Flawed....with flashes of brilliance.

Rating: 8/10 (22 January 2003)

If the main events portrayed in this movie are historically accurate, then I'm not surprised it was so controversial. It certainly doesn't provide New Yorkers with much heritage to be proud of. My main gripe with this movie was Leonardo DiCaprio, who's inclusion was obviously a business decision more than anything based on his acting abilities. Lets face it, his mug on the poster will guarantee a teenage audience. Such a pity that most teenagers will be bored stupid. When I was leaving the cinema, I overheard a group of teenage girls complaining that they didn't understand what was going on. Can you imagine if 'The Godfather' was re-made today...we'd probably have the likes of Leo & co cast!!! There's only one person who saves this movie, and no prizes for guessing who...yes...Daniel Day Lewis. He is as good as DiCaprio is bad. His performance is a masterclass in acting, and it is he alone who makes this film a must see.