Gangs of New York

Gangs of New York ensembles an impressive list of cast namely Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Liam Neeson and Cameron Diaz under master filmmaker Martin Scorsese. It tells the history of the melting pot that is New York, and the war that ensued between the natives and immigrants in a fight for their right to live there. Daniel Day-Lewis plays antagonist Bill the Butcher; a locally renowned figure who absolutely despises immigrants and in one such war, murders the Priest (Liam Neeson) who represents the opposite party. What if the latter's son returns for a revenge forms the crux.

The first half of the picture is good. We see Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) reentering New York with the intention of avenging his father by annihilating Bill the Butcher, but in turn of events, the two becomes close and inseparable. This is by far the strongest facet of the storytelling. There's added tension involved with the inclusion of Jenny in the mix; Bill's damsel cum Amsterdam's love interest. Shooting attempt in theater, pig-cutting lesson, chiseler brawl, boxing at the city's end, friend's betrayal and onstage knife presentation are some examples of interesting, even riveting scenes. Unfortunately, Gangs of New York doesn't hold our attention as we head to the second half. The moment Bill knows Amsterdam is there solely to kill him but still spares him off for no concrete reason, the story loses us! Whatever happens after that as a result, is alike a hefty meal that makes you full and sleepy. Forced and false voting with Bill chopping McGinn (Brendan Gleeson) is an amazing scene though.

Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is incredible, as usual! And you could truly empathize with Bill the Butcher; his motivation, standpoint, concerns, the whole lot! There is a solid chemistry between Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz too. The score is fantastic and the period setting for 1800 New York is truly a love letter from the director to his city! War sequences could have been shot better for sure.