“In the ruthless streets of Five Points, one man’s thirst for revenge fuels his journey to reclaim a lost kingdom.”
Watch the original version of Gangs of New York
Prologue:
The Five Points, a vortex of chaos and infamy where the destitute and the desperate brushed shoulders with rabble-rousers and the ruthless. A harrowed figure, draped in antiquated elegance, reined as the steadfast guardian of the notorious neighborhood. Vallon: a name that echoed through dank alleyways and grimy prayers, instilling a sense of trepidation in the hearts of those who dared to challenge him. His formidable presence was his arsenal; respect, his command.
Yet, amid his fortress of loyalty, a serpent lurked. Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, a pitiless figure who craved the thrill of power and the intoxication of control. Vallon’s nemesis, whose eyes glowed with demonic fervor, was biding his time, watching for an opportunity to sink his fangs. It came one ominous day, the echoes of treachery ripping apart the neighborhood’s uneasy tranquility.
Chapter 1: “Echoes from the Past”:
The morning sun was a shy spectator peeking through the ashen clouds, casting a diffused glow on the cobbled streets of Five Points. An eerie calm reigned, a tacit presage of the storm that was brewing. Every eye was drawn to the solitary figure that emerged at the district’s entrance.
It was a gaunt, spectral figure etched upon the canvas of chaos. Amsterdam Vallon, offspring of the fallen guardian, returned from the abyss of past, drawn back by the siren call of revenge against his father’s murderer.
Amsterdam’s eyes, now hardened with years of grief, skimmed through familiar dilapidated buildings, the decrepit facades whispering tales of a time long past. The old church, once a beacon of spiritual solace, now stood frail, its paint chipped, echoing the decay that had beset the community.
The Vallon Tavern, once the resounding heart of Five Points, bristled with a sense of irrevocable loss. Its wooden boards, now rotting, carried the stench of spilled whiskey and blood, tainting the sweet memories of Amsterdam’s childhood. Each creak of the loose boards, each dim corner, held vivid imprints of his father, the beloved guardian of Five Points.
His heart wrenched as the monstrous image of his father’s brutal death resurfaced. Bill ‘The Butcher’ had not only taken his father’s life but also the soul of Five Points. But Amsterdam was back; a revenant resurrected from the dark depths of agony, seeking retribution.
A chill ran up his spine, a chilling reminder of the last time he had seen his father. Vallon, a towering figure, locked in a dance of death with the psychopathic Butcher. The sudden gasp that had echoed across the district when the Butcher, in a swift, brutal swing, ended Vallon’s reign and life. The memory was seared into Amsterdam’s soul, fueling his vendetta.
With each step further into the Five Points, his resolution fortified. He was home, in a place no longer reminiscent of the sanctuary he once knew. He was back in the belly of the beast, ready to reclaim the lost honor of the Vallon name and restore the peace his father had once established.
Amsterdam Vallon stood in the heart of his past, resolute and silent. His eyes, ones that had seen the death of a guardian, now held a spark, a spark that threatened to set the Five Points aflame with revolution. The prodigal son had returned, and with him, the dawn of a new era approached. The fire of vengeance was alight, and the echoes from the past reverberated louder with each passing moment.
Chapter 2: “Return of the Prodigal Son”
The dense gloom lurked over the grimy cobblestones of Five Points as Amsterdam Vallon stepped onto the land that once breathed his name. His heavy boots echoed ominously, their rhythm intertwining with his low, pulsing heartbeat, creating a grim symphony of a past that was lost and a future that beckoned. The air did not have the same taste it used to, it bore the stench of despair, of oppression, of Bill the Butcher.
Grimy children scurried along the narrow alleyways, while their mothers, their dresses faded and their eyes even dimmer, barely glanced up from their labor. The men, huddled in groups, whispered tales of the terror that Bill had sewn into the fabric of Five Points. Amsterdam’s heart hardened like aged oak. This was not the Five Points he remembered; it had morphed from a realm of resilient rebels into a pit of subservience that bore the stamp of a single man.
