solid effort

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2003)

(minor spoilers) It is now apparent that this film is far from a masterpiece. However, I find the criticisms directed at it to be generally unfair. Perhaps it is a victim of the hype, especially since it is a Scorsese picture that he had himself dreamt of making for some time. Nonetheless, I found it to be powerful and gripping throughout. I am rarely stuck to my seat at the end of a film with little to say, but the film was a true cinematic spectacle and I was rather moved by the whole thing.
Much has been said of Day Lewis' performance and I have to say is that it was indeed incredible. DiCaprio's screen presence was enough to carry him through the film with merit. If a little uninspiring, he was still very watchable. The love triangle was seemingly included for the audience and was a little insincere at times yet did not ruin the flow of the movie. I liked the way that Bill essentially became Amsterdam's surrogate father - a dichotomy of love and hate that underlined the general theme of conflict. The supporting actors complimented proceedings, with John C. Reilly and Henry Thomas portraying their characters well.
The effort and love poured into the film is quite astounding. From the incredible, expansive sets to the costume design, the whole film seems very authentic and convincing. Scorsese did not glamourise the violence, but incorporated it fairly seamlessly into the story. Overall, it succeeded as a film in my eyes. I enjoyed it, I was immersed throughout and was fascinated by a period of history which I knew very little about.

Finally, as for the ending, there seems to be a consistent debate as to whether the two leads should have a big gung-ho punch-up after all the building tension. Personally, I felt the end was handled rather well as it was firstly unexpected and also powerful and poignant. Revenge is gained, yet there is a moving moment when the two adversaries realise that their own personal agendas are nothing when they are surrounded with the destruction of their territory and the crushing of the American dream. A very well made film with plenty to recommend.