Not At All What I Was Expecting

Rating: 8/10 (4 October 2008)

My main reason for wanting to see this film was because, after seeing 'The Departed' some weeks back I have now become a huge fan of DiCaprio's acting and heard from fans that this was one of his best performances. I'm a self-confessed very poor historian, so I knew very little about the civil war raging through America in the time this film was set (1860s I believe) and it was only afterwards I discovered that New York had in fact been ruled by gangs during this time period, riddled with violence and bloodshed.
Whenever you watch a Martin Scorsese film, you know you are going to be in for a treat, especially if that film also boasts Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis cast in the two main roles, and this film is certainly no disappointment. The film is slow, and focuses more of the build up of characters, tension and atmosphere, and although some who are used to the more action packed, fast paced movies Hollywood has spewed out in the last decade may find it too slow to keep their interest, I actually found it fascinating, and never lost interest once throughout (which, considering it's length, is quite an achievement).
DiCaprio delivers well (though I still believe that his performance as Billy Costigan in 'the Departed' is the best I've ever seen him), as does Daniel Day-Lewis - both play their parts with the skill and talent that has allowed them to build such a name for themselves over the years. I was also impressed by Brendan Gleeson and his portrayal of Walter McGinn, but found the remainder of the performances mediocre - there was nothing especially bad about them, but nothing to deserve further praise either.
I'm not the biggest fan of films about gangs, or mob wars, but a film doesn't have to belong in my favourite genre for me to appreciate it's quality and give it the respect and recognition it deserves. 'Gangs of New York' is not my typical favourite film, but I recognise that it is very good none the less, with a very thought-provoking ending that asks us to question where what we see around us now had once come from.