An Underrated, yet Superb Scorsese Film

Rating: 10/10 (29 April 2007)

When you here the name "Martin Scorsese" these days, three films come to mind; "Goodfellas", "Raging Bull", and the relatively new "The Departed." However, "Gangs of New York" certainly deserves a place on the long list of Scorsese classics. The story has been told a million times in a variety of forms; Two rivals and there gangs try to gain superiority and power over one another. Daniel Day-Lewis's Bill and DiCaprio's Amsterdam are the major players, and New York is the battleground. On the surface, this film is a violent, vulgar, and period-piece-esquire film. However, underneath, there is a really interesting conflicted story of motives, passion, and human nature. This deeper side is brought about by Daniel Day Lewis's intensely powerful and profound portrayal of the "villainous" Bill the Butcher." While Bill is the obvious antagonist of the story and Amsterdam the protagonist, we find that both characters commit villainous acts everyday. They are simply similar men on opposite sides of an ongoing battle. However, it is during this battle, when we begin to see useless side plots, where the movie's weak points shine through. Cameron Diaz, though a fine actress, is the wrong woman for her role. The supporting cast is made up of fine actors who simply don't fit into there roles. Even DiCaprio seems strangely distant and unfocused during the film, and never really connects with the audience. Still, despite its shortcomings, "Gangs of New York" is a stunningly picturesque portrayal of gangsters in New York in the mid' 1800s, and will surely be enjoyed by audiences for years to come.