I did not find Noodles to be a compelling main character, he is a brutal thug and straight out rapist. To me, it was an odd choice. The film seems to glide over his misdeeds in a way I found hard to understand. We love the mystery and stoic nature of Leone's other main characters. In this film, we get neither. For this reason, this was a hard film for me to get into for the run time, and yes, I understand moral ambiguity, antiheroes, and grey areas, and I don't need a movie to hold my hand either.
It's amazing how shy this man is, yet he can play just about anything and anyone. Hard watching him lose himself over that politician. I don't care for him either but no politicians (NOT ONE) are worth getting an aneurism over.
The movie had a powerful impact on me because of its instant nostalgia quality that tugged at my heart as if it were a fond memory of mine. It’s hard to describe but it was a powerful feeling that Sergio was capable of making
Remembering James Hayden - died at 29 - while working with Al Pacino on Broadway with “American Buffalo.” He was terrific in this movie. He died before it was released. He had already worked with De Niro, Pacino, Leone and even Frank Sinatra on “The First Deadly Sin.” Many actors loved him. Mickey Rourke dedicated his own outstanding performance in “Pope of Greenwich Village” to Hayden.
Finally watched the extended cut in its entirety. shortest 4 plus hours of my life, and among the most sublime film experiences I've ever had. Greatest gangster movie of all time, absolute masterpiece. I would kill to watch the 6 hour cut.
One of my favourites of all time, seen all different versions, Morricone's music score, ab brill. Best coming of age, loss of innocence gangster film made by one of the best Directors ever.
OMG They look identical to their young selves.... best quote of the movie "Noodles..... I slipped..." unbelievable they are as grateful as they can be for getting to be Max and Noodles
Elizabeth Montgomery was who Robert and James were both in love with when young. Robert never knew his best friend who he loved also wanted Roberts girlfriend until he became grown man and 29 years later his best p friend he loved took his girlfriend and had child, took his money and ruined Roberts life. Robert became poor on drugs he thought he killed his best friend to protect him. Friend made this suffer for 20 years invited him to his mansion and Robert realized his friend faked his death and made Robert think he killed him and he took everything from Robert. James Said I planned to ruin your life when we we're teenagers. Robert still loved his friend. James had become rich mayor.
I first saw this movie thirty years ago and it is 5 hours long. So good it explains life brilliantly. I.did not understand about the significance of life then but I do now. So emotional and tells about love, betrayal, greed, jealousy, drugs, gangsters, power and becoming wealthy and rich and poor and miserable.
