Posted by brent on September 15, 2000 at 21:42:09:
In Reply to: Re: Gangs of New York posted by MMMMarcia on September 15, 2000 at 20:57:53:
Here is another little more detailed synopsis of the film i found.
-Brent
This is an epic story of the violence, brutality and inner workings of two rival gangs in old New York City in the 1800's. It is a story of a young boy who is forced not only
to witness the brutal, violent, murder of his father, but to take part in that murder in the most inhumane way. It is a moving story of this young man's quest to avenge
his father's death, and to bring peace and closure to that death in his own mind...a mind that believes because he was forced to take part in that murder, he has his
father's blood on his own hands.
When we first meet Amsterdam, he is a boy of 12 who loves and idolises his Father, Priest Vallon, the leader of the Irish Immigrant 'Dead Rabbits', a gang which
fiercely rivaled the 'Native Americans'. This is a true to life depiction of a brutal society, one that violently ruled all of the New York inner circle during its tumultuous
early years.
The leader of the "Native Americans" was Bill Poole, nicknamed 'Bill the Butcher' by his gang members. He is a brutal, power hungry monster, who has no conscience
and will kill just for the sport.
He makes it his business to "get" the leader of the Dead Rabbits, Vallon, and in doing so he destroys the gang, and also destroys Amsterdam, who, in his boyish
attempt to avenge his Father with the 'Butcher', is then sent to prison for the next 12 years.