A modern classic gangster movie is airing on TV tonight

A Modern Classic Gangster Movie Airing on TV Tonight

Tonight's TV movie pick (8 November) is Gangs of New York, a period gangster epic directed by Martin Scorsese, known for films like Goodfellas and The Departed.

About the Film

Released in 2002, the film is based on Herbert Asbury’s 1927 non-fiction book The Gangs of New York. It features a large ensemble cast, including Oscar-winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio, alongside Brendan Gleeson, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Graham.

Plot Overview

The story centers on Amsterdam Vallon (DiCaprio), an orphaned Irish-American in 19th-century New York City. He returns to the Five Points area seeking revenge against William ‘Bill the Butcher’ Cutting (Day-Lewis), the gang leader who killed his father (Neeson) and leads an anti-immigrant faction.

"Vallon knows that revenge can only be attained by infiltrating Cutting’s inner circle. Amsterdam’s journey becomes a fight for personal survival and to find a place for the Irish people in 1860s New York."

Production Notes

Gangs of New York was a longtime passion project for Scorsese, though its production was challenging, with shooting taking longer and costing more than expected. Reports also mention producer Harvey Weinstein pushing for edits, and the existence of an unreleased longer cut that may better reflect the director's original vision.

Author's Summary: A visually striking and ambitious film, Gangs of New York combines historical drama and personal revenge against the backdrop of 19th-century New York’s gang conflicts.

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JOE JOE — 2025-11-08

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