film: review

> GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002)
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By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Written by: Jay Cocks

Genre: Drama

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Finally! That was my first reaction when Miramax and Scorsese eventually agreed upon the late-year release of the director's long-awaited follow-up to Bringing Out the Dead (which I thought was terrible). This film had a rocky road to the big screen with all the behind the scenes fighting, and release date delays, but when the dust eventually settled what we are left with is a damn good brutal interpretation of America's early years. The film's tagline is "America was Born in the Streets" and director Scorsese makes sure that point is crystal clear in his audience's heads.

Now I loved this film, but let me warn you right off, this one is really brutal. Yeah, I am sure it wasn't as brutal as displayed here, but if it was even close then, wow! The wow effect holds up throughout as it's obvious that Scorsese and his talented cast put a lot of passion into their work. The settings are well-created, you really feel like you are a part of the mayhem of the Five Points in 1846. Daniel Day-Lewis, out of retirement, is the stand-out and who could blame him for returning to play the role of "Bill the Butcher." Gritty and powerful, Gangs of New York is a good bit of film.

(03-0117)

related links:

Gangs of New York - official site