An Epic Realistic Portrayal of Civil War Era New York.

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2007)

I never saw this film in theaters. but i often saw the case sitting at the movie store. i hadn't seen to many films that had been nominated for 10 academy awards that i hadn't already seen. not even braveheart received as many. well i finally rented this, i put it in my VCR not knowing what to expect. as i sat and watched i was immediately intrigued by the utter realism and violence portrayed to an unbelievably well made opening scene.
This film unfolded before me and i saw such a moving plot, the aged but worthy father son revenge story. brilliant performances by Leo, and a chilling and vibrant display or intensity by the man himself Daniel Day Louis. his portrayal of Bill the butcher raised the hair on my neck at times. and also worthy of praise was Brendan Gleeson who did a great job of keeping you intrigued of his somewhat mysterious part in the later pieces of the film which simply gripped my attention and when it was over i have to say my only disappointment was the song at the end "the Hands that built America" although it received a golden globe i couldn't sit through the ending credits where the song was played. As sad as that seems but all in all this was an excellent film.