As he walked on, the cobbled streets continued to unfold fragments of his past. The fish market that once thrived with banter and laughter now stood eerily silent; the schoolyard, where Amsterdam had spent hours learning alphabets traced on the dusty ground, was now a gambling den. Still, amidst the ruin, there were echoes of defiance. In the eyes of the young boys who bet their scant pennies on dogfights, in the laughter of the barmaids who defied their meager existence, in the lingering tune of a half-remembered lullaby on a mother’s lips.
Amsterdam set up camp in a run-down stable, barren except for a horse and an old dog, their eyes gleaming with a shared understanding of solitude. He slept on the worn-out hay, a meager blanket his only shield against the piercing New York chill. Yet, the cold he felt was not of the flesh but of the soul, a frosty void left by his father’s absence.
Days turned into weeks as Amsterdam familiarized himself with the new order of Five Points. He observed Bill’s henchmen patrolling the streets, the fear in the eyes of the elders, and the dreams smothered in the hearts of the young. He bode his time, patient as a panther stalking its prey, laying the first bricks of his silent rebellion, his vengeance, in the heart of the suffocating tyranny.
An unexpected camaraderie blossomed amidst the chaos. A seemingly insignificant encounter with a nimble pickpocket led to an alliance forged in mutual defiance. The young thief, intrigued by Amsterdam’s audacious spirit, became an invaluable ally, offering him insights into Bill’s reign, revealing the cracks in his dominion.
In the dead of the night, Amsterdam would lay under the star-dappled sky, whispering stories of his father to the winds. He spoke of a man of honor, of unity, a man who bled for the people of Five Points. He spoke of betrayal, of a butcher who dabbed his fingers in treacherous blood. And as his anger simmered in the embers of the past, Amsterdam Vallon, once a son of Five Points, pledged to rise as its savior.
Thus, under the watchful eye of the moon, a promise was made, a silent vow that echoed through the desolate corridors of Five Points. Bill the Butcher had staked his claim, stained the cobbles with the blood of the innocent, and instilled his reign of terror. But Amsterdam Vallon had returned; he had seen the rot that corrupted his home and decided to sever it at its root. This wasn’t just a mission. It was the start of a crusade, the promise of a revolution. The prodigal son had returned to reclaim his home, to restore its honor and to rekindle the flame of rebellion, that once burnt brightly, in the hearts of the Five Points’ oppressed souls.
Chapter 3: “Pockets Full of Dreams”
The third chapter commenced with a dull gray sunrise over the scarred face of Five Points. The city was just beginning to stir, a grumble of activity rousing from the depths of its grimy alleyways. The chaotic symphony of the city was music to the ears of one such figure, who moved with all the grace of a well-rehearsed dancer through the hustle and bustle. His nimble fingers dipped into pockets, ruffled through handbags, and emerged victorious with glittering rewards.
His name was Johnny, but in the underbelly of Five Points, he was better known as Johnny ‘Fingers.’ A wafer-thin boy of seventeen with a cocky grin permanently etched on his baby-faced features. Orphaned at a young age, the streets became his family, and stealing, his trade. He was not proud of his job, but the mean streets of Five Points were no place for morality.
As the city roused, Johnny finished his early morning ‘shift,’ with the day’s spoils safely secured in his hidden pouch. A chance meeting had him bumping into a tall, dark figure. Recovering quickly, he lowered his gaze and was about to scurry away when a firm hand grasped his arm. He looked up into the steely eyes of Amsterdam Vallon.
Amsterdam had been observing Johnny for a while. He recognized the talent vested in the sprightly youngster. But he saw more. He saw a spark in Johnny’s eyes, an intensity that mirrored his own – the hunger to rise above the muck and grime of these streets. Amsterdam needed soldiers like Johnny, who understood the city and were shrewd enough to outwit their enemy.
“Boy, how’d you like to earn an honest penny for a change?”, Amsterdam asked. Johnny’s eyes flickered with surprise and skepticism. What was this stranger offering him – a chance to get off these streets? An opportunity to find a place in his army? A path to win the respect he so deeply craved? Or just another trap?
