'' Gangs of New York '' is a 2002 American epic period drama film directed by Martin Scorsese , set in the New York slums , and inspired by Herbert Asbury 's non-fiction book , '' The Gangs of New York '' . The screenplay was by Jay Cocks , Steven Zaillian , and Kenneth Lonergan . The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio , Daniel Day-Lewis and Cameron Diaz . In 1863 , a long-running Catholic – Protestant feud erupts into violence , just as an Irish immigrant group is protesting about low wages caused by an influx of freed slaves , as well as the threat of conscription . Scorsese spent twenty years developing the project until in 1999 Harvey Weinstein and his production company Miramax Films acquired it . Made in Cinecittà , Rome and in New York , the film was completed by 2001 , but was delayed following the September 11 attacks . Released on December 20 , 2002 , it grossed $ 193 million worldwide against its $ 100 million budget . The film received positive reviews from critics for Day-Lewis ' performance , Scorsese 's directing , the production design and costume design . It was nominated for ten Oscars at the Academy Awards
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Gangs of New York