<P> The film is set in 1863 and follows fictional gang leader William `` Bill the Butcher '' Cutting ( Daniel Day - Lewis ) in his roles as crime boss and political kingmaker under the helm of `` Boss '' Tweed ( Jim Broadbent ) . The film culminates in a violent confrontation between Cutting and his mob with the protagonist Amsterdam Vallon ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) and his allies , which prefaces the real - life New York Draft Riots of 1863 . It was released on December 20 , 2002 and grossed $193 million worldwide . </P>
<P> The film is set in 1863 and follows fictional gang leader William `` Bill the Butcher '' Cutting ( Daniel Day - Lewis ) in his roles as crime boss and political kingmaker under the helm of `` Boss '' Tweed ( Jim Broadbent ) . The film culminates in a violent confrontation between Cutting and his mob with the protagonist Amsterdam Vallon ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) and his allies , which prefaces the real - life New York Draft Riots of 1863 . It was released on December 20 , 2002 and grossed $193 million worldwide . </P>
when did gangs of new york take place
when did gangs of new york take place
1863
1863