After a moment’s hesitation, Johnny took Amsterdam’s extended hand, deciding to gamble his fate on this stranger’s promise. Amsterdam smiled, gripping his hand firmly. A silent pact was formed in that grimy alley under the dim glow of the morning sun.
Johnny’s inclusion marked the burgeoning of Amsterdam’s army. He was the first of many who would rally under Amsterdam’s banner, ready to risk their lives for a cause they knew was larger than any of them. His comrades accepted him with open arms, a sense of camaraderie resonating amongst them.
Under Amsterdam’s guidance, Johnny flourished. He trained hard and let go of his old habits, channeling his former street cunning into tactical brilliance. He became a symbol of hope amongst the army, a beacon that reflected the possibility of change, the potential of dreams.
Meanwhile, the underbelly of Five Points buzzed with rumors of rebellion, palpable excitement creeping into the daily grind. The community observed with bated breath as Amsterdam’s forces rose from the ashes, an uprising that promised to challenge the rule of the Butcher.
Amsterdam possessed a charismatic charm that drew the oppressed to him. The Five Points erupted with whispers of the prodigal son’s return, and people flocked to Amsterdam’s side, inspired by his audacity and vision. As the intensity of anticipation escalated, the streets simmered with newfound hope.
The chapter concluded as the sun set over the five infamous intersections. Amsterdam’s gaze ran over his fledgling army, an underdog force ready to challenge the reign of the Butcher. A sense of pride washed over him as he moved through the ranks, patting shoulders and nodding at familiar faces. He knew the path ahead was marred with blood and treachery, but he also knew that this was a war that they were willing to fight. The dream of freedom, of peace, was worth every drop of blood they were going to spill.
In the dusky hues of the twilight, they stood united, their hearts echoing with a single oath – to free Five Points from the clutches of the Butcher, to restore the glory it had lost. They were ready to rise, to fight, to conquer. The war was just beginning.
Chapter 4: “The Butcher’s Reign”
New York, 1863. Underneath the damp cobblestone veins of the metropolis, the Five Points throbbed with a palpable fear, a cold dread that cast long shadows over the narrow, grimy streets. At the heart of this fearful pulse lurked a malevolent force – William “Bill The Butcher” Cutting.
A tyrant among men, Bill was redheaded and blue-eyed, a beacon of patriotism and a grotesque caricature of the nativist sentiment all at once. His reign was not mere governance; it was a spectacle. Public hangings, carnivals of violence, children turned into soldiers—all the city had become an offering to the Butcher’s bloodlust.
Everything about Bill screamed power and domination. His cold gaze emanated an icy chill that made even the bravest men shiver, and his towering figure was an embodiment of his unbridled authority over Five Points and its denizens. The Butcher was a beast in the guise of a man, his every step echoing intimidation and supremacy. His lips held a perpetual sneer, as though he was always on the verge of laughing at the helpless prey that surrounded him.
Bill’s reign seemed inescapable, his presence ubiquitous. He was in the very air of Five Points, a suffocating fog that hung over the streets. Every trembling whisper, every glance exchanged in fear, was a testament to his monstrous reign. His power seemed as indestructible as the city’s iron-clad edifices, his control as intricate and unassailable as the maze-like tenements of Five Points.
A complex character, Bill the Butcher was not wholly evil. He had a twisted sense of honor, or so he claimed. His father, a bare-knuckle bruiser, had drilled into him the uncompromising importance of one’s word. To Bill, this translated into an unwavering commitment to his promise of maintaining a reign of terror till he drew his last breath. He instilled fear like an artist paints a canvas, his palette composed of brutality, murder, and intimidation.
Yet, there was a method to his madness. Bill nurtured an unwavering belief in ‘America for Americans.’ He sowed seeds of xenophobia, exploited ethnic tension, and fueled anti-immigrant sentiment to maintain his power. He claimed to protect the city from ‘foreign invaders,’ all the while nurturing a fortress of fear and prejudice within Five Points.
One such example of his cunning was his manipulation of the city’s power structures. Bill had those in authority tangled in his web of influence, law enforcement, politicians, even clergymen, all dancing on the puppet strings held by the Butcher. His control extended beyond the physical boundaries of Five Points, reaching into the dark corners of the city’s corrupt administration.
