The story begins in 1846, with the young Amsterdam Vallon witnessing his father Priest Vallon, the leader of the Irish Catholic gang, the “Dead Rabbits,” being killed in battle by Bill the Butcher (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), the leader of the Nativist gang. Amsterdam is taken in by a Catholic orphanage, where he grows up determined to avenge his father’s death.
Sixteen years later, in 1862, Amsterdam (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to the Five Points to seek revenge against Bill the Butcher. He infiltrates Bill’s gang and gains his trust, all the while plotting to kill him. Along the way, Amsterdam becomes involved with Jenny Everdeane (played by Cameron Diaz), a pickpocket and thief who has her own agenda.
As Amsterdam works his way into Bill’s inner circle, tensions rise between the Irish immigrants and the Nativists, leading to violent clashes and riots in the streets of Five Points. Amsterdam finds himself torn between his loyalty to his father’s memory and his growing affection for Jenny, who has a complicated history with Bill.
In the climax of the film, Amsterdam’s true identity is revealed to Bill, who feels betrayed by his protege. In a brutal showdown, Amsterdam and Bill engage in a fierce battle to the death, culminating in Amsterdam ultimately killing Bill with a knife.
With Bill dead, Amsterdam assumes leadership of the Irish gang and establishes control over the Five Points. However, he soon realizes that the victory comes at a great cost, as the neighborhood is torn apart by violence and corruption.
In the end, Amsterdam reflects on the futility of his quest for revenge and the cycle of violence that consumes the Five Points. He decides to leave New York behind and start a new life elsewhere, symbolizing a new beginning for himself and the city.
“Gangs of New York” is a sprawling epic that explores themes of immigration, identity, and power in 19th-century America. With its gritty realism, dynamic characters, and stunning period detail, the film offers a gripping and immersive portrayal of a turbulent era in New York City’s history.