Great details, but somewhat of a let down

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2003)

This movie was great, thanks to the incredible attention to detail by the director. From costumes to sets to gang members actions, Scorsese put a lot of time into recreating the era and people who would have been there. That is the most impressive part, the believability of being in this old world. Daniel Day Lewis was amazing. Leonard DiCaprio was alright. But the supporting actors had the toughest jobs on the set of filling the story in around these two, and I think they did a fine job. All of this build up, however, leaves the audience wanting something more, and I think the movie never quite lives up to the standard it seems to set for itself. It is almost anticlimactic in spite of the finale, and it is too bad it didn't find that missing element that would've secured its place as a modern-masterpiece. Even as it stands, though, it is a very good film, and a testament to Scorsese's talent as a director putting a great deal of thought and energy into creating a world in which to tell a story. (as a side-note, to whoever said this movie was for anyone who likes stupid, it is best not to use the word "stoled" in your argument, as that word does not exist).