This is a perspective on anarchy.

Rating: Null/10 (4 March 2006)

Gangs of New York is a retrospective view of history, and events, which is actually extrapolated from anarchy and fascist style rule of the type that culminates with the formation of a modern Western democracy.
It seems that Gangs of New York is meant to illustrate why democracy is important in that it brings about a civilised world, or at least purports to. But as we have not yet evolved to a fully fledged civilised world, - with only appearances of it - then perhaps the democratic process is not yet complete. Here in Gangs of New York democracy is finally and in the end implemented as a suppressant for the purpose of subtle means of subordination of socially excluded, poor, and disenfranchised people, by the bourgeoisie. Hence the reason why it is important to director Scorcese to juxtapose wealth and poverty to bring home this point. Indeed, those who are supporters of democracy are more likely to be the puppets of the rich who want to suppress the poor and use suffrage and the democratic process for their own ends and for their own gains. Until this happens, then the rich must support a dictator, as in the film's Bill the Butcher, and likewise as history highlights in Italian fascism and German Nazism.
In this respect director Scorsese brings a depth to the film which suggests it needs to be very closely viewed. In order to do this one must detach ones self from other aspects of the film, such as acting, production etc.
This said the production, to an extent is in the style of Sir David Lean's, with an extra nod towards his version of Dickens Oliver Twist fable, and to that extent Dickens himself.
In fact the acknowledgement of Dicken's Oliver Twist in Gangs of New York comes from Decapprio's character, who like Oliver Twist becomes an orphan. Indeed, the murder of his dad by Bill the Butcher resulting in his being brought up in a harsh orphanage, -which Decapprio's character makes reference to in the film - is perhaps what actually makes Decapprio's character angry towards Bill the Butcher. Other reference points to Dicken's Oliver Twist come in the form of Diaz's character Jenny, who is an acknowledgement of Nancy, who in the novel has an intimate relationship with Bill Sykes. Likewise Jenny has a similar relationship with Bill the Butcher in the film, who is a newer revision and interpretation of Dicken's Bill Sykes.
As for acting in this film, I think Decaprio's and Diaz's is undermined by their other none serious sugary roles in previous films. This colours the view of their acting ability, which is quite good, albeit not brilliant in this film. Decapprio needs more time to become a serious actor, and an elder statesman of film, which, as Gangs of New York illustrates he has the potential.
A final point to make about this film is the highlighting of bigotry and misogyny, the latter I'm only sorry to say is only touched upon.
In all, a film worth watching, but not absolute classical art.