Few films can match the historical grandeur of Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York.
The star-studded cast, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, Jim Broadbent, Henry Thomas, and Brendan Gleeson, is a testament to the director’s ambitious vision.
This epic drama will be aired on Channel 4 this Saturday (April 12), offering viewers a mix of crime, gangster action, societal politics, and award-winning performances (Daniel Day-Lewis, we’re looking at you).
Set in 1863, Gangs of New York delves into the deep-seated Catholic-Protestant conflict that erupts into violence during an Irish immigrant protest against conscription in the Civil War.
Martin Scorsese devoted two decades of his life to bringing this project to fruition, which was finally completed in 2001. However, its release was delayed due to the September 11 attacks, reports the Daily Record.
In December 2002, the film hit theatres and raked in a whopping $193.8 million at the global box-office. It garnered mostly positive reviews from critics, with Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance earning special praise.
The cinematic brilliance of Gangs of New York earned it 10 nominations at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, and Best Actor for Day-Lewis.
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with one reviewer praising: “It’s never less than compelling, driven by an overwhelming, larger than life performance from Day-Lewis and by Scorsese’s grandiose historical imagination,” Another critic described it as: “Wonderful spectacle, terrific acting and toweringly great film-making.”
The film boasts a 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes, although not all reviews were glowing. One critic felt that: “Gangs of New York achieves far too little while trying much too hard.”
Another reviewer agreed, stating: “It’s as if [Scorsese] preferred to concentrate on the production … rather than on the dramatic issues and, oh yeah, taking up the rear, the human beings who live them.”
However, many critics praised the film’s brilliance, with one saying: “This is historical filmmaking without the balm of right-thinking ideology, either liberal or conservative. Mr. Scorsese’s bravery and integrity in advancing this vision can hardly be underestimated,” Another critic hailed it as “a triumph of pure craft and passionate heart”.
Audiences also praised the film, with one reviewer commenting: “Fantastic from start to finish. Great storyline, acting, directing and cinematography. Daniel Day-Lewis steals the show.”
Another fan of the film added: “I find myself watching this movie every year. Not a New Yorker nor history buff but this movie makes you cherish a time and place you never thought you’d miss.”
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