Review of Gangs of New York (2002) by Isadore H — 16 Mar 2016

Martin Scorsese's grand sweeping epic with visceral cinematic storytelling at its best in the tradition of the great Hollywood spectacles. A riveting tale of vengeance in the year 1863 that concerns a young Irish immigrant named Amsterdam Vallon, played marvelously by Leonardo DiCaprio in a powerhouse performance, who returns after years of incarceration to the lawless and crime infested section of lower Manhattan know as the Five Points, seeking revenge against the man who killed his father, the notorious, ruthless self-appointed rival gang leader of the nationalistic "Native Americans," a murderous, ferocious rogue named William "The Butcher" Cutting, played magnificently by Daniel Day-Lewis in a unforgettable virtuoso performance that deservedly earned him an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor, and won him an BAFTA Award for Best Actor.

Amsterdam's personal vendetta becomes part of the warring factions of gangs that erupt as he and his fellow Irishmen fight for the right to secured a place for themselves in the Five Points. Meticulously directed by Scorsese who gives us a film with engrossing human drama, and striking characterizations from the superb supporting cast that includes Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C.

Reily, Liam Neeson, Henry Thomas, Brendan Geeson and Gary Lewis, but its Daniel Day-Lewis that steals this film hands down with his stunning portrayal of the deadly and fearless Bill "The Butcher.

" Magnificently photographed by Michael Ballhaus, with extraordinary set design by Dante Freretti which recreates the New York City of the 1800s flawlessly. A unique and poetic film that is easily one of Scorsese's finest, it earned 10 Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture, Best Director: Martin Scorsese, Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis.

Golden Globe Award Winner: Best Director: Martin Scorsese, and Best Song: "The Hands That Built America" by U2. Highly Recommended.