Gangs of New York (2002): Dir: Martin Scorsese / Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson, Jim Broadbent: Film about a society or assembly of violence presented in a historical manner. Opens in 1800's with a savage gang war where a boy witnesses the murder of his father at the hands of Bill the Butcher. Leonardo DiCaprio returns as an immigrant to slay the man who murdered his father and disgraced his people. He meets a pickpocket who disarms her victims through seduction. He also learns that members of his father's gang betrayed him. Concludes with senseless brutality in its ugliest. Directed by Martin Scorsese whose career has given us many great films including Raging Bull and Taxi Driver. DiCaprio is superb as he dares place his hands in the flames of danger without care or consequence. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the foul and ruthless Butcher in one of his best performances. Cameron Diaz is excellent as a pickpocket targeted for a knife throwing act. Liam Neeson plays DiCaprio's father in a role that is far too familiar. Neeson seems typecast in a mistake normally not made by a pro such as Scorsese. This is familiar ground for Neeson and the role itself is perhaps the weakest writing of the film. We know the drill even as the war wages on. Tremendous production visualizes the onslaught in its horrid reality. Score: 8 ½ / 10
Review of Gangs of New York
