Said to have been inspired by the 1927 book “The Gangs of New York” by Herbert Asbury.
Writers/Script
Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan
Additional Info
Jay Cocks was the writer of the original story twenty years before the actual production. The director had wanted it to be longer.
Director
Martin Scorsese
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C Reilly, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Eddie Marsan, Gary Lewis, Alec McCowan, David Hemmings, Tim Pigott-Smith, John Sessions
Elevator Pitch
In 1863 Bill the Butcher is a gang leader, with much political and financial influence, controlling the Five Points area of New York, but he is threatened by a young man who has joined his crew but is actually the son of an Irish gang leader who Bill has killed years before, and who is out for revenge.
Content
Much bloody conflict between the gangs and members of them, mostly with unpleasant edged weapons. A lot of time spent in the gritty slums of the area and tension every time Bill is on screen. Quite a prolonged “orgy” scene with nudity and some sex. Depiction of the “Draft Riots”.
A View
Well, this was in my in tray and so I had to face it, but it was as I had expected, very dark and pretty unpleasant. It was nominated for many awards, but only won one or two. Not one moment of humour in the whole film. I did not like it but it would depend on what floats your boat whether you would enjoy it.
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