Spectacular achievement unfairly under-rated

Rating: 10/10 (15 July 2005)

What were those members of the Academy thinking? Martin Scorcese and Daniel Day-Lewis clearly deserved Oscars for their works of art. This slice of American History was fascinating the first time I saw it; then I went back to the theater to see it again . . .twice! When I read Jay Cocks's economically deft screen play, I appreciated it even more!
With the breathtaking sets and costumes, the action in several scenes seem to be played out within an antique jewel-box. Those inside the Chinese theater are especially rich. The depravity of the Five-Points exteriors, the dank, claustrophobia-inducing spaces of the Brewery together the interiors of Bill Cutting's place, Boss Tweed's Tammany Hall, the barber shop and the home of the wealthy are all so accurately detailed and typical of the period, I actually felt swept back into pre-Civil War America.
The direction was superb. Leo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz performed ably. Liam Neeson, always a pro, WAS Priest Vallon, albeit for a short time. John C. Reilly did an outstanding and convincing job as Happy Jack, a corrupt "peace officer". In fact, there was not a less-than top performance to be found; even the extras'characters were realistic.
But the flawlessly brilliant performance of Daniel Day-Lewis was positively riveting! There is nothing he can't do, making it all look totally natural and effortless. His "Boxer" and especially his Nathaniel of "Last of the Mohicans" are unforgettable, magnetic, beautiful men. DD-L is an artist who is in a category of his own.
His Butcher Bill is the most sympathetic "bad guy" of any film I have ever seen. You know he's rotten to the core, but he is absolutely irresistible. As he sits wounded and literally wrapped in the flag of his beloved America, few women could resist wrapping their arms around him; I certainly couldn't! His reverence for Priest Vallon and his "adoption" of Vallon's son actually made me feel sorry for him. In GANGS there is no distinction between the character and the actor; they are truly one and the same. And that odd accent! It really puts the icing on the cake. He chills, he thrills; what more can we ask from a fighter, a lover, a protector, a killer? One of the very best performances (next to "Mohicans") of all movie history! GANGS is a must see for the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis, for the sets, costumes, wonderful choreography of both the fights and the dancing, and for its masterful directing.