Detailed Summary
The Opening Battle: The Dead Rabbits vs. The Natives
Set in 1846 New York, the film opens with an epic battle between two rival gangs: the Dead Rabbits, led by “Priest” Vallon (Liam Neeson), and the Natives, led by Bill “The Butcher” Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis). The fight takes place in the notorious Five Points neighborhood, a melting pot of immigrants. Vallon is killed by Bill, leaving his young son Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) to watch in horror as his father dies.
Amsterdam’s Return and Quest for Revenge
Sixteen years later, Amsterdam returns to the Five Points, seeking revenge against Bill. He finds the neighborhood under Bill’s iron rule, where Bill controls the streets with fear and violence. To get close to him, Amsterdam befriends Bill and becomes a part of his gang, all while hiding his true intentions.
The Rise of Amsterdam
Amsterdam begins gaining Bill’s trust and becomes a key figure in his operations. However, as he grows closer to Bill, Amsterdam is torn between admiration for his enemy and his desire for revenge. Along the way, he becomes romantically involved with Jenny Everdeane (Cameron Diaz), a pickpocket with a complicated history with Bill.
The Revelation and Showdown
When Bill discovers Amsterdam’s true identity and intentions, the tension between the two explodes. The rivalry culminates in a bloody showdown during the New York Draft Riots of 1863, a chaotic and violent historical event where the city is engulfed in turmoil.
The Final Battle and Bill’s Fate
The final confrontation is a brutal fight in the midst of the riots, symbolizing the struggle for control over the Five Points. Bill’s reign ends when Amsterdam kills him, but not without a deep sense of loss. The film closes with Amsterdam and Jenny watching as the old New York fades into history, overshadowed by the growing city.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a reflective note as the camera pans over the evolving New York skyline, showing how the old world, represented by the gangs and their conflicts, is being overtaken by the new world of skyscrapers and modern society. Amsterdam buries his father’s knife, symbolizing the end of his quest for revenge and the passing of a violent era.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Gangs of New York” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Gangs of New York” is an epic historical crime drama, blending intense action with deep themes of vengeance, identity, and the immigrant experience in 19th-century America.
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio as Amsterdam Vallon
- Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill “The Butcher” Cutting
- Cameron Diaz as Jenny Everdeane
- Liam Neeson as “Priest” Vallon
- Jim Broadbent as William “Boss” Tweed
- John C. Reilly as “Happy” Jack Mulraney
- Brendan Gleeson as Walter “Monk” McGinn
Film Music and Composer
Howard Shore composed the film’s score, drawing on his experience from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The soundtrack blends traditional Irish folk music, period-specific melodies, and original pieces, capturing the gritty and turbulent atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Cinecittà Studios, Rome, Italy: The majority of the film’s sets, including the detailed recreation of the Five Points, were built here.
- New York City: Some exterior scenes were shot in New York to capture the essence of the city.
- The Five Points: The historical importance of this location as a crime-ridden and ethnically diverse slum makes it central to the story, emphasizing the clash of cultures and the fight for power.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), and Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis).
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Director for Martin Scorsese and Best Original Song (“The Hands That Built America” by U2).
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Production Design, among other nominations.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Daniel Day-Lewis stayed in character as Bill “The Butcher” even off-camera, using the accent and remaining in his costume to maintain the role’s intensity.
- The team at Cinecittà Studios constructed one of the largest sets ever, fully replicating the streets of 1860s New York.
- Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz had to undergo extensive dialect coaching to perfect their accents.
Inspirations and References
- Book Inspiration: The film is inspired by the 1927 non-fiction book The Gangs of New York by Herbert Asbury, which chronicles the criminal underworld of 19th-century New York.
- Historical Events: The New York Draft Riots of 1863 are a central event in the film, representing the racial and class tensions of the time.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The film originally had an even darker and more ambiguous ending, but this was adjusted for a more conclusive finish. Some deleted scenes included more backstory for the side characters and additional interactions between Bill and Amsterdam.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The movie is loosely based on Asbury’s book, but it takes many creative liberties, particularly in its focus on the fictional characters Amsterdam Vallon and Bill Cutting. The timeline and events were also condensed to fit a cohesive narrative.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Opening Battle: The intense and gritty fight that sets the tone for the film.
- Bill’s Speech: Bill’s patriotic yet menacing speech, where he reflects on his vision of America.
- The Draft Riots: The chaotic scenes during the riots show the city descending into violence and anarchy.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m forty-seven. Forty-seven years old. You know how I stayed alive this long? All these years? Fear. The spectacle of fearsome acts.” – Bill “The Butcher” Cutting
- “The blood stays on the blade.” – Amsterdam Vallon
- “This is a night for America!” – Bill “The Butcher” Cutting
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Bill’s character is partially based on the real-life figure William Poole, a known gang leader and butcher in 19th-century New York.
- Scorsese included several nods to his earlier films, including subtle references to Taxi Driver and Goodfellas.
Trivia
- Daniel Day-Lewis reportedly sharpened his character’s knives between takes to get into the role.
- The film had been in development since the 1970s and was a passion project for Martin Scorsese.
- Day-Lewis caught pneumonia on set because he refused to wear modern clothing in between takes during cold weather.
Why Watch?
“Gangs of New York” is a visually stunning and historically rich film, featuring incredible performances, especially from Daniel Day-Lewis. It offers a unique glimpse into the birth of modern America, highlighting the brutality and chaos that shaped New York City.
