Gangs of New York

Rating:
Summary: Excellent villain
Review: Summary:
Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) is the son of the former Irish gang leader in New York, The Priest (Liam Neeson). The movie opens with the gang battle in which The Priest dies, killed by the American gang leader, William Cutting, a.k.a 'Bill 'The Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis); at the time of the fight Amsterdam is a boy, is unable to fight or help, and witnesses his father's fall.

Years later, Amsterdam, now a man, is let out of state custody and returns to his neighborhood that is now controlled almost exclusively by The Butcher. His people, The Irish immigrants that live in the five corners area (his childhood neighborhood), are looked down upon by the so-called American 'natives', who aren't really natives, but their ignorance isn't the point. Amsterdam joins a small Irish gang of thieves who pay a percentage of their take to The Butcher. Eventually Amsterdam comes under the wing of The Butcher and is taught how to be a better fighter and how to lead a group of men. At the same time, Amsterdam finds a romantic interest, Jenny Everdeane (Cameron Diaz).

Despite playing the role of one of The Butcher's supporters, secretly Amsterdam is working up the courage to avenge his father. His first attempt is foiled and he is nearly killed, but The Butcher lets him live with a brand to show the world his failure. Nursed back to health by Jenny, he eventually brings the remnants of his father's gang back together and with their support challenges The Butcher to a final showdown. Meanwhile, while of the commotion of the gangs is taking place, America is caught up in the Civil War. On the day of the final showdown, riots break loose in New York and it takes the U.S. Army to put it down, killing thousands in the process and ruining the final showdown, except for one fight - the fight between The Butcher and Amsterdam.

My Comments:
This is a very long movie. Did I say this was long? With some movies, the length seems to be unimportant because it has so much to cover. It was important in this one because it was so slow at times. Nevertheless, I did like the movie.

The story itself is pretty interesting. It tends to jump around a bit and could have used some additional editing and perhaps some re-writing to make it move faster. Another problem with the story is that most of the peripheral characters' stories come to abrupt and rather unsatisfying ends. For instance, on the day of the final showdown almost all of the characters that actually were notably involved in the gangs were killed by soldiers. It worked to end their stories and make it so we didn't have to wonder what happened to them, but some of the gang members attacked the soldiers in sheer idiotic rage - very unconvincing. The story had its good points and its bad points, but overall wasn't too bad.

As for the acting, Daniel Day-Lewis was incredible. He created a remarkably memorable character that will be hard to forget. Leonardo DiCaprio was also good, but this just didn't seem to be the kind of role that was meant for him. I could have better envisioned Brad Pitt in that role. DiCaprio just seems too small, too weak to be a skilled fighter and gang leader, so it was kind of unconvincing, but he did do a decent job. Cameron Diaz was funny. She was actually much better than I thought she would be, but her accent came and went and she seemed to be having a hard time being sentimental. It was kind of a new role for her, which I'm sure will be good for her career, but if she really wants to move in the direction of drama she still has a way to go. There were a number of peripheral characters that were also pretty good, but there were so many of them that I don't know that they are worth listing.

Overall, the movie was entertaining, but far from perfect. I should also mention that the set design was remarkable and the attempts at re-creating a bygone era were very convincing. Most of the acting was pretty good, with few exceptions. The big problem here is a long and drawn out story that, despite its length, doesn't convincingly bring all of the character lines to a close. Overall, I think I would recommend this movie, but keep in mind that it is very, very long and very slow at times. Have something else to do while you watch it or you'll likely lose interest.

Rating:
Summary: A Historical Feast with Fantastic Acting!
Review: Let me start by saying that this movie is based very closely in fact, and does an excellent job of capturing New York of the late 1800's. From watching documentaries on this time, I can say that the director took great care to make his epic as accurate as possible. The characters from history are all here, and are played to the hilt. Speaking of acting, I think this is without a doubt the finest job of acting I've ever seen from Daniel Day Lewis (and he's done some great stuff...). It's good enough on its own for me to want to watch the movie over and over again. Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz do fine jobs, too. But their acting is, quite honestly, not in the same class with Mr. Lewis's. Also, there's a good piece of acting from Liam Neeson toward the beginning of the movie, though he's only got a small role.

The movie is rated R for violence and language. Everyone seems to carry a knife and it's a fairly gory picture. But those were dark and dangerous times to live in the Five Points. Not to show this as it really was would not have done service to the immigrants who left their homes and came over to help make America the great country that it is today.

