A Modern Classic Gangster Movie Airing Tonight
Tonight's TV movie pick (8 November) is Gangs of New York, the period gangster epic directed by Martin Scorsese, known for Goodfellas and The Departed.
About the Film
Based on Herbert Asbury’s 1927 non-fiction book The Gangs of New York, the 2002 film features an ensemble cast including Oscar winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio, with Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Graham.
Plot Summary
The story follows Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), an orphaned Irish-American in 19th century New York City. He returns to the Five Points neighborhood seeking revenge against William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting (Day-Lewis), a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader and the murderer of his father (Neeson).
"Vallon knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle. Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860s New York."
Production Notes
- The film was a long-awaited project for Scorsese but faced a turbulent production with delays and budget overruns.
- Producer Harvey Weinstein reportedly demanded cuts to the movie.
- There are rumors about a longer, unreleased version that may better represent Scorsese’s original vision.
Author's summary: Gangs of New York is a compelling period gangster drama featuring a star-studded cast, exploring themes of revenge and survival amid 19th-century New York’s immigrant struggles.