Gangs Of New York Movie Wiki (2024)

FAQs

Why did Amsterdam bury Bill next to his father? ›

At the end of the film, Amsterdam finally gets his revenge and kills Bill but out of respect, he buries him next to Priest's grave where they both can view the river. Amsterdam also buries Priest's razor next to his father as well.

All the specific gangs and characters are fictional in the film, but the movie does capture the essence of gang culture and turf wars that were the norm in Five Points. Gangs like the Bowery Boys and Dead Rabbits are inspired by real historical gangs that existed in that era.

Amsterdam stabs him, and Bill dies with his hand locked in Amsterdam's. Bill is buried in Brooklyn, in view of the smoke-filled Manhattan skyline, next to the grave of "Priest" Vallon. Amsterdam narrates New York would be rebuilt, but they are no longer remembered, as if "we were never here".

Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young Irish immigrant released from prison. He returns to the Five Points seeking revenge against his father's killer, William Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis), a powerful anti-immigrant gang leader. He 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 1860's New York.

Gangs of New York / Film synopsis

Living... without an eye, which he lost in fight with an Irishman who called himself Priest Vallon. Vallon had the upper hand in the fight, but spared Bill's life – leaving him to live in shame. In a sick turn of events, Bill decided to cut out his eye and send it to Vallon to overcome his sense of shame.

Bill baits Amsterdam with a knife throwing act involving Jenny. As Bill toasts Priest Vallon, Amsterdam throws his knife, but Bill deflects it and wounds Amsterdam with a counter throw. Bill then beats him and burns his cheek with a hot blade before banishing him, believing Amsterdam to not be worthy of death.

The character Bill the Butcher Cutting in Gangs of New York was based on a real life gang leader Bill the Butcher Poole. The Five Points of New York City in the middle of the 19th Century was America's first slum neighborhood.

He is most remembered however as the assassin of William "Bill the Butcher" Poole. Baker shot and killed Poole in a Broadway saloon during a brawl. Both Baker and Morrissey were placed on trial for murder, but were acquitted. Tammany Hall "slugger" and murderer of William "Bill the Butcher" Poole.

Green-Wood cemetery is very large and many famous people are buried there (Leonard Bernstein, DeWitt Clinton) There are maps available at the main entrance. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to visit as the maps did not seem too accurate. It was very hot the day we went, so we cut our visit short.

Parents need to know that Gangs of New York is a 2002 Martin Scorsese movie about the prejudice and hatred Irish immigrants faced upon their arrival in New York City during the Civil War. This movie is extremely violent, with savagely brutal battles and oceans of blood.

Was Meryl Streep supposed to be in Gangs of New York? ›

Rory talks about the film and how Scorcese originally imagined it starring Meryl Streep in 1978.

Robert De Niro Turned Down Scorsese's 'The Departed' and 'Gangs of New York' - IMDb.

The film draws inspiration from real-life gangs and events of the time, such as the existence of the Know-Nothings, a powerful political society focused on native-born politicians and disenfranchising immigrants.

'Road to Perdition' Showed a Different Side of Tom Hanks

Remember, his not being part of Gangs of New York was due to time constraints, and certainly not because of his lack of talent. As an actor, his characters always had an innate sensibility about them.

Summary. Gangs of New York's ending showcases the message that history cannot be erased, as Amsterdam avenges his father's death and buries the knife as a symbol of understanding.

In Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn.

“I Die A True American.”

The bullet didn't penetrate his heart but rather lodged into its protective sac. On March 8, 1855, Bill the Butcher finally succumbed to his wounds. His reported last words were, “Goodbye boys, I die a true American.” Poole was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn on March 11, 1855.

Amsterdam and Johnny both share a love interest in Jenny, a bold ingenious but also beautiful pickpocket— except Jenny only has affections for Amsterdam, to the perturbation of Johnny. Jealousy over their romance leads Johnny to betray his friend, allowing Bill to anticipate the strike.

Amsterdam is severely beaten and burned, but later is healed by Jenny and returns to become a leader of the Irish in the Five Points. He later leads them in another battle against the Natives, thwarted by the Draft Riots. Though wounded, he finally succeeds in killing Bill, thereby achieving his revenge.