Wait for the DVD, and pray that it's worth it.

Rating: 4/10 (31 December 2002)

While I applaud Scorcese for his effort, Gangs of New York is one of his most forgettable films to date. Incoherent at best, the film seems to lack a clear line of events. This film has been so badly hacked (no doubt cut for length, if you believe the rumors that the original version was 4+ hours) that I would suggest waiting for the DVD, which will hopefully include all of missing pieces. I found myslef struggling to define the central meaning of the plot. Is it revenge? Honor? Survival? Is Amsterdam's stuggle within himself, his past, or his future? This film lacks what makes other Scorsese films so superior---a twisted heart. Usually his characters are so devious, so criminal, so complex, I was genuinely surprised to learn that the only thing complex about this film was the 19th century politics, which by the end of the film became downright boring. Who should I sympathize with: Amsterdam, Bill the Butcher, or just Scorcese himself? The one redeming quality was Daniel Day Lewis' portrayal of Bill the Butcher. His best role in years, worthly of a Best Supporting Oscar.