An excellent concept marred by a somewhat "too modern" cinematography and star roles

Rating: 7/10 (20 August 2005)

You know, this is best watched when its a bit outdated and silent enough that no one ever thought it was popular those days, and now i had my couch for it on video.
Gangs of New York is a story about a certain history of 18th century New York, along its backdrafts of gangs and peasants, immigration settlements, popularity voting, and the city's involvement with the Civil War. The lead is DeCaprio, a son of a former gang leader waiting vengeance against the man who killed his father: Daniel-Day Lewis in his very remarkable role as Bill the Butcher. Unexpectedly entwining as his colleague, he learns his secrets and mysteries, until Lewis too learns about his kid.
I must admit, I was VERY impressed by Day-Lewis' role. Very believable, well acted, but...DeCaprio still can't make up his well-actedness in this role (and even in the Aviator) since Gilbert Grape. He seems to have this...fixed form...that directors wouldn't want to forcedly ruin it. Even better roles were Liam Neeson's small role as DeCaprio's father (a much better acted than his role as Qui-Gon Jinn), Brendan Gleeson as the Irish guide with an iron cane, and John C. Reilly as the former gang member who gave it up to being a local police officer.
The concept was very good, even the feel of the activities in its setting...but it's too...colorful...to believe that this is an 18th Century setting. I wish they decreased the camera color tones for this so that I may feel it. Another flaw is the ending. I know U2 made a good expression in his lyrics, but then the ending made this movie seemed oriented to the "patriotism" and not for either factual or entertainment. But, still, I enjoyed this movie (better that the Aviator).