Gangs of New York (2002)

What’s it about

It focuses on the gang wars between the Natives and the Irish ‘Dead Rabbits’ in erstwhile New York’s “Five Points” joint of the 19^th century. Bill the Butcher, the leader of the native gang kills Priest Vallon, the leader of the Irish Dead Rabbits in full public view. Bill is dead against the Irish immigrants and is a hard core patriot.

           Vallon’s son, Amsterdam returns to the Five Points joint with revenge on his mind. He slowly gains the confidence of Bill and becomes a part of his gang. Amsterdam's friend Johnny who knows the truth behind Amsterdam's New York visit, grows jealous of his proximity to Jenny, another Irish immigrant and rats on Amsterdam to Bill.

          Bill then nabs Amsterdam and surprisingly, doesn't kill him the first time around. Amsterdam is terribly injured. He recuperates and then unites all the Irish in New York and revives the ‘Dead Rabbits’ gang.

           In the meanwhile the poor American mob is against the government’s call for draft into the army for the war. There is a big riot that takes place in the end where many of the mobs are killed by the Union Army soldiers (New York Draft Riots). Many niggers are also killed by the local Americans who are against Lincoln’s anti slavery policy. Amsterdam also challenges Bill one final time at Paradise Square and eliminates him.

          The final shot shows how New York as a city grows, leaving behind its bloody past filled with gang wars and protest marches.

                                                                          

Hits

• Leonardo’s dashing looks with long locks. His screen presence is as usual arresting
• The period feel is very authentic
• The BGM score by Howard Shore is good. The end credits track “We are the hands that built America” is soul stirring.
• Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher is terrific. In fact his is the performance of the film.

Misses

• Very slow moving. Tests the patience many a time. Was checking the timeline very often
• Lack of exposure to New York’s history may be one of the reasons for the non-involvement in the film during the many political scenes.

VERDICT

A dampener from the Martin Scorsese - Leo combo. Not exactly a must watch. Can watch it once at the most.