Reviews

Martin Scorcese has made a masterpiece. Be prepared for more than a

costume drama about crime. This is serious historical/political

fiction, the likes of which are no longer seen made by American

filmmakers. While this is true, "Gangs of New York" is a tremendously

exciting movie to watch. The story is gripping. Scorcese has assembled

a talented cast and crew. Daniel Day-Lewis is excellent as Bill the

Butcher. Yes, Leonardo DiCaprio proves once and for all (for those who

missed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape") he is a major talent in his

portrayal of Amsterdam Vallon. Excellent cinematography and top-notch

editing by long-time Scorcese accomplices Michael Ballhaus and Thelma

Schoonmaker just add to the texture of the film. And last but not

least, you won't believe the sets of Dante Ferretti, whose work here is

not the least of what makes this film great. "Titanic" fans, eat your

hearts out! This is the

This movie should be seen by everyone. It is a very dark comedy (my personal favorite kind). You can see a summary of the story elsewhere. Suffice it to say, in black and white, in Japanese, it is still gripping, haunting, etc. You will watch and think: who is right? The old man or his children? You will smile as you begin to realize that this is a story of an entirely honest and loving man who is far saner than the rest of them, all of whom consider him insane. A beautiful film.

It's always nice to find a worthy film after being a movie watcher for three decades. I remember when this movie was in the theaters. I was a teenager then and didn't go see it. I decided to watch the video and was immediately drawn into this surreal Bunuelish kind of British made movie. Malcolm McDowell is superb as the forever optimistic young coffee salesman. No matter what happens to him, he keeps his good attitude. Don't miss it! But, don't expect absolute narrative

Taxi Driver has haunted me from the first day I saw it, as an 18 year old back in 1976, to today. Scorcese and DeNiro hit the jackpot with this one. DeNiro plays a man who slowly unhinges before our eyes, but the genius of the film is that it captures the feelings of "everyman"... and this is back in 1976!!! Remember, this is the movie that supposedly motivated the man who tried to kill Pres. Ronald Reagan in 1981.

However, if you look carefully at the movie, it does not condone violence. It is clear that Travis (the DeNiro character) is losing his mind. See it... but be prepared!! Oh, and I forgot to mention... Bernard Herrmann's score will not ever be topped. I mean EVER!