Phenomenal, Intense, and Epic

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2003)

*Gangs of New York*
I doubt I have ever seen a movie of this caliber in the theaters. That might have meant something a little more if the Roger Ebert had said it, granted I am only 15. But for three short hours (not being sarcastic there, the time did go by quickly) I lived in New York 1863. A rarity in most films today is that they can take you in heart and mind to where the story is taking place. But this one did. It wasn't glamorous New York like we might see in most New York based movies coming out now that just scream "I LOVE NEW YORK!" No, this was the dirty, grungey New York of nightmares. Life isn't all good even if you have money, everyone is against you, out to get your money so that one day they might be in the same position as the rich. The setting is incredible, damn George Lucas for suggesting Martin Scorsese use a computer generated set instead of building one. It's so massive, and you can see the fine detailing and all the hard work. Every scene is picture perfect.
And then there were the characters. Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis) will go down in history as one of film's most memorable characters. He was hated and loved sometimes at the same time. Amsterdam Vallon, the unusual hero of some sort, was also a very interesting character. Does he like the man that murdered his father before his eyes? Cameron Diaz's character, Jenny nurses his wounds and kisses his scars. Does Vallon care so much about her? Either way, they have great chemistry, and not that phony Hollywood kind either.
The acting was beyond words for one reason, one man. Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher. Incredible performance. If this man does not win the best actor Oscar, it's just proof the Academy is once again, corrupt. Day-Lewis was once considered one of Hollywood's sexiest, if definitely not in this movie. He is dirty, greasy, and low. And incredibly in character. Congrats, Day-Lewis, you have just won yourself another Oscar. Another great performance was of course, our dear beloved Leonardo Dicaprio. For years he was considered a lover boy and nothing else (it makes me mad to this day. In Titanic, yes he was a lover boy, get over it) but this year he broke out of that box that we made for him. He played two COMPLETELY different characters in Catch Me If You Can and Gangs of New York, but he played them both flawlessly and deserves a nomination for one of the movies. Cameron Diaz was wonderful, not so Oscar Worthy, but good for what she was. And if she is nominated, please let it be in the best supporting actress category 2002 was a great year for supporting casts, but this one takes the cake. Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, and Liam Neeson just to name a few.

And if the Academy doesn't award Mr. Scorsese an Oscar for best director, you'll be seeing my angry posts on this board again.
*10/10*