I think this movie was ultimately robbed of several of the Oscars for which it was nominated. It was a good field of candidates, but in my mind 'The Gangs of New York' deserved far more recognition than it received.

Watch it and I think you'll agree that it's one of Martin Scorsese's best.

Rating:
Summary: "America Was Born in the Streets"
Review: In New York City in 1846, a child witnesses the violent death of his father in a gang battle between the Irish immigrant "Dead Rabbits" and the "Natives" who want the power in the city to stay with those who were born American. Ten years later, Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo diCaprio) is a young man determined to avenge the death of his father years ago. He returns to lower Manhattan's "5 Points" neighborhood in search of Bill "The Butcher" Cutting (Daniel Day Lewis), the Native warlord who killed his father and still holds sway over the 5 Points. Amsterdam's intelligence and courage attract Bill's attention, and Bill invites him into the Natives' inner circle. There Amsterdam falls in love with a professional thief named Jenny (Cameron Diaz) who enjoys Bill's protection. As the years pass, the nation becomes embroiled in War, Tammany Hall's Boss Tweed seeks Bill Cutting's help to win support in the 5 points, and Amsterdam becomes a sort of surrogate son to Bill. Eventually, Amsterdam's identity is betrayed to Bill and he is forced into hiding. But Amsterdam is able to raise an army of Irishmen to challenge the Natives' power. In 1863, the new "Dead Rabbits" and the "Natives" do battle again as Draft Riots sweep the city and New York erupts in violence and flames.

"Gangs of New York " will probably not go down in history as one of Scorsese's masterpieces. But I really appreciate what director Martin Scorsese is trying to do in this film. "Gangs of New York"'s story of love and revenge is a little corny. But the substance of this film is found in the environment in which the characters live: The 5 Points, New York City, circa 1860. The film's theme is bold. And so you won't miss it, it is stated in the movie's tagline: "America Was Born in the Streets." This nation's framework was laid in documents, with signatures, and in civil -and uncivil- debate, by wigged gentlemen in wood-paneled chambers. But the nation itself was forged in cauldrons of hate, greed, chaos, and extreme violence. And it continues to be today, as our culture, in all of its glory and with all of its faults, makes this nation what it is, not our lawmakers. Daniel Day Lewis gives a great performance as Bill Cutting, who is cunning, sociopathic, and seductive. Lewis has never been slimier. Jim Broadbent, as Boss Tweed, has all of the best lines in the movie and is a lot of fun to watch. If you have lived in New York City, or perhaps any city, you may recognize the roots of the city's modern politics and public services in this film. And it may make you chuckle at how little some things have changed. "Gangs of New York" is a very worthwhile and entertaining lesson in social history. Please note that the film is very violent and not for the squeamish.

Rating:
Summary: War Torn Gangland
Review: Quite frankly, I didn't know what to make of director Martin Scorsese's epic Gangs Of New York, when I first saw the trailer before its release. I usually like most of his films. I guess the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio was the star also helped to amplify my ho hum attitude about "Gangs" I decided then to wait for the DVD, despite the film's 10 Oscar nominations, and 2 Golden Globe wins,instead of seeing it theatrically.

Set during the middle of The Civil War, Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio) returns to the streets of NYC, after spending sixteen years in a missionary. What he finds is a city under the thumb of William Cutting, a.k.a 'Bill 'The Butcher'(Daniel Day-Lewis). With the city divided by war and a corrupt politician called Tweed, (Jim Broadbent)willing to look the other way, while lining his pockets. This gives Cutting freedom to commit brutal acts against immigrants. Vallon has a motive for his return. The Butcher Killed Vallon's father (Liam Neeson) and he plans to exact revenge.

It's clear to me that Scorsese was going for yet another violent epic in the vein of Goodfellas. Folks have commented on the film's violent nature, I myself, had no problem with it at all. After all, this was a very bloody time in our history, not to be sanitized as a TV movie of the week. My problems with Gangs have to do with the pace of the film. It took much too long to tell the story. At its center the movie's revenge plot is put on the back burner, in favor of lots of exposition. In other words, it seems to take forever before things get interesting. DiCaprio does a surprisingly good job here, given his flip flop career, his performance is quite solid. More disappointing to me, are the performances of the lauded Cameron Diaz as pickpocket, Jenny Everdeane and Day-Lewis. Diaz's role wasn't all that "special" Her only function seemed to be to act as a love interest for DiCaprio and that's all. I didn't see anything award worthy there. In Day-Lewis's case, his potrayal has enough swagger for 2 parts and in the end is just doing De Niro or Pacino early in their careers. I am hoping the film may be as a fine wine-getting better over time.

