Review of Gangs of New York (2002) by Tyler M — 31 Mar 2012
Fear is what maintains the order of things.
Martin Scorsese shows the America you never knew...
The Story: As a boy, Amsterdam Vallon witnesses the brutal murder of his father, and the fall of his fathers gang. He returns 16 years later, in 1863 only to find the city run by the very gang and the man responsible for his fathers death. Joining the ranks of his fathers enemy, he works his way up, becomming a respected gang member... When his cover is blown he's forced to walk the streets a marked man. He goes on to re-establish his fathers gang and regain his territory...It's got an incredible set here, New York looks beautiful, the story telling and cinematography is great, as is to be expected from Martin Scorsese, in fact the only problem I had with this is that it kind of chugs along at a somewhat slow pace. It starts out fast, but quickly drops only to pick up again at the end.
The Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis...Moving performances all around. I'm not a big DiCaprio fan, but he gives a great performance as Amsterdam Vallon. You'll feel a great connection between him and yourself, he's that good. Daniel Day-Lewis is powerful as well, playing the villain "The Butcher", he's a character that you'll hate for all his terrible actions, but at the same time you'll respect him for his twisted sense of morals and ethics. Two characters you'll love, and remember for a long time to come.
One to Five Scale: 3.
It's just too damned slow for my tastes, even for a drama it kind of felt like it should have been faster. I thought that there was quite a bit that could have been cut, but don't let that stop you from seeing this compelling film.
Tyler.
This review of Gangs of New York (2002) was written by Tyler M on 31 Mar 2012.
Gangs of New York has generally received very positive reviews.
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