The ever so reliable Scorsese can be counted upon to paint a stunning picture of one of America's most turbulent periods.

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2010)

Martin Scorsese's Gangs Of New York (nominated for an amazing ten Oscars but failed to win even one) is a measured accomplishment. If Gangs Of New York were helmed by another director, even the harshest critic would have labeled it the year's best film. Because of our sky-high expectations for a Scorsese picture, whatever he does surely comes under some scrutiny. Many claim that Gangs is too commercialized, and is devoid of the usual Scorsese magic. Others complain that it's a slow, and dully-written film.
While this is not Scorsese's best effort (neither is it close to what he has achieved in his prime), Gangs Of New York is still a very powerful period film. It's a slightly fictionalized account about the development of America in the mid-19th century. The opening sequence (one of the my favourites!) is an incredible experience, almost spiritual-like. After that, it seems quiet by comparison. Scorsese takes his time to develop the characters, with Daniel Day-Lewis providing the star performance as Bill The Butcher.
The elaborate sets, and costumes are striking. The artistic direction is also brilliant here; certain scenes have a respectable level of aesthetics to them. Gangs Of New York is Scorsese's first attempt to make a film on the epic scale. He succeeds to a favourable extent. But the film occasionally meanders about, huffing and puffing along. There's still much to appreciate though, and the ever so reliable Scorsese can be counted upon to paint a stunning picture of one of America's most turbulent periods.
SCORE: 8.5/10 (www.filmnomenon.blogspot.com) All rights reserved!