A Complete Movie by Scorsese.

Rating: Null/10 (25 February 2003)

Analysis of Martin Scorsese's films reveals that like Ridley Scott, Scorsese also is a master of picturesque, artistic violence. "Gangs of New York" is a movie set in a time when there were enough such materials. In this film violence rules indifferently, as if this is an usual content of an usual movie. Scorsese masterfully used this post-Lincoln era, when cruelism was the badge of the nation.
This is also one movie that's historically so perfect.... which is quite evident from superb set and costume designing. Under Scorsese's brilliant direction, cinematography was also magnificient. But what prompts you to watch this movie again and again is the performance of the two lead actors. Both Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio acted superbly. Day-Lewis delivered undoubtedly his best performance since "My Left Foot". His action, his style to hold the daggers, his way to deliver a speech were so original as Bill the Butcher that it's hard to imagine Day-Lewis without those mushtaches. DiCaprio, though not upto his standard, also gave a fairly good performance. But I somehow have a feeling that DiCaprio didn't quite suit into the role. It's not his acting but his looks what perhaps made me feel this way; Not quite hardened, I suppose. Anyway, what he did was fine. Cameron Diaz was not unimpressive too as the pickpocket.
The original song "Hands That Built America" by U2 is a fantastic one. It accurately catches the subtle sad note underneath all the violence in the film. John Williams' score, as usual, probably going to be the best. So, historic storyline, superb acting, brilliant direction, artistic violence, good score and at last, a thoughtful abstract ending sequence. What more can you want? 5/5.