Movie Review: Gangs of New York

Gangs of New York

Gangs of New York was actually filmed several years ago and has been languishing since then. Typically, when a finished movie waits so long for release, it’s because there are serious problems with it. The story lacks, the acting reeks, test audiences hate it, or some other serious problem exists. The film was finally released this week, and I’ll be damned if I know what caused the delay: Gangs of New York is, on every level, superb.

Based on the book by Herbert Asbury, Gangs of New York takes us to the New York City of the mid-1800’s. Amidst the backdrop of the Civiil War, dirty politics, and floods of immigrants landing ashore daily, portions of the city are held and fought over by gangs. One of these is the Dead Rabbits, led by Priest Vallon (Liam Neeson). Another, comprised of “natives” (those born in America), is headed up by William Cutting, more often called Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis). The two gangs fight for control of The Five Points, a district known as the most crime-ridden in the city. In the battle, Vallon is killed, leaving behind his young son, Amsterdam.

It’s 16 years before Amsterdam, now grown (and played by Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to The Five Points bent on getting revenge for his dead father. Amsterdam is bolstered by the friendship of Johnny (Henry Thomas, who first gained fame as the little boy befriended by ET) and the love of Jenny (Cameron Diaz) who has connections to Bill the Butcher of her own. But the back-stabbing - sometimes literally - politics of The Five Points consistently makes it difficult to truly trust anyone, and the dangers of taking on Bill the Butcher’s iron hand rule cannot be overstated.

With Gangs of New York, Leonardo DiCaprio proves once and for all that, despite a few bad film choices in recent years, he’s capable of a substantial performance. His alternating love and hate relationship with the man who killed his father provides a painful period of growth for him and, despite his tough-as-nails persona, he agonizes over what he believes he must do. Henry Thomas is a pleasant surprise in his strong supporting role. Cameron Diaz also offers up a fine performance. But if one man deserves kudos - and some serious acting awards - it’s Daniel Day-Lewis, who brings to life the despicable Bill the Butcher in every subtle nuance and shading imaginable. Backed by a large and more than competent supporting cast, the story that unfolds is onscreen utterly compelling. Take special note of the CGI images of old New York. It’s brilliantly done and worthy of a few awards of its own. Martin Scorcese, who has had some significant hits as well as a couple of equally significant misses, shows that he’s on top of his game with Gangs of New York.

I have only one criticism for this movie: It’s a little over two and a half hours long, but it ended too soon for me. I could have happily stayed awhile longer

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Gangs of New York is rated R. There is some nudity and a great deal of period profanity, some of which is still more than a little unsuitable for younger audiences. There is also a good deal of very realistic and extremely graphic violence. If you can stomach the blood, however, this is a story you need to hear. Though there has doubtless been a good deal of dramatic license taken with history for the sake of the movie, it’s a period most of us know little about, but that all of us should appreciate for its contribution to the making of the America of today. I loved Gangs of New York, and I recommend everyone see this movie.