No disappointment here

Rating: 9/10 (14 December 2002)

Well, it's finally here. We see New York in the spring of its urban development, portrayed almost as if it were being compared to warlord Afghanistan. Countless gangs control the city at a time when the Irish were coming over in waves in the post-famine years, competing for respect and a way to live with those who would like to send them back. We also are working in the context of the Civil War and the first draft, which will incite a massive riot that will be shown in all its detail and horror in Scorsese's new film.
Scorsese has packed a wealth of information into a coherent whole. The detail is thick: we get a glimpse of the kinds of thieves that work in the city, the political intricacies of Boss Tweed and his supporters and rivals, as well as a religious context, strengthened as the theme of the central narrative. Although the film will be undoubtedly better understood by someone familiar with the history of the Draft Riots, it should be largely comprehensible to the attentive viewer good with keeping names straight.

Among Scorsese's considerable accomplishments, the most impressive is his molding of characters that are largely three-dimensional, with Bill "the Butcher" standing out in this pack. Indeed, Daniel Day Lewis' performance will be talked about for years, not only for his ability to bring humor and tension to the role, but for his ability to draw the viewer into the development of his character. Beginning with a riveting oratorical prelude to the opening battle, we are set up for a movie centered around a madman. But is Bill a madman -- completely amoral only concerned with his own power? I'll leave that up to you, but it becomes less and less clear-cut. Or does it? We're always on edge.
DeCaprio is adequate if not memorable, something that is largely understandable in light of his co-star's tour de force performance. The production is awesome. The thick atmosphere of the back streets of late 19th century London were portrayed with a rich detail in From Hell, but Gangs of New York brings even more authenticity to its setting. It's worth seeing only to watch the set.
To some, Gangs of New York might be remembered as a collection of extraordinary scenes -- none of which I will describe here -- than as one piece of filmmaking. It does have a certain operatic feel, which might have been inevitable when dealing with such a complicated set of circumstances, and a scene-stealer like Bill the Butcher. I say "be remembered," but for this viewer, it worked as a whole just fine for 180 minutes.