A Scorsese Triumph

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2003)

I waited all year for Gangs of New York. Fortunately, it was more than I expected. I'm not a huge Leo fan. To date, his best work was in, What's Eating Gilbert Grape. But, he was great in GoNY, no Daniel Day-Lewis, but great nonetheless. Cameron Diaz played a fine character and was as gorgeous as she was convincing. Dialogue is well written with choice humor. Violence?? GoNY gives Braveheart a run.
There are many subplots to follow in this film. Cocks and Scorsese do an incredible job of weaving them in as well as keeping the off-screen action alive. You never forget and can't wait to get back to each one.
Although there is some sketchy editing, the direction and cinematography are on fire. From the first scene, the squalor of the time is with you. Throughout the film you notice it in every board, brick and pane. Scorsese always captures and holds a moment. Gives you time to think about where you are. GoNY is no exception. A few shots stuck with me for days. Watching the Irish men come off a ship, get their US citizenship, enlist in the war, then board a ship to Tennessee as it offloads the bodies of dead soldiers was perfection. That single scene is genius.
Historically, it was well done. There seems to bee a good amount of wiggle room when it comes to the facts but I believe them to be represented here. A couple of books to pick up for more info are: Gangs of New York by Asbury and Five Points by Anbinder.
See this film. Make your own call.