Despite the city’s underbelly cowering under Bill’s dominion, whispers of rebellion began to stir, like distant thunder foretelling a storm. The downtrodden had lived too long under the shadow of the Butcher, their hearts yearning for a savior.
Somewhere in the twisted alleys of the neighborhood, the prodigal son, Amsterdam Vallon, was plotting his revenge. The unrest within the district began to take form, like an unborn storm gathering strength beneath the surface, waiting to break forth and wash away the era of the Butcher.
The Butcher’s reign was the darkness before dawn, the seemingly endless night of despair. It was a time of cowardice and heroism, of monstrous deeds and noble sacrifices. The story of Bill The Butcher was the story of New York – raw, ruthless, and relentlessly captivating. But even the darkest nights had to give way to the dawn. The end of the Butcher’s reign was imminent; the question remained – would Five Points survive to see the light of a new day? As the city held its breath in anticipation, the stage was set for an epic showdown. A battle that would shape the future of Five Points and define the legacy of New York.
Chapter 5: “Rallying the Troops”
The dawn light filtering through the grimy windows of the abandoned warehouse turned the gathering space into a cathedral of rebellion. There, in the heart of the Five Points, Amsterdam Vallon stood as a beacon. His fiery determination reflected in the eyes of the men and women surrounding him, an eclectic collection of rejects, outcasts, and fighters, each carrying their own silent grudges against the tyrant, Bill the Butcher. With the air as thick as syrup, the hum of anticipation permeated the room. He was turning an assortment of ragtag residents into an army, an army that could challenge the reign of terror.
Amsterdam had spent the past weeks recruiting, using a combination of heartfelt pleas and charismatic persuasion. Handshakes were exchanged in dimly lit pubs, promises whispered in hushed voices in shadowy alleyways. His words were like seeds, planted in the fertile ground of discontentment and watering them with hope.
Each new recruit brought a tale of oppression under Bill’s rule, stories that wove them together into a tapestry of shared determination. A teenage boy, forced into thievery, voices his eagerness to wield a weapon instead of picking pockets. A widow, her husband’s life snuffed out by Bill’s men, promises to provide food and medicinal aid. Each new face, each oath of allegiance, was a testament to their collective will to change.
Amsterdam’s pickpocket companion, now his most loyal ally, maneuvered through this crowd, carrying messages, passing weapons, and distributing food. His nimble fingers, once skilled in theft, now brewed the very essence of revolt. His spirit, previously shrouded in survival instinct, birthed a warrior’s fire, a testament to Amsterdam’s power of transformation. His presence was the living embodiment of their fight for a cause beyond their individual selves.
The warehouse turned training ground buzzed with activity; sweat-soaked bodies twisting and turning, honing their combat skills. Echoes of clashing weaponry were drowned by the chorus of hardened hearts set on a course of rectification. The grueling training sessions, overlooked by Amsterdam, breathed life into their spirits, instilling discipline and an unyielding, relentless drive.
Amsterdam would often stand on a makeshift stage, his gaze scanning over the sea of determined faces. His speeches, fervent and impassioned, were delivered not just to their ears but their hearts. Every word, every sentence was a pledge, a promise of an era free from Bill’s sadistic reign. His voice, a symphony of hope and rage, stoked the fires of their resolve, each word a flame igniting their collective will.
A sense of unity began to grow within them. Respect for one another’s stories and struggles bridged the gaps of their backgrounds. The coal miner stood shoulder to shoulder with the former aristocrat, the seamstress beside the fallen soldier, each contributing to the creation of a force potent enough to challenge an Empire. Their camaraderie became the foundation on which their rebellion was built, amplifying their spirits tenfold.
Meanwhile, their enemy was unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows. Bill the Butcher, in his throne of debauchery, remained oblivious to the rising tide of revolt. Amsterdam, with his militant army, was a snake in the grass, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
The chapter culminated in a ceremonial toast. A sea of upraised glasses, the hearty sound of clinking mugs, and an echo of laughter painted a mesmerizing picture of inchoate victory. It was not just a moment of relaxation in their grueling routine but a testament of their unity, resilience, and determination.
