Viewed 21 March 2003. - GANGS OF NEW YORK is a fictional story based on the history of New York City during the mid 19th century.  Referring to NYC at that time as "a city" was more a convenience than a factual description - it was more a crucible in a brimstone furnace which slowly and bloodily smelted the various 'ethnicities' into an entirely unstable amalgam.
        The many gangs springing up were motivated by a combination of greed, political power-lust and self preservation. Further complicating these troubled times was the ongoing American Civil War, with its horrendous body-count and massive conscriptions.  Immigrant ships spewing out newly arrived 'Americans' were docked stem to stern with military ships that were both off-loading caskets of the dead, and reloading their holds with new recruits.  Many of these new recruits were those self-same new immigrants, who were promised three meals a day for their 'patriotism'.  
        Out of this cauldron of violence and hatred, several noteworthy individuals emerged, both good and evil.   As young boy, Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio ) watches his father die at the hands of a gang leader called 'The Butcher' (Daniel Day-Lewis ).   Orphaned, he is raised in reform school, and on release, finds he is within reach of his father's murderer.   But exacting revenge will likely prove to be impossible altogether, as The Butcher is a cunning and able killer.  Resettled in the old neighborhood, Amsterdam by chance meets Jenny (Cameron Diaz), leading eventually to a relationship - until he discovers her ties to The Butcher...
        GANGS OF NEW YORK is rich in its production and historical detail.   Under the fervent eye of Director Martin Scorsese, the actors and actresses each exceed themselves -- most of them producing their finest performances to date.   It would be a pity if you were to miss a film of this quality.   Bangkok theaters are -for the moment- showing it uncut (2 hours and 45 minutes), so don't tarry.
       Enduring Line or Phrase:  "The blood stays on the knife."

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