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PCR # 144  (Vol. 3, No. 52)  This edition is for the week of December 23--31, 2002.

This Week's PCR
Movie Review
"Gangs of New York"

Movie reviews by:
Michael A. Smith
Four Stars!

Movies are rated 0 to 4 stars

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Miramax     
Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Riley and Liam Neeson
Directed by: Martin Scorcese
Rated: R
Running Time: 2 hours 28 mins

Before I say it, let me say for the record that I have not seen all of the films yet released this year. In the next few weeks, I will view "Chicago," "Antoine Fisher," "Adaptation," "About Schmidt" and others. Having said that, I now proclaim "Gangs of New York" the best film of the year.

A long-imagined project of director Scorcese, this film is could almost be classified as anti-Woody Allen. While Allen's valentines to his beloved city show the bright, happy side of New York, Scorcese shows the often violent side that formed the town he so loves.

The story begins in 1846, when New York City was still a harbor town. In the rough area known as the Five Points, rival gangs fought amongst themselves for their piece of the American dream. Though there are many different gangs, there are really only two factions: those that were born in America and those that weren't. This morning, a "dust up" has been scheduled, pitting the two sides against each other in an old fashioned rumble. This is not your standard fist fight - the weapons of choice are hatchets and knives. Not only that, it is declared that "noses and ears will be the accepted trophies."

Sixteen years later, the son of one of the murdered leaders is released from the reform school he was sent to when his father was killed. He quickly makes his way back to the old neighborhood and finds himself recruited into the gang run by the man who killed his father. He slowly begins to do errands for the man and their bond becomes tighter with each good deed. In time, he comes to think of the murderer as a substitute father, doing what he can to earn his favor. Though he has sworn revenge, will he take the opportunity to gain it?

As designed by Scorcese, each part of New York is like a painting - with the director wielding his brush expertly. This surely is the film that will bring Scorcese his much deserved first Academy Award. Though the pace slows a little in the 2nd hour, I can't think of a scene I'd change or alter in anyway. DiCaprio does a fine job as the boy now become a man (he is much better in this week's "Catch Me If You Can") Diaz does what she can with her role as the prostitute with the heart of gold. But it is Daniel Day Lewis that commands the screen. Long absent from film, he was lured back to Hollywood at Scorcese's insistence. And a welcome return it was. He is the soul of this picture and a more then able adversary for the angry young man!

On a scale of zero to four stars, I give "Gangs of New York"  Four Stars!


This week's movie reviews of "Gangs of New York" is ©2002 by Michael A. Smith.   All graphics this page are creations of Nolan B. Canova, ©2002, all rights reserved. All contents of "Nolan's Pop Culture Review" are ©2002 by Nolan B. Canova.