The film and the extras are spread over 2 DVDs For the most part, the extras are worth a look, giving historical and movie making perspective Disc 1: Just having Scorsese sit down for a commentary is a boon. He is both tecnical and engaging. I hope he decides to do more in the future. There are featurettes on the film's sets and costumes. You can even explore the sets using a multi angle option. For history of the period and setting, there's another featurette and study guide with historian Luc Sante. Finally, the usual theatrical trailers, top off the first disc. Disc 2 has the U2 music video of their award winning song, "Hands That Built America". It also contains the 35 minute Discovery Channel special "Uncovering the Real Gangs of New York". This program is very informative and gives facts behind the history of the period.

All in all, the film and DVD are rather middle of the road, despite a few high points. Still though, it's worth a look, just the same.

Rating:
Summary: Incredibly Powerful!
Review: Daniel Day-Lewis gives the performance of a lifetime in this historical saga! His Bill "the Butcher" Cutter is one of the most amazing (and unsettling) performances I've ever seen in a movie. As the nativist war lord of New York's Five Points area, he rules by subtle terror along with his brazenly brutal talent for throwing knives, cleavers and other implements of the butcher's trade.

"Gangs of New York" also serves as a showcase for the immense directing talents of Martin Scorsese as well. With a wide range of directorial tools, he takes the viewer into a time capsule that puts them square into the squalor of what was New York's most violent and dangerous neighborhood. It's not a journey for the meek, nor is it a vision for the tenderhearted.

The only things that might restrain this movie from becoming an all-time classic is the perilously understated job by Leonardo Dicapprio and a script that is long on self examination and short on explanation.

Leo plays the son of Irish gang leader Priest Vallon (brilliantly acted by Liam Neeson), who vows to avenge his father's death at the blade of Bill the Butcher. Over the years, Bill's power base has expanded, leaving him as a valuable ally of Boss Tweed and his Tammany Hall organization. But power and the prestige it can bring have not dulled the edge of a man who tutors his minions in his xenophobic hatred of the immigrants that are flooding into the city during the days of the Civil War. Without knowing the background of young Amsterdam (Dicapprio), he takes the young man under his wing, teaching him the proper placement for a knife thrust as well as how to curry favor with the Tammany establishment. As young Vallon plots his revenge he learns that of all the men vanquished by the Butcher, his own father, Priest Vallon, was the only man to earn Bill's respect.

Under the masterful hands of Scorsese, the movie builds to the climatic confrontation that coincides with the draft riots of that era. It's not an especially satisfying conclusion, but again that's the result of a script that focusses too much on young Vallon without explaining some of the paradoxes that can jar the modern viewer.

With a level of diversity in today's society that exponentially exceeds that of the movie's era, it's difficult to understand the rancor between the second/third generation Americans (many of Irish descent) and the newly disbarked Irish settlers. The differences between them seem trivial to modern sensibilities. But those differences were real, and fostered 9/11-type intensity during a time of war and unrest -- the type of situation that often leads to the ascention of war lords such as Bill.

The cast is augmented by the able, but underused talents of Jim Broadbent as Boss Tweed and John C. Reilly as a corrupt cop. And Cameron Diaz provides some dirty faced sensuality to a role that might otherwise been left on the cutting room floor. But throughout the story, the collaboration between Day-Lewis and Scorsese will have you riveted to the screen, fearing what might come next yet afraid to look away.

