Daniel Day-Lewis makes it work

Rating: 8/10 (4 January 2003)

A good--not great--movie. The premise is interesting and historically it's as accurate as one can expect. Cameron Diaz is razor sharp as Jennie, and DiCaprio is adequate. However, Daniel Day-Lewis, as William 'Bill the Butcher' Cutting, is absolutely stunning. He makes a tilted head or a perfectly timed gaze say more than any other cast member. DiCaprio will get star credit, but without Day-Lewis "Gangs" is just another period piece.