Gangs of New York (DVD)

Gangs of New York is the dream project of Martin Scorsese, one of the consistently most impressive directors of recent times. He originally tried to get it made back in 1978, but the project was shelved. Now, after a long, arduous and expensive shoot, and many delays amidst rumours of battles over running time between Scorsese and producer Harvey Weinstein, the film has been finished, and released just in time to qualify for this year's Oscars. The film opens in the snow-covered New York of 1846, a gang of Irish immigrants, known as the Dead Rabbits and lead by a man called as Priest (Liam Neeson), clash with the so-called Nativists, lead by Bill 'The ...  Read the complete review

An Epic story set in 19th century New York primarily focused on revenge. Running time : 2 hours 48 minutes. Rating : 18 Strong language and violence. Leonardo Di Caprio, Daniel Day Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Liam Neeson, Henry Thomas, Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson and John C Reilly. This is a film that has been planned for twenty five years by it's director Martin Scorsese who brought us classic films such as 'GoodFellas' 'Raging Bull' 'Taxi Driver' and 'The Age Of Innocence'. Scorsese is a man who has never made a bad film, someone who delivers entertainment by the hatful and who in this case ...  Read the complete review

'Gangs of New York' reminds me of what Marlon Brando says in 'On the Waterfront': 'I coulda been a contender, instead of the bum i am'. I was shocked and saddened by St. Martin Scorsese's sell-out Studio disasterpiece. 'Gangs of New York' is a stunning-looking epic that lacks the care and attention of 'Goodfellas' or 'Kundun'. The film is like a beautiful looking woman but when she opens her mouth to speak she sounds like a retard. St. Martin Scorsese delivers a film that tries to be important but ends up a clumsy tribute to New York. The fact that the circus was ringmastered by Harvey Weinstein suggests ...  Read the complete review

Two and three-quarter hours is a tremendous investment in film watching especially if it is the type of film one thinks one won?t enjoy. Thus my reluctance to see Gangs Of New York. But since I promised myself I would see all the nominated movies this year I gritted my teeth, paid my $5.50 and cozied down in my seat for what I supposed would be a long afternoon. I am happy to say I wasn?t disappointed and did not look at my watch once. Gangs Of New York movie impresses in the way large-scale epic attractions do. You know, like Gone With The Wind or Dr. Zhivago. Seeing the ?burning and rioting? in New York City brought to mind the scenes of Atlanta burning in ...  Read the complete review

This is one of my favourite Scorsese films, even though its a long one at 160 mins. Strong performances from a stellar cast and a story that keeps you gripped. I do think that Daniel Day Lewis' character in this film is absolutely genius and perfectly cast, he really is both sinister and intriguing as the 'Butcher', somehow managing to be both powerful and charming whilst simultaneously corrupting and killing without batting an eyelid. It is a very graphically violent film, there are some scenes which made me flinch - but it never feels like its particularly being violent for the sake of it, this film is based on the real life struggles and ...  Read the complete review