A Modern Classic Gangster Movie Airing Tonight
Tonight, 8 November, television audiences can revisit Martin Scorsese’s historical crime drama Gangs of New York (2002), a sweeping portrayal of violence, identity, and revenge in 19th-century New York.
About the Film
Inspired by Herbert Asbury’s 1927 nonfiction book The Gangs of New York, the film features a remarkable ensemble cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, Eddie Marsan, and Stephen Graham.
Plot and Themes
The story centers on Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), an Irish-American orphan who returns to New York’s Five Points neighborhood to avenge his father’s death at the hands of William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting (Day-Lewis), a fierce anti-immigrant gang leader.
“Vallon knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle,” the synopsis explains. “Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860s New York.”
Behind the Scenes
A long-time passion project for Scorsese, the movie endured a difficult production marked by budget overruns and extended shooting schedules. Reports also suggest that producer Harvey Weinstein intervened heavily in editing, and that a longer version—closer to Scorsese’s original vision—may still exist unreleased.
Cast Highlights
- Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon
- Liam Neeson as Priest Vallon
- Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane
- Brendan Gleeson and Jim Broadbent in supporting roles
Author’s summary: Scorsese’s Gangs of New York remains a gripping exploration of vengeance and identity, illuminated by its powerhouse performances and turbulent journey from set to screen.