we\'re taught to be ourselves, but what if you\'re a monster?

we're always taught to be ourselves, but what if you're a monster?

Overall, "Once Upon a Time in America" is a classic of the crime drama genre and continues to be celebrated for its masterful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes.

The film "Once Upon a Time in America" is famous for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is its epic scope and ambitious storytelling. The film is a sprawling crime drama that spans several decades and features a large ensemble cast of talented actors. It is also renowned for its stunning cinematography, memorable music score, and powerful performances by its lead actors.

In terms of memorable quotes, "Once Upon a Time in America" has several that have become iconic in their own right. One of the most well-known is the line spoken by Noodles (played by Robert De Niro) near the end of the film: "You know, we're always taught to be ourselves, but what if you're a monster?". This line speaks to the central theme of the movie, which is the corrupting influence of power and the devastating consequences of a life of crime.

Another memorable quote from the film comes from Max (played by James Woods), who says, "We're not kids anymore". This line is a reminder of the passage of time and the fact that the characters have grown older and more world-weary since their youth in the Lower East Side of New York City.

** The father of Deborah's son is not explicitly revealed in the film "Once Upon a Time in America." It is left ambiguous as to whether the father is Noodles (played by Robert De Niro) or Max (played by James Woods), both of whom had romantic relationships with Deborah. The film suggests that both Noodles and Max have a deep emotional connection with Deborah, but it is unclear which one of them is the biological father of her son. The ambiguity surrounding this issue is intentional and adds to the film's sense of mystery and intrigue.

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The Prohibition era in the United States began in 1920 with the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the country. This era lasted until 1933, when the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition.

The Prohibition era was marked by a rise in organized crime and bootlegging, as many people continued to consume alcohol despite its illegality. Criminal organizations smuggled alcohol into the country, often by sea, and sold it at speakeasies or underground bars. This led to a rise in violence and corruption, as bootleggers and gangsters fought for control of the illegal alcohol trade.

The Prohibition era also had significant social and cultural impacts. Many people saw Prohibition as a violation of personal liberty and individual rights, and the popularity of illegal drinking establishments and "flappers" reflected a rebellion against traditional values and social norms. The end of Prohibition in 1933 was celebrated by many Americans as a return to freedom and a rejection of government overreach.

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"Once Upon a Time in America" is a 1984 epic crime drama film directed by Sergio Leone, starring Robert De Niro as David "Noodles" Aaronson, James Woods as Maximilian "Max" Bercovicz, and Elizabeth McGovern as Deborah Gelly. The film tells the story of two childhood friends who grow up in the Jewish ghetto of New York's Lower East Side and become powerful gangsters during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s. Despite their wealth and success, both men are haunted by their past and their unfulfilled dreams, leading to a violent and tragic separation that remains a mystery for 35 years. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece and has become a classic of the gangster genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXdSN57UDHg&t=2023s?