Gangs of New York

This is absolutely one of the best movies of the year. It is not one of Martin Scorsese's best films but it still is an amazing film. It takes place in the middle of the 19th century and ends in the New York riots of 1863. We follow Amsterdam (Leonardo Dicaprio) from when he is a child and witnesses his father's murder, by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), until he returns as a man to avenge his father's death in the early 1860's. He encounter's Johnny Sirocco (Henry Thomas), a boy he met just before his father's death; Jenny Everdeane (Cameron Diaz), a pickpocket who is the love interest, and many other interesting characters that will keep you enthralled for the almost three hour running time. The sets, music, and cinematography are amazing but the main reason to see this is Day-Lewis' performance as Bill the Butcher, he inhabits his character in such a way that he gives the most pitch perfect performance in years. Also, the relationship between Amsterdam and Bill is interesting in how Amsterdam looks to Bill as almost a father figure. Go see Gangs of New York.