Scorsese is a director I usually like. Most of his films don't come close to his greatest works like Taxi Driver, King of Comedy or Goodfellas but he always seems to put forth an effort. Some directors try to copy their success but Scorsese attempts something new nearly every time.

This epic historical film really has great atmosphere. The world feels like total anarchy and they really nailed the shit-hole of Five Points. The sets and grand scale of everything is really great and is one of the best things about this movie.

Daniel Day-Lewis is excellent as Bill the Butcher and I probably will remember him as one of the best villains in cinema. Every scene he is in is absolutely gold and Day-Lewis really carries the film. Everyone else is solid but don't seem to compare, which seems to lower their performance.

The first half drags at spots but then the second half really gets interesting. Cameron Diaz is not that great and I didn't care much for her character either.

Scorsese did a great job overall.