The blood that built America

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2005)

So it's not Raging bull, it doesn't compare to Goodfellas and it will never be as remembered as Taxi Driver. So what? Gangs is Scorsese's finest film outside of his "holy trilogy".It's a vibrant, alive, mesmerizing epic that not differently from other Scorsese films reminds us America was built with the blood of many, that the immigrants that helped forge the identity of this country did not find the American dream to be that easy to reach. It's also a compelling narrative about a young man trying to find his identity during turbulent times and how he will only grow if his people grow with him, if he leads them.
Is it a perfect film? No, it's not. It's flawed mostly because DiCaprio (good but not great) and Diaz (miscast) never transcend their roles. Day-Lewis on the other hand is superb. It's also plagued by a somewhat excessive camera work by Scorsese and unnecessary narration. Visually, it's a fantastic achievement. It's production design is tremendous and the costumes terrific.
What i love the most about this film though is it's passion to take risks and make it's statements. In an age where films seem more and more bland, unwilling to defend a cause, Gangs never falters. It's violent because the journey of the different people that made this country was violent. Scorsese clearly loves his story and he stands up for it. He avoids the fence, he avoids compromising his vision for the sake of his commercial viability. Time will hold Gangs in high regard, i have no doubt about it. In 20 years time people will not remember Chicago but they will remember Gangs of New York. A film this good, this powerful, that simply gets better with age will not be easily forgotten.