A startling fictionalized/historical glimpse of NYC mid 19th century!

Rating: 10/10 (10 October 2015)

I would recommend this film solely on the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis (Bill Cutter a.k.a. Butcher Bill), he was transformative in the role in every meaning of the word. Daniel knows, I know, and even the winner of the Oscar that year for Best Actor knows, Daniel Day-Lewis was robbed (politics invades everything and it's sickening)! I've nothing against the winner and have enjoyed his performances but he can't relish having that Oscar knowing it was stolen! The movie is much more than just Bill Cutter (although he is quite enough) the other actors were superb, the directing flawless, the screenplay engaging and brilliant and the film sets as far as I know were unbelievably excellent with regard to depicting the period! Watch it and marvel, concentrate on Daniel Day Lewis and he alone will take you back in time as an observer of historical events as they unfold!