As Amsterdam looked upon the faces of his newly formed army, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He knew they were ready. Ready to fight, ready to topple the reign of the Butcher. The final showdown was imminent, Their hearts pulsated in rhythm with a single mantra—Victory or Death. With it, the chapter came full circle, the thread of Amsterdam’s leadership tying them together, securing them as an army, an indivisible unit ready to wage war for their freedom. The ultimate battle against Bill the Butcher was no longer a distant vision but a tangible, rapidly approaching reality.
Chapter 6: “The Reckoning”
Amsterdam Vallon stood on the precipice of destiny, his heart pulsating with anticipation. The electric energy that reverberated through the air was palpable, and it enkindled nested emotions in the hearts of every rebel present. Underneath the starlit sky, the army assembled, fraught with the tension of the impending confrontation. A hush fell upon the crowd, one that bordered reverence, their faces mirroring the amalgamation of anticipation, fear, and resilience.
Amsterdam stood undeterred, his resolve reflecting the relentless waves crashing against the shore nearby. He couldn’t help the memories his father’s teachings flooding back, his words echoing in the silence of the night. He knew that if they were to emerge victorious, they would have to bring down the behemoth that was Bill the Butcher.
The night was split open by a raven’s call, it was a sign; the sign they had awaited. The army’s heart thumped in unison, the sound echoing through the silent streets of Five Points. A chilling wind carried whispers of a bloody past and a promised reckoning. It was time.
Bill the Butcher, in his grotesque glory, stood before them, a snide smirk adorning his face. His crew flanking him like wolves ready for the kill. His cold laughter slicing through the silence. “Do you presume to threaten me, Amsterdam Vallon?” he sneered, his voice echoing ominously.
Amsterdam, with the composure of a seasoned warrior, retorted, “I don’t threaten, Bill. I promise.” The echo of his vow reverberated, causing ripples of determination to wash over his army.
The confrontation was slated to be a blood opera that Five Points had never seen before. The first wave of attack was launched with an almost harmonious battle cry, piercing the night’s tranquility. The air was laden with the clangor of metal meeting metal, the sickening thud of bodies falling, cries of pain, and roars of triumph.
Amsterdam locked eyes with Bill, his father’s murderer, his personal nemesis. The world around them blurred into irrelevance. His grip tightened around the hilt of his father’s dagger – a grim memento of his past and a beacon for his vengeance.
The first clash of their weapons echoed ominously, marking the onset of their personal battle. Bill’s butcher knife swished through the air with menacing precision. But Amsterdam met him, strike for strike, his every move a dance between life and death.
A brutal ballet unfolded between the two, their blades painting arcs of silver under the moonlight. Bill, with his hulking presence and raw strength, was a formidable adversary. But Amsterdam’s agility and resolve matched him, blow for bloody blow. A primal dance of vengeance, it mirrored the undercurrent of their personal vendetta.
Bill’s blade found its mark, cutting a searing line across Amsterdam’s cheek, but it did nothing to dampen his spirit. He retaliated, his blade striking true, tearing a gasp from Bill’s lips. Sweat and blood dripped into their eyes, their faces mere inches apart. The fire in their eyes reflected their unwavering determination and the promise of an unforgettable climax.
The final moments of the battle were a blur. Amsterdam, driven by his father’s memory, fueled by a lifetime’s worth of hate, plunged his dagger into Bill’s heart. A shocked silence fell over the battleground as Bill the Butcher’s reign ended in a gasp of surprise – a poetic end for a man who had sown terror in every heart.
The sight of Bill’s lifeless body eliciting the pent-up emotions in every rebel, a surge of relief and triumph swept over the battlefield. Cheers and cries of elation filled the air, marking the dawn of a new era. Against all odds, Amsterdam Vallon had led his army to victory, avenging his father, and liberating Five Points from the clutches of the Butcher.
The Reckoning had come and gone, leaving behind a new world order. Amsterdam proved that the human spirit, armed with the courage to challenge oppressive forces, could bring about change. The tale of his victory would be etched into the annals of Five Points history, a beacon for the oppressed, and a warning for oppressors. The night may have been drenched in blood and iron, but the daybreak promised a new dawn. The Five Points breathed free again.
