It's a mesmerizing New York epic told in the best of filmmaking skills...

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2002)

This film presents a combination of what makes a great film truly tick! Solid depth, non-confusing battle' scenes, wonderful cast of characters, great cinematography, and more important, a fabulous narration style that makes sense! And the flow of events is of a pacing that is commendable for supporting the character development and for telling the story.

There are loads of violent takes... but hey, isn't this film supposed to reveal the events of that era's New York City streets? Aren't they supposed to be the pivotal points of the story? Surely, Scorsese does not mean to bombard the viewers with explosively visual imagination purely to stifle or shock one's nerves. The violence is actually splattered in Herbert Asbury's book of the same title! Amazing feat, I'm still awed by how Scorsese could condense such a thick book into a film and still maintains a true sense of the New York City of the 19th Century that was infested with so many corrupted gangs and tribes. What one sees is a chaotic urban city, not crowded by vehicles or building structures, but by human beings, fighting for power and running amok! This movie succeeds as a history lesson about New York City in its infancy stage. The flavor of its multi-cultures is well portrayed. The gist of Asbury's book is superbly treated. The development of the characters is well maintained. The themes of loyalty and vengeance flush out strongly in this film. Even the sub-plots are admirably introduced, almost as if they are the necessary spices added to enrich the main plot. Combined, they offer an in-depth understanding of the moods, the morals and the politics of New York in those days.

A great cast of actors to captivate the audience! I actually didn't recognize Liam Neeson in his Father Vellon role. Daniel Day Lewis gives an incredible `butcher' performance... moving from a younger looking Billy, the leader of the Native Americans, to his `Butcher' - 16 years down the road. I thought the young lad who plays the little boy, Amsterdam, is a great choice. Try comparing his facial expressions with Leonardo DiCaprio's adult Amsterdam, and you'll know what I mean. I am not big on Dicaprio, but I really thought he does very well in presenting his character. Cameron Diaz is truly mesmerizing; she commands the viewers' attention, even if her role plunges into the story's sub-plots. There's great chemistry between her character and DiCaprio's. With Jim Broadbent's portrayal as the corrupt Mayor Tweed here, plus his corrupt Wackford Squeers in Nicholas Nickleby, I'd say he's incredibly apt to take on any villain' roles of the earlier centuries. The dialogue works well with every character, leading the audience into the insights of historical events. The use of flashbacks is brilliantly done  it serves its phenomenal purpose of exposing the characters' feelings during those moments as well as spurring up recall-reflexes to account for the characters' past positions.

The cinematic effects are astounding, never leaving the viewers with the feel of pretentious aestheticism. Instead, it allows the viewers to relive history in a manner that appears genuine. Take any of the riots' or fight' scenes, for instance, I couldn't bring myself to denounce the existence of those events. They look too real on screen to lack historical credibility. Watching those New York residents wielding their kitchen knives did leave me cold with fear. That's how awesomely realistic this movie is for me.

John Carpenter's scores are so, so cool too! They actually cause my heart to beat dramatically in sync with them. This film is absolutely powerful and spectacular, the story folding beautifully with the characters.

My favorite film for the year!