Rating:
Summary: Ambitious and Brutal
Review: Gangs of New York throws you into mid-19th-century New York whether you like it or not. From the very beginning we see people living in almost stone-age conditions as members of the Irish gang, the Dead Rabbits, prepare for battle. The fight against the "native" Americans led by Bill the Butcher (Day-Lewis) shows the audience just how savage war can be, especially a war without guns. One wonders if war would be as common today if they could only be fought with clubs, axes, and knives.
The world portrayed in Gangs is dangerous, filthy, and fascinating. Scorsese recreates the history of New York to be unlike anything we've learned in school. Yet it is accurate and based on characters that really existed - Bill the Butcher, William Tweed, Hellcat Maggie, young female pickpockets, and the gangs. It's probably the most educational film I've seen recently, but that doesn't mean it isn't exciting and emotional. The plot, settings, and characters are gripping and satisfying to watch. Daniel Day-Lewis never falters and has clearly transformed into his malevolent character. Leonardo DiCaprio is surprisingly convincing and shows the conflicting emotions of becoming close to the man he plans to kill.
Though the film may feel slow or even dull at times to mainstream audiences, it is a great accomplishment and very well-written. Some of the lines of dialogue, especially from the voice-over narration, are almost poetic and memorable. Howard Shore's score is effective and appropriate as usual and the same can be said about the cinematography and editing. Gangs is not without flaws, but is definitely worth seeing. Watching this film re-surfaces my appall at the fact that Martin Scorsese has never won an Oscar!

Rating:
Summary: Best Movie in awhile
Review: This was the best movie I have seen in a long time. I don't like Leonardo very much since his big thing with Titanic and am not much for heart throb actors, but he did a great job in this one. This movie was gripping and made me sit in awe for most of it. I didn't mind it being a long movie because I wanted to see more. I thought it had sort of an old western shoot em up flair to it, and I just loved it. It was gorey in some places and children should not watch this. I wouldn't say it was a porn like some suggested with all the sex scenes. I thought it was fitting for the time it represented. While watching this movie, I kept thinking how awful it must have been to live in that time period and not be able to bathe. The actors just looked stinky. Kind of a weird thing to say in a review, but it is true. It was very believable. When you sit and hate some of the characters, they are doing a good job. I didn't see any poor acting through the entire movie. I would sit through it again and have already recommended for family to watch it if they haven't. Caught my attention, and I don't think any movies I watch for awhile will be as good.

Rating:
Summary: Forget the naysayers, this film is a masterpiece
Review: From the time of it's release, Gangs of New York was destined to be a critically underrated film. And despite the fact it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, it didn't win a single one, losing in most categories to Chicago (Miramax's other big budget juggernaut). However, deep within the film's flesh and bones, director Martin Scorsese has crafted a cinematic masterpiece with one of the finest cast's I've seen in a long time. Leonardo DiCaprio, no matter what anyone might say or think about him, perfectly fits the part of Amsterdam Valon; who as a youth witnessed his gang leading father (Liam Neeson) get killed by the brutal Bill "The Butcher" Cutting (an Oscar nominated Daniel Day-Lewis). Years later, Amsterdam returns to New York and becomes a protege of Cutting's; while all the while keeping the memory of his father's demise. Cameron Diaz is on board here as well as a pick pocket who catches Amsterdam's eye, and she does a much better job here than she has been given credit for. Brendan Gleeson, Henry Thomas, and John C. Reilly are on board as well in smaller roles and give good performances, although it feels as if Reilly is a bit underused considering how good an actor he is. Daniel Day-Lewis steals the entire film with his brutally convincing performance, which is his best in years. Yes, Gangs of New York is a bloody and violent film, but nowhere near the excessive violence and gore of some past films which have been regarded as modern day classics. All in all, Gangs of New York is an underrated modern day masterpiece that displays the film's marketing tagline: "America Was Born in the Streets".

Rating:
Summary: Good way to spend almost three hours...
Review: Compelling and visually stunning, this movie was enjoyable on several levels. A historically educational saga with more than enough action, often explicit, and subplots be a good, if long, storytelling. The excellent acting and extrordinary cinematography are just icing on a large cake.

Rating:
Summary: Very Long, But I Was Suprised.
Review: I must admit, I was impressed. I did not expect for this film to keep my attention, but to my suprise I found myself captivated by it. Daniel Day Lewis is a great actor, and I must give Leonardo DeCrapio some credit for turning in a solid performance. Cameron Diaz is always good, even in lousy movies. It is this acting that kept me involved throughout. Daniel Day Lewis stole the show, an extremely convincing villain for which I found myself wanting his death in almost every scene.

But with every movie, there were some downfalls. The name of the gang for example, the Dead Rabbits? Sorry, but that was lame. The catwoman in the opening fight scene is a bit out there too. And why DeCrapio was left alive at one point I fail to understand. But given enough time, I could find flaws with every movie if I wanted too and these details are too mundane to distort my overall views of this nearly 3 hour masterpiece...