Well It Wasn't All Bad...

Rating: Null/10 (20 January 2003)

The first time I heard of Gangs of New York was way back in February of 2002. I was hearing from all over the place that this would be THE film of 2002, and suddenly I couldn't wait to see it. So for ten months, the anticipation built, and when opening day finally came around, I grabbed a friend and we sat back to enjoy the show. Well, I really hate to admit it, but I was disappointed with what I saw.
What is going to happen with this epic film however, it that the audience who sees it is going to be so caught up in the stunning sets, costumes, and accuracy in historical events that the main plot is going to slip form their minds. If you want the truth, I saw no main plot being developed during the course of this film. Gangs of New York starts off with a bang, and for the first five minutes of the film, I was caught up in 1860-s New York. We are introduced to Priest Vallon and Bill The Butcher in the beginning of the film, and the scenes with Liam Neeson were absolutely stunning. As soon as we jump forward sixteen years however, the film goes downhill.

For the rest of the film, I found myself being bored with what was going on on screen. Nothing happening kept me interested at all. Little areas here and there caught my attention, but these were far away from each other. And those little areas that sparked my attention involved the ever wonderful Daniel Day-Lewis. He is amazing here, and assures himself an Oscar nomination next month. Leonardo DiCaprio was very surprising on his acting abilities in this film. He was able to hold his own on the screen with Day-Lewis.
So really, the only problem I had with this film was the story. It just so happens that story is the most important element in a movie. Martin Scorsese did a supurb job as far as visuals, but story fails in this picture. He could have done so much with this film. Even still, I'd recommend this film simply for the great sets, costumes, historical accuracy, and a chance to see Daniel Day-Lewis become Bill The Butcher. A visual feast, yet I was left disappointed. Others were blinded by this, and I wish I was one of them.

MJR