Once Upon a Time

Audience Reviews

View All (2) audience reviews

Audience Member This movie was absolutely stunning the plot really took me for a loop and what I was most impressed with was the cinematic beauty of philly. I loved the main character and his willingness to just be a righteous person in a bad situation. I had to watch over for all of the sublimation throughout the film. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member We each have our own truth... Although what others see on the surface is often misleading. Underneath runs a river of human motivations, fears and desires. Sometimes it's about what sacrifices we're willing to make for loved ones to survive and thrive. Or self-justification as we rationalize, "I'm just doing this to make enough money to take care of my family, then I'm out." Until having enough becomes a bigger proposition. As the money rolls in lives are transformed; greed grows and ultimately power and wealth corrupts. Lean and mean, without an extra ounce of fat, through filmmaker Sixx King's lens we feel the brutal reality of bloodshed; the treachery and betrayal of foes and friends alike. As young and ambitious Jiz (played by Tareek Cade and reminiscent of Marlo Stanfield from The Wire) states, "You know how this shit goes, OG." Once Upon a Time in Philly doesn't pull any punches. Raw and powerful, it hits us hard and often until we're reeling, eyes glued to the screen, wondering what comes next. Sixx King could have stopped there and made an entertaining, action-packed film. However, he elevates this tale to another level with a keen eye and subtle touch, as he deftly weaves hidden gems and a subliminal message through imagery, mood, and music to create a morality tale. I knew I was watching something special a few minutes in, when an upstanding man, Ern (played by Rell Angelo) struggles with compromising his principals to provide for his family, while Sam Cook's A Change is Coming plays in the background. I felt goosebumps break out at this perfect cinematic moment foreshadowing the tragedy to come. Well-plotted and tight, what I find astonishing is that the roles of these characters are not played by people with previous acting experience, as each and every one hits their beats, kills their lines. And it's most likely the secret to Once Upon a Time in Philly's unflinching authenticity. This is a film you'll want to watch again and again. Each time revealing another layer of what is truly at stake. I predict you won't see the ending coming. Though it may leave you with a lump in your throat, or even a tear in your eye. In the end, there is always a price to pay... Melissa Roen, author of Last Call for Caviar and Maya Rising. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Once Upon a Time

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW