"There's only one question when it comes to Gangs' acting: Which Oscar is Daniel Day-Lewis going to win, Actor or Supporting Actor? Once the studio decides which category they're going to push him in, AMPAS may as well just mail him the trophy." Jon Popick PLANET SICK-BOY

Insight Those cinema-goers who are under the impression that Hollywood doesn't make those big epics anymore are in for a big shock. It's only a rumour and always has been. And even if there was a hint of truth about it, just the smallest thread, this reviewer is pleased to report that, thanks to director Martin Scorses and "Gangs Of New York" the epic is alive and well in the 21st century. Its a film of magnificent proportions and one done so well that you actually feel as though you're part of the scenery. Now not all shown in "Gangs Of New York" is the truth, but much about the film, in particular the time scale and the gangs is based on true events. "Gangs Of New York" is an attention getter and unlike "Lord Of The Rings" flows smoothly with nary a flat spot in sight. In fact, its one of the quickest 167 minutes I've spent in the confines of a cinema in a long time without getting that 'locked-in' feeling. And, though there is much crammed into "Gangs Of New York" it nevers gets cluttered up or bogged down.
So how was "Gangs Of New York" born? To find the answer to that we have to go back a century to the year 1972 [yes strange as it seems it is last century] when a much younger director Martin Scorses was house sitting with some friends. Here on a bookshelf he spied Herbert Ashbury's 1928 chronicle 'Gangs Of New York'. Ashbury's work had become a cult book over the years and Scorses recalls "I took it off the shelf and read it almost all in one day." The book contains much of the folklore of old New York, "Everything I read seemed to fit with my impression of the period", he said, "I guess you could say the project became part of the continuing love and fascination I have for the City." But ideas alone don't make a picture and thats where Scorses friend and screenwriter Jay Cocks came in. Cocks also had a long fascination with the period. "My Grandfather was a New York policeman', he explained, He kept copies of the Police Gazette, which was filled with woodcuttings and engravings that illustrate the exploits of the criminals and gangs." "Most people are unaware of this period in New Yorks history", he added.
The focus for "Gangs Of New york" is the lower east side of Manhattan, a place Asbury calls "The Cradle of The Gangs". It must have been a frightful and terrible place to exist in for here the gangs ruled with brutal force in a reign of terror. Into this melting pot streamed a steady flow of Irish immigrants escaping their homeland to settle in the 'promised land'. Just like today, these people were seen as invaders by the local inhabitants who in reality had only recently put down their own roots in a country which was soon to become a nation through a terrible Civil War. The arrival of the Irish immigrants during the period from 1840 through to the 1870's is a pivotal part of Scorses "Gangs Of New York" as is the Civil War and the great riots of New York. He has used all these and the creation of three characters William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting [Daniel Day-lewis], Amsterdam Vallon [Leonardo DiCaprio] and the politician [Jim Broadbent] William 'Boss' Tweed. The opening scenes are breathtaking but nothing can prepare the audience for what it will experience throughout "Gangs Of New York", in particular its closing scenes. If I had to choose just one reason to recommend this film there is one which springs instantly into my mind, Daniel Day-Lewis in the role of William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting. If this role doesn't get a reward at this years Oscars I'll be crying foul. The only problem facing Day-Lewis is this. Just who is the star and who is the co-star in this monumental production. For my money it's Day-Lewis. Either way [as confirmed by fellow reviewer Jon Popick] this is a big performance and having seen around 225 films in the last twelve months I can't think of a role [perhaps with the exception of Robin Williams in "One Hour Photo"] that rivals this one. But as I always say, don't just take my word, have a look for it for yourselves, I am sure you will find this a most intriguing and highly entertaining experience. Hell, I know I did. A highly recommended film. The Story

"Belongs to Daniel Day-Lewis as much as it belongs to Martin Scorsese; it’s a memorable performance in a big, brassy, disturbing, unusual and highly successful film." Brian Webster APOLLO GUIDE

