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Once Upon a Time in the West (re-release)
User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22

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  1. PatC.
    Aug 7, 2006
    9
    The spagetti western is an inherently flawed format, but this movie begs to differ, and is a fine example of the possibilities of the genre, rivalled only by The Good The Bad & The Ugly in relevance and breadth of perspective.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. GeorgeM.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    An epic to be savored like a fine meal...don't watch this movie if you're in a hurry. Your patience with the slowly building story line is more than rewarded with some of the most compelling and operatic concluding scenes ever put on film. I think that this has more in common with Lawrence of Arabia than the spaghetti westerns that Leone became famous for. It is a masterpiece. The music is unforgettable, and Fonda and Bronson are perfectly cast, along with all of the supporting actors.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Jim
    Oct 1, 2005
    10
    The restored re-released version of this film, the only one I've seen, is astounding in its classic western themes, acting, shot-making and story. It holds the viewer's interest throughout its running time of some 2 1/2 hours. It's the ultimate revenge, retribution western. Perhaps the only C. Bronson film where he is the hero.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. DannyS.
    Feb 15, 2006
    9
    Sometimes too slow, but always brilliant. Ennio Morricone's score and other sound effects contribute to probably the greatest collaboration ever witnessed in cinema. The brooding revengeful Charles Bronson stalking evil incarnate Henry Fonda in the most effective stylisation of the Western form. Sergio Leone's opera masterpiece will never be bettered.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. RonanC.
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    A poignant masterpiece, everything about this film is amazing. From the uncompromisingly rich musical score, the fine cast, and it's grand cinematography. Stands neck-to-neck with it's predecessor The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. YogaP
    May 2, 2009
    4
    If Claudia Cardinale had not been in this, it would have been unwatchable. I know it's supposed to be a tribute to the American Western but it often seemed like a parody of the "spaghetti Western." People stared silently at each other so often I started laughing each time it happened. If you don't like Westerns, stay away!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. [Anonymous]
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    As good as movies -- of any genre -- get.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. ERG1008
    Aug 19, 2010
    9
    Family has house & plot of land, authorities want it, hired guns get involved, Mother of family returns, a real good hoe-down. Another one of Sergio Leone's masterpieces & if pushed would say as good as The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. (apart from the showdown at the end, you can't top that!!) The setting & characters are brilliant & then, of course, with the genius of Ennio Morricone's score on top. As with most Leone films there's a lot of Italian/Spanish extras so quite a bit of lip-syncing but the performances by Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Charles Bronson & especially Jason Robards are magnificent.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    100
    An additional treat is seeing Hollywood good guy Henry Fonda playing one of the nastiest curs in the West. Once Upon a Time in the West is one of the great films in cinema history. (8/30/2000 Review)
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  2. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    100
    Leone brought back a masterpiece, a film that expands his baroque, cartoonish style into genuine grandeur, weaving dozens of thematic variations and narrative arabesques around a classical western foundation myth.(Review of Original Release)
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  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    63
    Good fun, especially if you like Leone's way of savoring the last morsel of every scene. (Review of Original Release)
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