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Daniel Day-Lewis steals the show. Leonardo DiCaprio might have gotten top billing, but make no mistake; this was Daniel Day-Lewis' movie, and a breathtaking performance on his part. Excellent set design, costuming, captures the feel of 19th century New York. Not 100% historically accurate, as a quick glance through IMDB will show, but the pace and flow of the movie is beautiful. And the closing theme song, the opening chords let you know that this is an epic piece-- what you'd expect from a master film maker like Martin Scorsese. In my opinion, one of the best movies I've seen.
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Incredible acting by all three lead actors: Daniel-Day Lewis (his best role, in my opinion), Leonardo Dicaprio and Cameron Diaz. If you wanted to see how New York started with the influx of European immigrants, the transition from slavery to abolition and the effects of the draft on American citizens, this is the movie to see. Fantastic and engaging from start to finish.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great film. Scorsese gives us what is likely a truer story of early American immigration, not the romanticized nonsense we have have been taught. This film also shows us who really has the power in this country-definitely not our elected officials. Great performances throughout but especially by acting genius Daniel Day-Lewis.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The first time I saw this film was right after 9/11/02. The themes hit too close to home. It was a shock and dismay. It is meant to help you purge your emotions, and you will cry, regardless. I thought it was a good run, but it also made me sick to my stomach. I wasn't sure how I felt about it as a piece of film. I now think of it now is a classic. It ranks right up there with the rest of great American cinema. I have never been to New York, but I feel inspired to visit and learn more about this dynamic city. It's now 2008... I watched this film a second time today. Still it goes right to the core of some very human issues. DeCaprio is pure and intense. I love his consistency, his gentle, yet masked and powerful emotions; all the while he is available to the viewer. Day-Lewis plays a tainted bully who is controlling the 4-corners as the town butcher. Slowly, the town begins to compromise its spiritual roots and grow and evolve around the fear (and the need of) the butcher. Young "Amsterdam" is there from the beginning; it becomes his story. A story in which he describes how people often have to beg for help, food, and assistance - in this case, they are immigrants. The town butcher is murderer who places everyone in a subservient position. He does this with name-calling, intimidation, displays of power, teaming-up against smaller clans of people and slam-blasting anyone who is in position of leadership, with murder and blood. This goes on for years! I would recommend this film for anyone who has to deal with a bully. It has the power to help any person reevaluate one's own priorities when it comes to depending on another. The historical aspects of the film are also very well-done and informative. It's too bad the length of the film had to be cut. Even as it is, it's necessary to pause it in several spots, just to catch your breath. Sometimes, pause to take a break and replay it, as the actors build a dynamic throughout the film that is non-stop and vital to its message. It is not a film to watch with teenagers late-night, but on a late afternoon. "Gangs of New York" will make you take another look at your personal freedom, and get you thinking about the history of America, and the costs your freedom involves. It's a valuable story for discussion with teens, friends, neighbors and colleagues. It should be included in your collection!Read full review
It could have been a classic movie. Great acting, good plot, but it had too much sex, nude, and not for children. What I dislike was they throw a Holy bible in the river after they raised, fed him in a Christian place. Just like most liberal movie directors, and they don't know jack about the Bible. They know about all about the Cat houses. The part left out was there any good people in the old days in 1826. It a wonder United States is great as played in the movie, and was founded by Christians. Another movie bashing the Christians, and there way of life. The only thing I learned from this movie is don't get a knife thrower mad at you. (he may be a movie director)
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