It's New York city 1862 and Amsterdam Vallon, son of Priest Vallon the deceased leader of the Dead Rabbit gang, has been released from a boys reformatory. 16 years have passed since his father was killed by rival gang leader William "Bill the Butcher" Cutting in a fight for the right to control "The Five Points". Amsterdam has only one thing on his mind. He must avenge the death of his father, he must kill William Cutting. But a twist of fate sees him befriended, like a son, by his fathers killer. He finds himself taken under Bill's wing, treated with respect and given 'position' over long standing gang members. Unfortunately for "Bill the Butcher", Priest Vallon's son is consumed by an inner hatered and is intent on revenge. But can he succeed? Many have tried, none have ever succeeded. And if he did, would it really change "The Five Points"? Only time can answer that. The Verdict "An outstanding proportion of the success garnered by "Gangs Of New York" will be attributed to two factors, that commanding performance by Daniel Day-Lewis as "Bill the Butcher" and the wonderful feeling the movie creates, it actually feels as though we have been plucked from our seats and transposed back to New York during the mid 1800's. A richly rewarding film that demands your attention. And they said Hollywood doesn't make epics anymore. Well "Gangs Of New York" kills that rumour. Director Martin Scorses best work to date." What The Critics Say

"The best part about Gangs was Daniel Day-Lewis." Dan Marcucci and Nancy Serougi, BROOMFIELD ENTERPRISE "The story's scope and pageantry are mesmerizing, and Mr. Day-Lewis roars with leonine power." Philip Wuntch DALLAS MORNING NEWS "A richly impressive and densely realized work that bracingly opens the eye and mind to untaught aspects of American history." Todd McCarthy VARIETY "This is one of the most visually stunning and thematically moving epics in recent memory, and in spite of numerous minor flaws, Scorsese's best in more than a decade." Silverado IOFILM CO UK "A magnificent throwback to an almost vanished era of epic filmmaking by great filmmakers in thrall to their own passions, rather than to the studio bookkeepers." Michael Wilmington, CHICAGO TRIBUNE "It's a gruesome masterpiece, savage and majestic, unbearable and irresistible all at once." Tor Thorsen REEL COM "A triumph of pure craft and passionate heart." Peter Travers ROLLING STONE "This is historical filmmaking without the balm of right-thinking ideology, either liberal or conservative. Mr. Scorsese's bravery and integrity in advancing this vision can hardly be underestimated." AO Scott NEW YORK TIMES "A muddle splashed with bloody beauty as vivid as any Scorsese has ever given us." Lisa Schwarzbaum ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY "The result reverberates on the screen with a deadly force and fury more intense than anything Mr Scorsese has yet achieved on the meanest and most beloved streets he could imagine or recall." Andrew Sarris NEW YORK OBSERVER "The brilliant Martin Scorsese has created a phenomenal work that plunges us deep into Lower Manhattan in the 1860s." Richard Roeper EBERT & ROEPER

The Cast & Crew

Daniel Day-Lewis Leonardo DiCaprio Cameron Diaz Jim Broadbent John C Reilly Henry Thomas Brendan Gleeson Roger Ashton-Griffiths Salvatore Billa Barbara Bouchet Gerry Robert Byrne Brennan Caitlin Liam Carney Lucy Davenport Ilaria D'Elia Andrew Gallagher Larry Gilliard Jr Robert Goodman Stephen Graham David Hemmings Liam Neeson Raffaella Ponzo Joseph P Reidy Cara Seymour Donald Stewart Dominique Vandenberg

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

William Cutting Amsterdam Vallon Jenny Everdeane William 'Boss' Tweed Happy Jack Johnny Sirocco Monk McGinn PT Barnum Native Mrs Schermerhorn Draft Official Hot Corn Girl Fuzzy Miss Schermerhorn Jenny's Girl Young Johnny Jimmy Spoils 40 Thieves Gang Leader Shang Mr Schermerhorn Priest Vallon Johnny's girlfriend Police Chief Hellcat Maggie Anatomist Tommy

Directed by Martin Scorses Story written by Jay Cocks Screenplay by Jay Cocks/Steven Zaillian/Kenneth Lonergan Original Music by Bono/Peter Gabriel/Howard Shore Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus Film Editing by Thelma Schoonmaker Casting by Ellen Lewis Production Design by Dante Ferretti Set Decoration by Francesca LoSchiavo Costume Design by Sandy Powell Run Time 167 minutes Rated M15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2003 - Miramax Films - All Rights Reserved Copyright©2003 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved