Originally released in 2002 to good-mixed reviews by critics, I truly believe this is one of the most underated films of the decade. Yes, I said the decade.
It's classic good vs. evil storytelling. Based on the real gangs that ruled the lower east side in the mid 1800's, it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards for Picture, Director, Actor, Original Screenplay, Editing, Cinematography, Costume Design, Sound and Original Song, but coming away with a goose egg. The direction by Martin Scorsese is top notch and meticulous of the period which takes place between 1847 ans 1863. The re-creation of The Five Points does not look like a set at all, but an actual place in all it's squalor.
The acting is solid by most that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, Brenden Gleeson, John C. Reilly, Henry Thomas and Stephen Graham to name several that had prominant parts. But it's Daniel Day-Lewis and his charismatic turn as the ruthless gang leader Bill The Butcher, that steals every scene he is in, and makes the movie rise up from just being average fare. ***1/2
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2 comments:
i agree
I was just surfing the net for any new Marty news and googled his name and your site came up. Pretty cool. You know your stuff.
You know I haven't seen Gangs in a several years and I may just rent it again as I remember it being one of my favortes of that year.
And you are correct about Day-Lewis as Bill, he totally does a disappearing act in the role. Even his New York accent is perfect. You'd never know the man playing the " butcher " was European. Top shelf performance.
Thanks for the reminding me of a movie I wouldn't mind seeing again.
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