Interesting Piece of New York History

Rating: 8/10 (8 March 2011)

"Gangs of New York" is an interesting take on the Draft Riots that spanned between 1846-1863. It's high on entertainment, compelling, gratuitously violent but never disappoints you during the two hours and forty five duration.
The Draft Riots was an endless feud that occurred at the time when corrupt political activists of the Tammany Hall took over the crime laden city, and the epic battles by Irish gangs in the Manhattan area that sets off the infamous draft riots. A young man known Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) befriends a sneaky pickpocket (Cameron Diaz) to get even the crazed Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis) who assassinated his father. The story was enthralling and the pacing was very subtle.
Daniel Day-Lewis really lit the screen as the leading antagonist and was just natural in his performance as Bill the Butcher. And even though I'm not one of DiCaprio's biggest fans, but I have to pay the devil his dues, it is definitely one of his finest outings from him where at the times he was trying out for more older, mature roles. Though not ready for an Oscar, DiCaprio was really convincing as Amsterdam. Cameron Diaz was also wonderful in her smaller role.
Director Martin Scorsese takes another angle of the New York's underworld, but adding another direction to it. This time we are sent back to the 19th century where street gangs came in fruition. His message is delivered to us flawlessly. I think he's among one of the best directors then and now.
If you're in the mood for visual art, then look no further, because "Gangs of New York" offers scintillating cinematography, the art direction is a treat to the eyes, and the costumes were accurate and authentic that truly fits the period well. Along with some skillful carpentry, Scorsese has recreated 19th Century New York like it was its own city itself. The setting juxtaposes itself between factual and fictional depiction of events as well as the use of clapboard building and very tall hats, which has intentions for some over-the-top reminder of what's taking place in this dreadful period in New York history.
It's stunning to think that this movie garnered 10 Oscar nominations but ended up getting zilch. It truly is a very underrated movie. And even through all the chastising from the critics, I think this movie is one of the best movies of 2002.