree that OUATIA is the greatest 'mafia' film of all time.

[PatTheRat]

Its a good film, but too long, too slow, too predictable, too boring to be honest. But thats just my personal opinion. I wouldve even have it in my top 5 gangster movies.

[Haggisdj]

lord of the rings...

[galltin]

I agree with Andy - it's impossible to say one film is your favourite. However he makes another good point in that you could perhaps say your favourite within any one genre, and this is where he and I differ ; for a Mafia film my Favourite has to be The Godfather films. For comedy - Some Like it Hot. Other than those I just can't choose.

[rinkytink]

 

Well dukas68....I'll tow the line...yes this is without doubt the greatest film of all time.

 

In my opinion.

[Skids]

No

[Greenbhoy]

Perhaps if you can give us an insight into why you think this is the "greatest film of all time" we can concur or suggest altervatives.

[kick3m0n]

but you can't always define why you think a film is the greatest of all time and even if you can, the reasons you can give may be entirely personal.  For example, the two films I most enjoy time and time again are The Great Escape and The Magnificent Seven.  I understand that for many, these are odd choices, but they conjour up such memories of times and places, and of sharing them with people I care about. Of course I also love the stories told, the actors/acting etc etc, but am aware that there are other films which do these things as well, if not better.  But to me they are, and will probably remain, my all time greatest films. I'm happy with that.

[airbolt]

I think it is a fantastic film and just oozes quality. Its up there with my favourites in this genre " Millers Crossing " , " Road to Perdition " and ( of course ) " The Godfather ". Of course , having James Woods , Robert de Niro and Jennifer Connolly in the cast helps ! I thought that when Noodles catches up to the " love of his life " after 30 years , she doesnt look any older ( that was the one flat note for me )

[kick3m0n]

I have to say, I thougth Road to Perdition was predictable dross (but then it had to be, Tom Hanks starred!).