Has the momentum to become an epic, but eventually only ends up as a pretty good movie

Rating: 6/10 (4 July 2019)

"Gangs of New York" is an American movie from 2002, so 17 years old now already and actually a pretty long film at not too much under 3 hours. And while not only with its running time, but also with its subject and story this film is probably among the closest we can consider historic epics from the new millennium. It feels a bit surprising how many people have really forgotten about this movie. The reason may be, that the big names here, namely director Scorsese and the two lead actors Day-Lewis and DiCaprio have films (more than one really) in their bodies of work that are considered more memorable and relevant. Also it probably did not help the movie that it was nominated for no less than 10 Oscars and came short in every category. The story is by Jay Cocks, a longtime collaborator with Scorsese and the two other writers who helped him with the script are Oscar winners on other projects. But even besides the two leads, the film has a lot to offer cast-wise. Cameron Diaz managed a Golden Globe nomination and her work here around the age of 30 was probably the closest she ever came to an Oscar nomination, and maybe ever will come. She is pretty stunning here no denying. Jim Broadbent can be relied on as always, even if he for once plays a not really likable character, but more of an opportunist. Brendan Gleeson was actually really amazing and should have been nominated for an Oscar in the supporting category. It's shameful he is now almost 20 years later still without a nomination. Gary Lewis most people will know from Billy Elliot, he is also somewhat memorable. Liam Neeson plays a character with little screentime, but a lot of significance. Eddie Marsan is nice for me to see as always, but he does not have one word of dialogue and is also only seen twice or three times being an assistant to Broadbent's character. John C. Reilly did not do too much for me here compared to other films. Henry Thomas I don't really know much about.
The most memorable performance comes from Daniel Day-Lewis of course playing a character who shows major similarities at times (not just the beard) to his perhaps career-defining portrayal of Daniel Plainview from around five years later. His turn here is really raw, intense and physical, but also emotional sometimes. We find out about his connection with Diaz' character, he sort of sees a son in DiCaprio's character before disappointment strikes and he speaks with utmost respect about Neeson's despite how much he despises his creed. I can see why he won a BAFTA and an SAG Award, even if he lost at the Oscars. People said it would be him or Nicholson winning eventually, but Brody managed to sneak in and he sure is not unworthy either. At its very core, this film is a story about revenge as we have a young man returning to his home after 15 years to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of a local butcher. And as he gets in contact with the influential leader, he gets closer to him and the older man almost becomes something like a mentor to him. But of course, it does not stay friendship. Jealousy brings his motivations to light and he will have to pay a bloody revenge. Eventually, the film is also about politics as young Vallon manages to put up a candidate to win an election over Cutting, but the element of bloodshed is still always there from beginning to end and it is alwas obvious that death is the only way to end the feud. However, at the same time race struggles escalate in New York, so official forces intervene on many occasions and their approach is just as bloody as the one by the racists. It's a bit tough to explain and maybe also historically not exactly what most people are interested in, which could hurt the film a bit because many people care more about the Lincoln years before that that are referenced, but not elaborated on in detail.
I was lucky enough to watch this film on the big screen and I recommend everybody to do the same and not watch it on a small screen. It's just way better this way, which already becomes obvious during the memorable fight sequence early on. This movie was shown on the occasion of a New York themed film marathon that spanned over a month and it sure was a good choice, not just because the city is mentioned in the title and because it is a good movie, but especially because there is also historic relevance related to New York in here. A lot. The best example is really when we see the grave(s) at the very end and how the skyline changes moving forward hundreds of years in time. So good pick. I very much enjoyed this film. There were some great moments without a doubt, but all in all I would say it is "only" a good movie. It sure flew by despite its running time and there are virtually no lengths in here. You can see that Scorsese is a master of his craft, even if most people who think about his body of work won't immediately think about the really amazing job he did here. Also visually, costumes, special effects, sets etc. this movie is highly impressive. So it is audibly. I did quite enjoy the occasional inclusions of local Irish music, so much indeed that I put two songs on my mp3-player afterwards (New York Girls, Unconstant Lover). So who would I recommend this film in particular to? Of course mostly fans of Day-Lewis, Di Caprio (and Gleeson) too should watch it I think. Maybe New Yorkers in particular too, especially if they have an Irish background to understand how their own fought for their liberties back in the day. People who like historic movies in general or period pieces I am not sure if that alone is enough to be safe to like this one. Scorsese completionists of course. I also think this is a movie, that is equally interesting to females and males, maybe slightly more for the latter, but I generally do not like categorizing films to be more appropriate to or relevant for one gender. So just watch it, don't be scared by the massive running time. I believe this is a truly rewarding watch overall and I was definitely closer to calling this a great film, then a mediocre, let alone weak film. Don't miss out.