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GANGS OF NEW YORK (R)

Plot Summary: A young Irish man living in New York City during the Civil War seeks to avenge his father’s death and unite his people for justice.

Reason for the Rating: Intense strong violence, sexuality/nudity and language.

GANGS OF NEW YORK, the latest epic film by acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, certainly warrants all the hype surrounding it. This three-hour dazzling visual display, depicting a fascinating period of American history, will certainly be loved by many and certainly be hated by many. But regardless of preference, one thing cannot be denied: it’s quite a show.

Its plot centers around Amsterdam, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a young Irish man living in the Five Points, the worst neighborhood in New York City. Sixteen years earlier, Amsterdam witnessed his dad being murdered by Bill “The Butcher” Poole (Daniel Day-Lewis), the cruelest, most powerful man in Five Points. Poole, an American native hating anyone not born on American soil, killed Amsterdam’s father in a battle between native gangs and immigrant gangs. After his father’s defeat, Amsterdam is sent away, but he returns incognito to avenge his father’s death and gain a voice for all Irish immigrants. In an odd twist, he actually becomes Poole’s favorite—almost his right-hand man. He also falls in love with a beautiful pickpocket (Cameron Diaz), but he never dismisses his goal to gain revenge. The plot, engaging and unpredictable, is kept interesting by the history depicted behind the storyline.

This movie portrays a unique period in America: the Civil War era experienced in New York. It brings to life issues and events that people today aren’t very familiar with. When I think of this time period, I think of the South and slavery; I don’t think about immigrants forced to fight a battle they don’t understand, while the rich do nothing. Also, the poverty for immigrants during this time is graphically depicted, as is the corruption, violence, and lawlessness of a city still forming within a relatively new nation. It’s quite intriguing and informative, making you wonder why history books don’t spend more time discussing this time period.

Unfortunately, GANGS OF NEW YORK takes realism to a new, and very violent, level. With brutally detailed battle scenes, prolonged gratuitous nudity, and gruesome scene upon gruesome scene, it earns every bit of its R rating. Although some may argue that the violence is simply realistic, it’s also simply disgusting, and the nudity is certainly unnecessary. It’s easy to miss the important themes and numerous examples of quality filmmaking throughout the movie amidst its carnage. It’s too bad Hollywood can’t quite seem to find the balance between needed realism and decency on screen. This movie certainly misses the mark; here’s hoping they find it someday.

FamilyFans.com Recommends: Skip this one in favor of something lighter and more appropriate. Or wait for the video version and a fast-forward button.

After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

---How is America different today than it was back in the 1860s? How is it still much the same?

---Do you think we should be proud, or ashamed of, America's treatment of immigrants over the centuries? How about America's treatment of immigrants today? Explain your answer.

---Do you think Amsterdam was justified in his quest for vengeance? Explain. How might Christ's forgiving influence have changed his life and the lives of those around him?

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