This weekend we watched Gangs of New York. Ugh. What a terrible movie. I can't believe it was nominated for Best Picture. The only interesting parts were the ones that focused on the Civil War, such as when people from Ireland got off the boat and were immediately conscripted to serve in the army.

It was also interesting to view the special features and learn more about the history of the Five Points and the Draft Riots. When we were in New York last month, we visited the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, which is located close to where the Five Points was. It was a fascinating look at immigrant families living in New York in the 1800 and 1900s. There were sometimes 15 people living in one of the tiny three-room apartments. What a life.

But back to the movie. I know it was based on facts, but it was so overdramatized I just found it silly and impossible to believe. I didn't care about Leonardo DiCaprio's character, or Cameron Diaz's character, or really anyone. Waste of money.