Chapter 7: “Dawn of a New Era”
In the quiet predawn hours, the historical Five Points of America lay fraught with the poignant aftermath of a battle. Cudgels and daggers scattered about, the ground itself marred by a tale of violence. Yet in the very same destruction, a fresh hope was born.
Through the mist of the chilly morning, stepping over the remnants of the night’s chaos, Amsterdam Vallon emerged. His eyes held a victorious glimmer, an image of strength hammered in the anvils of suffering. As day broke, a new light, the light of change, kindled in the darkest corners of Five Points.
Throughout Five Points, whispers of Bill the Butcher’s downfall danced from one ear to the other. A tyrant had fallen, a tale as old as time, but it held a raw, unique flavor here. For the demise of a despot was always celebrated, but seldom was the victor one of their own. Amsterdam, a son of their soil, had done the unthinkable. The whispers grew into chatter, chatter into noise, the noise into a resonating roar that echoed across the boroughs.
In the marketplaces, in the back alleys, at water pumps, and under bridges, the tale of Amsterdam’s victory was recounted with relish. Every jab and parry, each cunning maneuver, the pain-streaked expressions, and the final, bone-jarring blow that ended Bill’s reign – were embroidered with the colorful threads of local storytelling.
From the honest hardworking artisans to the shifty-eyed pickpockets, everyone shared a sense of liberation. And in that freedom, Amsterdam’s army—the men and women who had stood by him, who had risked everything—found their place. They were no longer rabble but heroes of their own story.
Amsterdam cemented his role not as a ruler, but as a beacon of hope for Five Points. He negated the power plays and politics, focusing on rebuilding and fostering unity. The once-gang-dominated streets began to witness a harmony, unusual but not unwelcome. Children played in alleys without fear, and men and women went about their daily tasks with a newfound spark in their eyes.
Among them, the eager pickpocket, the unlikely companion in Amsterdam’s quest, found a purpose beyond petty crimes. With an uncontainable spirit, the young lad embarked on a journey of redemption, channeling his agile fingers and sharp wit for the welfare of Five Points.
But the end of the Butcher’s era was just a new beginning. As Amsterdam took strides towards restoration, the shadow of the past and the challenge of the future were intertwined in a complex dance. The past could not be forgotten—it was in every crack and crevice, every old tale, every hardened gaze. But the future was there too—in every intent-filled stride, every aspirational gaze, in the laughter of children too young to remember the reign of the Butcher.
An era had ended, and a new one had begun. The dawn of this era was not marked by extraordinary events, but everyday unity, courage, hard work, and an undying hope—a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Five Points braced itself for its metamorphosis from a land of lawlessness to its rebirth as a community united. The butcher’s block was stained no more. Stretching and expanding with every passing day, the realm of vengeance was shrinking, giving way to the reign of harmony.
And so it was, as day followed night, Amsterdam, with his motley crew and the spirit of Five Points, wrote their tale. A tale sowed in the depths of oppression, watered by tears of sorrow, and bloomed in the dawn of liberation—their tale, the tale of Five Points. A tale that proved what unity, resilience, and hope could achieve—a tale that resonated through time, echoed in the hearts of the people, and embedded itself deep into the roots of Five Points. The dawn of a new era had indeed arrived.
Some scenes from the movie Gangs of New York written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
EXT. FIVE POINTS – LATE AFTERNOON, 1846.
The busy district of Five Points is in full swing. Immigrants fill the streets. It’s dirty, noisy and chaotic. A YOUNG AMSTERDAM VALLON watches his father, LEONARD ‘LEO’ VALLON, from a corner.
LEO(V.O):
(narrating)
“This is Five Points, son. Home.”
CUT TO:
INT. VALLON’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Leo tucks Young Amsterdam in, the boy’s eyes filled with admiration.
YOUNG AMSTERDAM:
“Will I be strong like you, Papa?”
LEO:
“Stronger, my boy. You’ll be the strength this place needs.”
