Daniel Day Lewis is Robbed of an Oscar

Rating: 10/10 (2 July 2005)

The scene is set as two groups stare across an intersection in the mid 1800's. On one side is the Irish, led by Priest Vallon (Liam Neeson). The "Natives" as they like to be called stand opposite them with their leader Bill "The Butcher" (Daniel Day Lewis). Each side holding a wide variety of "cut em up" weapons. Everything from clubs to machetes are present. The battle is just beginning.
Martin Scorsese's film Gangs of New York depicts the early years of New York City and the Irish immigration, specifically in an area called the Five Points. The "natives" as they so liked to be called, who's ancestors have lived there for many years, despise the Irish. They feel like it's not an immigration, but an invasion. An invasion of there land.
The Irish don't like the welcome they have received from these so called "natives". They as Priest Vallon puts it, "Plauge our people...". The son of Priest Vallon is Amsterdam played by Leonardo DiCaprio. As he grows up, Amsterdam hates the natives and most of all, "The Butcher" for what he has done.
What makes this movie stand out is the acting, most memorable is that of Daniel Day Lewis as the horrible, merciless, and down right nasty Bill "The Butcher". Bill oversees everything that goes on in the Five Points. "Mulberry Street... and Worth... Cross and Orange... and Little Water. Each of the Five Points is a finger. When I close my hand it becomes a fist. And, if I wish, I can turn it against you," is what he says to Boss Tweed, just a politician trying to get in on the action of the Five Points.
Lewis's character is one that is both respected and feared by everyone in the Points. His sometimes violent behavior brings pain and suffering to those on the other end. All kneel to Bill, even Amsterdam who befriends him.
The great thing about this movie is that you can see it over and over again and still find something interesting about it. Whether it be the actual historic value it shares, or the bloodshed and violence that rivals that of Braveheart. It's a shame that this movie won nothing at the academy awards with 10 nominations. Daniel Day Lewis especially was robbed by Adrian Brody (The Pianist). Movies like Chicago, The Hours, and The Pianist beat it out. But still, this movie will have longevity and become a classic.