Look at historical records. If something isn't in the historical records about New York gangs of that time, it's likely fiction in the movie. For example, some specific dialogue between characters is probably made up.
One way is to research the real - life gang activities in New York during that period. If a scene in the movie seems too over - the - top or doesn't match what we know about the era's social and economic conditions, it's probably fictional. The movie might show a gang having more power or influence than they actually did in real life. Also, the personal relationships between characters might be fictionalized to create drama. For instance, a love interest added to the story might not have any basis in fact.
Examine the cultural aspects. The movie might fictionalize some of the cultural practices of the gangs or the immigrant groups. For example, if it shows a particular ethnic group having a very unique and never - before - heard - of ritual that doesn't match with historical research on that group's culture, it's likely made up for the movie. Also, pay attention to the timeline. If events seem to be out of order compared to what we know happened historically, it's a sign of fictional elements.
Nat Geo probably has a team of experts. These experts are well - versed in New York history, especially the history of gangs. They analyze the details in the 'Gangs of New York' story. If a detail doesn't fit with the known historical context, like a type of weapon being used that wasn't available at the time, it's likely a fictional addition. They also consider the cultural and social norms of the era to separate fact from fiction.
There are many facts in 'Gangs of New York'. The gangs in New York at that time were real, and the conflicts between different ethnic groups were also real. But fiction comes in when we look at the specific storylines of some characters. Maybe the individual heroic deeds or the way some relationships develop in the movie are more for entertainment value and not strictly historical.
It's mainly fact. The movie draws a lot from real - life events and the situation of gangs in New York back then. The ethnic and territorial disputes among different gangs were real. But, of course, some details might be tweaked a bit for the movie's drama. For instance, the way some of the fight scenes are presented might be more cinematic than what actually happened, but the overall backdrop is factual.
One aspect of fact in 'Gangs of New York' is the historical backdrop of the city's gang culture during that era. The movie depicts the intense rivalries between different ethnic gangs, which was a real phenomenon. For example, the native - born gangs and the immigrant gangs often clashed over territory and resources. Fictionally, some of the individual characters' storylines might be exaggerated for the sake of drama. The movie weaves a complex web of relationships that may not have been as neatly defined in reality. But overall, it gives a vivid picture of the chaotic and violent world of New York gangs in the past.
Well, 'Gangs of New York' first takes the real historical context of the gangs in New York. The ethnic rivalries, the poverty - stricken areas, and the power struggles were real. Then, to make it a more exciting movie, it invents certain characters' backstories and their personal vendettas. The movie also fictionalizes some of the events to heighten the drama. For example, the big showdowns between the gangs might not have happened exactly as shown in the movie, but they represent the real - life tensions that existed.
It blends them by using real historical events as a framework and then filling in the gaps with fictional characters and storylines. For example, the backdrop of the Five Points area in New York was a real and notorious place, and the movie uses this real - life setting to tell its story. But the individual adventures and romances of the characters like Amsterdam Vallon are fictional.
Look for evidence. If something is claimed but there's no evidence to back it up, it might be fiction. For instance, if a story claims that a certain plant can cure all diseases but there are no scientific trials to prove it, it's probably fictional.
There are many facts about gangs in New York covered by National Geographic. For example, the existence of various gangs in different boroughs is a fact. Some gangs have distinct territorial claims. However, sometimes there might be fictional elements in popular media portrayals that are wrongly associated with real - life gangs. National Geographic aims to distinguish between the two.
One way is to look at the sources. If it comes from reliable historical records like official documents, diaries of the time, or works of respected historians, it's more likely to be fact. For example, the existence of Caesar in Roman history is supported by numerous historical texts.