Nicely told story of mixed elements.

Rating: 8/10 (19 October 2008)

In the 19th century New York gangs of immigrants and born Americans battle ferociously against each other in order to secure a place for themselves in a golden land of opportunity. "Priest" Vallon (Liam Neeson) is a leader of Dead Rabbits gang, formed of Irish, and Bill "Butcher" Cutting (Danie Day Lewis) is a leader of opposing Natives gang, that is determined to drive the foreign influence out of the country.
Vallon is killed in a battle, but his son Amsterdamn (Leonardo Di Caprio) is left alive to vow vengeance against the Buthcer.
When I saw "GoNY" the first time I didn't like it that much, I thought it okay, but nothing more, but later on after a couple of reviews I've warmed up to it much more. Visually speaking the film is very solid piece of work and the old New York looks stunning and the atmosphere is thick and intriguing, as are the multiple character of the story, starting from the Butcher and corrupt politicians to Amsterdams love interest Jenny (Cameron Diaz).
The movie flows in somewhere between Shakespearen drama, epic and historical depiction, never really setting itself on any of them, but nicely revolving around them, borrowing elements from here and there, how ever the situation needs. This allows Scorcese to deliver rather stylish looking story about history, revenge and forgiveness.
All in all, Gangs of New York is a good film, which might take more than one viewing for it to open up fully.