Gangs of New York

Even the blasphemous use of God in the battle scenes is a powerful reminder of the true nature of why men fight each other (remind anyone of other modern day leaders?).

For those that couldn’t look past the violence and nudity, I suggest another viewing (if you can manage it). As you watch this movie, ask yourself the question “How does the movie violence depicted in this era of our country compare with the real violence that is experienced around the world?”

I believe that to be appreciated, this movie has to be looked at in a critical way, and not just for its entertainment value.

Priest is played by Liam Neeson, and although he is only in the film for a short time, his presence is felt throughout the entire film. Priest’s son, Amsterdam, was sent to an orphanage after the battle, but years later, he returns to seek his revenge. But this movie isn’t about revenge, so much. Revenge feels more like a subplot. It gets things going, but then it takes a back seat, almost.

The film seems more about the different paths that a man could take during that time. Leonardo Dicaprio plays the older Amsterdam, and he does a very good job. I agree with some of the other comments that this is not the same actor we saw in “Titanic.” This is a great actor. (And, in my opinion, this film is better than Leo’s other movie, “Catch Me if You Can.”) He meets the man who killed his father, William Cutting (Bill the Butcher), played brilliantly in an Oscar worthy turn by Daniel Day-Lewis. Bill is the film’s best character, because we see so many sides of him, and we learn so much about him. He is a nasty, vile man, that is for sure.

But, in the film’s best scene, we begin to care about him. We learn that Bill is less of a tyrant and more of a man who does what he thinks he has to do to maintain an order. We see a longing for rest in him, one that will never come with his lifestyle, and he knows it.

This reminded me of the characters in “Road to Perdition” earlier this year. Before I saw this film, I heard that the film wasn’t as violent as expected. I disagree. This was a very violent movie. It is violent and bloody, but there is not a lot of gore, which is a good thing.

The violence hit hard, but it wasn’t disgusting. There is some nudity, but it almost seemed like anti-nudity, since the women were so intentionally dirty and unappealing. Cameron Diaz, the most beautiful woman in the movie, does not ever, even in love scene, remove her clothes. I wouldn’t call the nudity sexual at all. I can see the nominations piling up for this picture, and they will all be deserved. It is sheer brilliance. We had to wait quite a long time to see this movie, but it was worth the wait.

Though of epic quality, I felt that “Gangs Of New York” could have been even more convincing if it were less predictable. That said, like them or not, the characters become memorable and the tough world of 1860’s urban survival recreates a time and people we have all forgotten. A lot is being said about the violence in this movie. Frankly, many other films are as violent and with no point to it. I did not sense that “Gangs Of New York” was formulated to shock the audience. Life was tough and brutal, and it is thus portrayed.

There is also nudity. Again, not for sexual desensitization as many other movies do, but with expression of the way life was. There is also foul language, but far less than many current mainstream films. If you do not want to be exposed to any “R” rated material, stay away. For mature viewers, “Gangs Of New York” should be perceived more than anything as historical. As a Christian viewer, I found the movie posed some questions for thought.

How would christians respond in such a brutal environment? Can any violence be justified? Interestingly, the main characters all call upon the Lord to their aid in time of need. How apt is this? And the challenge of life we all face today is anything but new. Who would trade their current lot for a stay in the Five Points?…

In fact, the directing is so good, it doesn’t feel like a movie; it would seem as if they went back in time with a camera and filmed the streets of New York in the 19th century—except it’s so PERFECTLY filmed. Once again, Martin Scorsese did a fabulous job on this film. The music is pretty good. I bought the soundtrack the other day. I’m not a fan of U2, but the end song, “The Hands That Built America,” is a wonderful piece.

And I’m glad they left in the twin towers at the end. It only added to the message of the film: New York was built in the streets; it was built on violence and gangs wars; and nothing can bring it down. Not even the Sept 11 attacks, I would add.

I will warn, however, this movie is extremely violent. Scorsese did a fine job [with] the battles, but I had to look away from the screen more than a few times.

Christianity wise, there is nothing morally redeeming about this film. It’s about revenge and greed. When a priest gives Amsterdam a Bible, and tells him that he should learn forgiveness and not seek revenge, he throws it off a bridge, into the water. Hence, the extremely offensive rating.

Despite that, I still recommend this movie. To an older audience that is. It’s rated R after all.

It never shows people being cut in half, and never shows the inside of a person. As for the nudity, it is a little excessive, but there is no nudity shown during sex. The scene is around ten minutes long, and shows several topless women in a brothel. It never goes below their waist, and no sexual behavior is shown in the scene. All in all, the nudity is a little bit too much, but it isn’t anything that ruins the movie.

As far as my personal opinion, I loved the movie.

Its historical base and tale of Irish oppression was something which was of great interest to me. Daniel Day Lewis (Bill the Butcher) does a wonderful job as the bad guy, although Leonardo DiCaprio (Amsterdam Vallon) doesn’t do quite so well as his adversary. So speaking from a Christian perspective, this is a good movie to see if you’re 17 or older, and you feel mature and secure in your Christian values. If you feel a little shaky, I recommend not seeing it. But otherwise, I’d definitely advise you to see “Gangs of New York.”