Gangs of New York: Is it Historically Accurate?

Every few years, a popular director films an historical movie of epic proportions. This usually involves much research and consultation with experts on each subject. But do these films always portray their subject correctly, or are they a drama disguised as a period piece? Sometimes directors get it just right. Martin Scorsese's film, "Gangs of New York," accurately depicts many issues and concerns that were prevalent in society in the mid to late 19^th century America specifically New York.

"Gangs of New York" is a film based in New York's run down Five Points in the 1860's. It is about a young boy, Amsterdam, who seeks revenge on the man who killed his father, Bill the Butcher. He grows up quickly and ends up befriending his enemy. After his attempt to kill the Butcher has failed, he reunites his father's old gang, the Dead Rabbits, to fight against the ruling Bill the Butcher's Natives. He recruits thousands of Irish coming off the ships every week to gain respect and help him achieve a little bit of power. With their help, they are able to fight one final battle between the two gangs which takes place during the Draft Riots of 1863. It must been seen to be believed.

The movie's setting is the Fight Points area of the Sixth Ward in New York. This was an actual place at the time and was just as squalid as it is portrayed in the film. There are people everywhere, and most live in the Old Brewery which had been converted to housing building. Most families lived in a single room with all utilities, bedroom, kitchen in that single room. All of the buildings are set up just as they were in the 1860's and were built of the same material; brick, stone, and wood. Several scenes take place in brothels where women stroll naked throughout. Historians have written that nearly every building in the Five Points did have at least one brothel. Almost every small detail in the film is paid much attention in order for everything to replicate actual New York in the 19^th century as much as possible.