Were New York gangs really this funny?

Rating: Null/10 (24 September 2003)

Daniel Day Lewis should have won an oscar for his method - routine portrayal of charismatic Bill the butcher who undoubtedly, is one of the few things to preach about in this Scorsese epic. Of course, with the acclaimed director at the helm Gangs of New York film is technically great with some memorable shots (one crane shot into the opening battle is particularly impressive) and superb attention to detail - like the use of a barrel to cover a fire hydrant. It's not something that is exploited, but amusing none the less. However, Diaz and Di Caprio are at their most boring and the films use of colourful clothing dilutes the power Scorsese is trying to achieve. Therefore the streets and gangsters don't feel threatening, only comical.