Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Year: 2013

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Borghese

ActionCrime

Following a period of imprisonment, a young man in Brooklyn spurns his family's offer of a fresh start in the construction business. Instead, he chooses to return to a life of crime on the tough streets, embracing his rebellious nature and risking everything he’s gained. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the allure of a life outside the law.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn (2013)

Trace every key event in Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn (2013) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to Rick Dalton

The film opens with a clip from an old Western TV series, 'Bounty Law', featuring Rick Dalton as Jake Cahill, a renegade bounty hunter. Following this, Rick and his stuntman Cliff Booth discuss the dynamics of their working relationship and how Cliff supports Rick's acting career.

2

Meeting Marvin Schwarz

On February 8, 1969, Rick meets with producer Marvin Schwarz in a restaurant. Marvin, a fan of Rick's work, suggests a new opportunity in Spaghetti Westerns despite Rick lamenting his declining career and the cancellation of 'Bounty Law' due to his alcoholism.

February 8, 1969 Restaurant
3

Rick's New Neighbors

Rick learns that his new neighbors are director Roman Polanski and actress Sharon Tate. This news revitalizes Rick's spirits, as he believes Polanski could help revive his career after his meeting with Marvin.

Rick's Home
4

Sharon at the Playboy Mansion

Sharon attends a party at the Playboy Mansion, mingling with other stars like Steve McQueen and Jay Sebring. She dances and engages in conversations while her friends discuss her relationship with Polanski and their observations about her behavior.

Playboy Mansion
5

Encounter with Charles Manson

On February 9, after Polanski leaves, Sharon is visited by Charles Manson at her house. He claims to be friends with the previous owners, but after a brief interaction, he leaves without causing any alarm.

February 9, 1969 Sharon's House
6

Rick's Role in 'Lancer'

Cliff takes Rick to the set of 'Lancer' for his day's shoot. Here, Rick struggles with his diminishing stardom and forgets his lines while filming, leading him to retreat to his trailer for a breakdown, but he resolves to improve.

'Lancer' Set
7

Cliff Meets Bruce Lee

While on set, Cliff encounters Bruce Lee and they engage in a friendly fight challenge. The skirmish escalates, resulting in Cliff being fired for damaging property, showcasing his rough demeanor.

'Lancer' Set
8

Sharon at the Movies

Sharon visits a theater showing 'The Wrecking Crew', a film she's in. She is recognized by the manager and allowed entry for free, enjoying the audience's enthusiastic reaction to her performance.

Local Movie Theater
9

Rick's Emotional Breakdown

During shooting for 'Lancer', Rick has an emotional exchange with his young co-star Trudi. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and decline in his career, Rick's vulnerability is revealed as he shares his fears with her.

'Lancer' Set
10

Conflict at Spahn Ranch

Cliff takes a trip to Spahn Ranch, a former filming site. He finds the place occupied by a commune of hippies and faces confrontation when he stands up to a man who damages his car, showcasing his tough persona.

Spahn Ranch
11

Rick's Successful Scene

Rick impresses the crew during a tense scene in 'Lancer' where he improvises his villain character. His performance moves Trudi to declare it the best acting she has seen, leaving Rick emotionally affected.

'Lancer' Set
12

Flash Forward to Six Months Later

Six months later, a voiceover reveals that Rick and Cliff flew to Rome to shoot Spaghetti Westerns, marking a significant change in their professional lives. During this time, Rick also married Francesca Capucci, an Italian actress.

Six months later Rome
13

Return to Los Angeles

On August 8, 1969, Rick and Cliff return to Los Angeles after their successful stint in Rome. They decide it's time to part ways after spending a final night together, indicating a bittersweet end of an era.

August 8, 1969 Rick's Home
14

The Fatal Encounter

At Rick's home, a group led by Tex Watson approaches with murderous intent. Rick confronts them while Cliff, under the influence of acid, reacts with unexpected courage, leading to a violent confrontation.

Rick's Home
15

Resolution and New Beginnings

After a chaotic altercation, Cliff is injured but saved from severe harm. The events lead Rick to finally connect with Sharon Tate, who invites him to join her gathering, marking a hopeful start amid the turmoil.

Outside Sharon's House

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 08:08

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about the pull of crime like Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Stories where characters are drawn back to crime despite a chance at redemption.If you liked the story of a character torn between a fresh start and criminal loyalty in Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, you'll find similar tension in these films. Discover movies about characters who struggle to leave their past behind, exploring themes of family, street life, and the high cost of rebellion.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character who, after a period of incarceration or separation from their criminal life, is offered a legitimate way out. However, driven by a sense of belonging, rebellion, or twisted loyalty, they consciously choose to return to their dangerous old ways, setting them on a collision course with fate.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies that share a core conflict: the struggle between redemption and a familiar, destructive criminal identity. They are united by a gritty, heavy tone, high emotional stakes, and a focus on the psychological and social forces that make a 'straight' life feel impossible.

Gritty urban crime stories like Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Character-driven crime stories set in the harsh realities of a specific city.Fans of the street-level Brooklyn setting and heavy themes in Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn will appreciate these films. Explore movies that immerse you in the world of neighborhood crime, focusing on loyalty, tough choices, and the inescapable pull of one's environment.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives unfold within a tightly-knit, often working-class urban setting that acts as a character itself. The plot is driven by interpersonal conflicts, codes of honor, and the constant threat of violence, exploring how environment shapes destiny and forces difficult choices about family and survival.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their authentic, localized setting and their focus on the personal stakes of crime rather than large-scale plots. They share a dark, anxious mood, a variable pace that balances character moments with sudden violence, and a heavy emotional weight centered on loyalty and consequence.

Unlock the Full Story of Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Don't stop at just watching — explore Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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