Hi Chris --

I'm glad to see that at least one "historical" archaeologist bothered to
study history in college!  ;o)  (another topic)

The material culture aspects of the film (one can nitpick anything), and
its GENERAL-OVERALL historical aspects are well done.  There are, however,
gross inaccuracies with many of the historical points, e.g. the naval
bombardment, the excessive death tolls, etc. As far as the racial matters
go, one has to realize that there was no love lost between the Irish and
the Blacks, ( then or now) as both were oppressed and had to make due with,
or compete with each other for, the most menial types of jobs that were
available to them.  The depiction of NY politics was good.

Like "The Patriot" (in spite of the Smithsonian's silly efforts with that
one), it does give one a reasonably good overview of a particular subject
or time period, and, for us detail freaks, Hollywood is finally getting
some of the nuances of period details correct (e.g. one doesn't see
flashless muskets firing anymore).  But Hollywood still seems to want to
embellish or distort historical facts with box office-aimed fireworks.

Anyway, enjoy the film for what it does do.

Carl Barna
Regional Historian
BLM Colorado State Office



                    chris rohe
                    <crohe@HOTMAIL       To:     [log in to unmask]
                    .COM>                cc:
                    Sent by:             Subject:     historical movies
                    HISTORICAL
                    ARCHAEOLOGY
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                    12/28/2002
                    09:49 AM
                    Please respond
                    to HISTORICAL
                    ARCHAEOLOGY






Hello everyone, hope all had good holidays.  I often hear of archaeology in
fiction on here but not much on historical focused movies, so I would like
to recommend GANGS OF NEW YORK.  It's not one to take the kids too.  It's
full of violence and racial bigotry, but often today we're given watered
down versions of history thanks to the pc world for fear of guilt or
offending someone.  Real life is often offensive.
Anyway I would like to hear some opinions from people who have some
experience of the area and what they thought of the accuracy of the film or
how it was done.  The only stuff I know of the area is from some History
Channel episodes and a few history classes. The names of the gangs sounded
right, the draft riots of 1863 as I understand were only quelled by sending
in federal troops, and the portrayal of the fire and police departments
being ran by different groups which often battled in the streets for
control
of areas all seemed pretty good.
So, I recommend the movie even though it is DeCaprio it was an interesting
film.
Happy New Year,
Chris Rohe







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