Cast
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Leonardo DiCaprio
as Amsterdam Vallon
Daniel Day-Lewis
as Bill "The Butcher" Cutting
Cameron Diaz
as Jenny Everdeane
Jim Broadbent
as Boss Tweed
John C. Reilly
as Happy Jack
Henry Thomas
as Johnny Sirocco
Liam Neeson
as "Priest" Vallon
Brendan Gleeson
as Walter "Monk" McGinn
Gary Lewis
as McGloin
Stephen Graham
as Shang
Eddie Marsan
as Killoran
Alec McCowen
as Reverend Raleigh
David Hemmings
as Mr. Schermerhorn
Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
as Jimmy Spoils
Cara Seymour
as Hell-Cat Maggie
Crew
Director
- Martin Scorsese
Producer
- Alberto Grimaldi
- Harvey Weinstein
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I recall meeting Daniel Day-Lewis some years ago, he had just stepped from his motor bike and proved to be a charming, engaging man extremely far removed from the racist and odious "Bill the Butcher" character he so expertly creates in this hard, gritty and brutal depiction of the almost tribal existences lived by many in 1860s New York. Leonardo di Caprio ("Vallon") arrives in that city's Five Points area determined to avenge the death of his father many years earlier at the hands of this ruthless overlord. Initially ingratiating himself, he soon realises that it's going to take every ounce of his courage and resilience to challenge the status quo, and that some hefty sacrifices are going to have to be made. He is not just struggling against his nemesis, but against prejudice, corruption and a prevailing, endemic, sense of fear. The supporting cast are what really makes this special - Cameron Diaz, again so far removed from her more famous roles, alongside Jim Broadbent as the shrewd, but rather cowardly "Boss Tweed"; Brendan Gleeson and John C. Reilly all contribute to this tautly directed story of lawlessness and loyalty - with a bit of Civil War conscription thrown in to add to the toxicity of it all. The last 20 minutes are really captivating, and Scorsese with some masterful scoring from Howard Shore manages to leave us feeling exhilarated and uncomfortable at the same time!
Sep 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Gangs of New York examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Martin Scorsese brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Gangs of New York took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $100.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 168 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 226 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Gangs of New York shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Jerome's Secret, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Gangs of New York subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Firetrap and Nobody Knows explore similar territory, Gangs of New York stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 14, 2002
- Runtime: 2h 48m
- Budget: $100,000,000
- Revenue: $193,800,000
Where to Watch
