Epic Story with Mixed Results

Rating: 7/10 (5 July 2003)

Spectacular cinematography highlight this historical drama taking place in New York for most of the time during the Civil War. Colorful characters frequent the film, along with strong doses of revenge, the search for power, xenophobia, and corruption. At times the film is difficult to watch, mostly because of its brutality, but after one viewing I must say that I could not feel for any of the characters, and I must place the blame on the directing for this problem. And something that really bugged me--when Bill the Butcher burns the face of Amsterdam, did you notice that he hardly has any scar? They did not have plastic surgery back then, and though a small point, it really makes the story somewhat silly. But this film needs to be seen several more times before forming a final judgment.