Great epic from a master of cinema!

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2005)

Martin Scorsese's film about conflict in New Yorks five points areas between irish immigrants (irish Americans) vs. Americans led by Bill the butcher. The film is brilliantly written, even better than Scorsese and Cocks' previous effort The Age of Innocence which was a masterpiece on its own. Here Cocks also gets screen writing help from Steven Zaillian (Awakenings, Schindlers List) and Kenneth Lonergan (Analyze This). The film is beautifully shot with a great Howard Shore score (not as great as age of innocence but still great), and some great songs from Bono (and U2), and Peter Gabriel. Michael Ballhaus does his very best cinematography job here, equalling work in Sleepers, Age of Innocence, Goodfellas. The Film is directed great, a long film that is entertaining throughout. I liked all the performances although Cameron Diaz wasn't great, it was still the best I have seen her, and DiCaprio was good here, he wasn't great like he later is in The Aviator, however he was good in Gangs of New york. Daniel day-lewis stole the show, giving the best performance, but also John C. reilly, jim broadbent, brendan gleeson and Liam neeson all give great supporting performances. The film is perfect, 10/10 #29 on my list of all-time favorite films