A mysterious harmonica-playing stranger teams up with a notorious outlaw to protect a widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad. As the railroad advances, alliances form and secrets emerge, leading to a climactic confrontation that will determine their fates.

Length: 2h 45m
Genre: Western
This Title is: Gritty

Stream  Once Upon a Time in the West  on Netflix

Cast

Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards, Gabriele Ferzetti

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Violence and some sexual content

Trivia

  • Henry Fonda was cast against type, playing a villain for the first time in his career.
  • Director Sergio Leone had composer Ennio Morricone write the film’s score before filming began, and played it on set to inspire the actors.
  • The film is considered a masterpiece of the Western genre and has influenced numerous directors, including Quentin Tarantino.

Trailer

Our Review

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Once Upon a Time in the West stands as a monumental achievement in cinema, showcasing Sergio Leone’s directorial prowess. The film’s deliberate pacing and meticulous attention to detail create an immersive experience that transports viewers to the rugged landscapes of the American frontier. Ennio Morricone’s haunting score perfectly complements the visual storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth of each scene. The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, with Charles Bronson and Henry Fonda offering particularly memorable portrayals. The film’s intricate story weaves together themes of revenge, ambition, and survival, culminating in a powerful and unforgettable conclusion. Its stunning cinematography captures the vastness of the West, while the carefully crafted set pieces and costumes add authenticity to the period setting. This classic Western continues to captivate audiences, solidifying its place as a timeless masterpiece that resonates with viewers across generations.

Critic Scores

Once Upon a Time in the West has been praised by critics for its epic storytelling and masterful direction. The film holds a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 69 reviews, with an average score of 9.10/10. The critical consensus reads: “A landmark Sergio Leone spaghetti Western masterpiece featuring a classic Morricone score.” Metacritic gives the film a weighted average score of 82 out of 100 based on reviews from 9 critics, indicating “universal acclaim.”

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10