Review of Gangs of New York (2002) by Al M — 30 Jun 2011
When I initially saw Gangs of New York, I was disappointed for reasons that I can't quite articulate now. However, upon rewatching it, I find it to be a beautifully filmed, brutalizing evocation of a by-gone era and the birth pains of modern America.
The tale of rival gangs in New York city who have brought the Protestant-Catholic battle to America shores during, Gangs of New York concerns a young boy who watches his father, a priest, be killed by a rival gang leader.
When he grows up, he (now Leonardo DiCaprio) sets about getting revenge upon the gang leader (Daniel Day Lewis) who has become one of the most powerful men in New York. As the film unfolds, it becomes an exploration not just of revenge and childhood trauma but of warring ideologies, corruption, and civil war.
A beautifully filmed, brutal, and moving film, Gangs of New York ranks among Scorsese's masterworks.
This review of Gangs of New York (2002) was written by Al M on 30 Jun 2011.
Gangs of New York has generally received very positive reviews.
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