CUT TO:
EXT. FIVE POINTS MARKET – DAY
The day of Leo’s death. Bill the Butcher and his gang arrive at the marketplace. Leo steps forward, standing his ground.
BILL THE BUTCHER:
“Think your old rules still apply, Vallon?”
LEO:
“Someone needs to teach you some, Bill.”
They fight. Bill brutally murders Leo as Young Amsterdam watches in horror.
BILL THE BUTCHER:
(to others)
“Let the boy live. He’ll remember this day.”
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. FIVE POINTS – EVENING
A bustling scene of Five Points. A symphony of CHAOS amidst the crumbling buildings. The stench of poverty hangs heavy. We see a FIGURE trudging along, unnoticed.
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP on the figure – AMSTERDAM VALLON (mid-30s, rugged, stern eyes that speak of past pain). Amsterdam stands, taking in the scene, his eyes hardened.
AMSTERDAM (V.O)
It’s changed…but the blood stains…they’re the same.
Suddenly, a KID (early teens, ragged) bumps into him, slipping his hand into Amsterdam’s pocket. Swiftly, Amsterdam catches his wrist.
AMSTERDAM
Your skills need work, lad.
The kid, surprised, tries to wriggle free. Amsterdam releases him with a small smirk.
CUT TO:
INT. MAKESHIFT PUB – NIGHT
Amsterdam enters a rowdy pub. On a raised platform, BILL THE BUTCHER (mid-50s, imposing, sharp eyes) holds court. Amsterdam catches sight of Bill. His expression hardens.
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK – EXT. FIVE POINTS – DAY
A younger Bill, in a brutal fight with Amsterdam’s father. A quick flash of a blade and Amsterdam’s father falls, lifeless.
BACK TO PRESENT
Amsterdam lingers in the shadow, watching Bill, his eyes burning with revenge.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
EXT. FIVE POINTS – NIGHT
Lampposts thinly lit up the grimy streets of Five Points. The night life bustles with activity. AMSTERDAM VALLON (early 30s, rugged) moves through the crowd, his eyes fixed, gritty.
Suddenly, his pocket is picked. He turns sharply, catching a glimpse of a young waif, a BOY (15, scrawny, quick) disappearing into the crowd.
AMSTERDAM
(under his breath)
Damn pickpocket…
EXT. NARROW ALLEY – NIGHT
Amsterdam corners the Boy against a brick wall. Fear dances in the Boy’s eyes.
AMSTERDAM
Return my belongings. Now.
The Boy relinquishes Amsterdam’s belongings. He examines the Boy, seeing something of his younger self in the scared eyes.
AMSTERDAM
Ever thought of pickpocketing for a cause?
BOY
(scoffs)
And what cause is that?
AMSTERDAM
A cause that could change Five Points forever.
Amsterdam extends his hand. The Boy hesitates, then shakes his hand – a pact is formed.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 4
INT. THE BUTCHER’S DEN – NIGHT
A dimly lit room filled with smoke and noise, it’s the uneasy heart of Five Points. Seated on a throne-like chair is BILL, a monstrous figure, formidable and ruthless.
ACROSS THE ROOM
Amsterdam, eyes hardened, observes Bill from the shadows, his wounds echoing his father’s past. A FIDGETY PICKPOCKET, his new ally, stealthily moves around pickpocketing the drunk men.
BILL (raising his glass)
To the sovereignty of Five Points!
DRUNKEN MEN (in unison)
Long live the Butcher!
From the corner, Amsterdam seethes, his hatred boiling.
BILL (cont’d)
Who would dare defy us?
Amsterdam’s gaze hardens.
BILL (cont’d)
Let them come!
The room roars in approval. Amsterdam leaves the room, his face a hardened mask.
EXT. FIVE POINTS – NIGHT
Amsterdam stares at the dystopian realm, the once vibrant marketplace now a battleground.
AMSTERDAM
(to Pickpocket)
We need strength in numbers.
The Pickpocket nods, eyes glinting with determination.
AMSTERDAM (cont’d)
Let the recruitment begin.
As Amsterdam strides away, the camera pans to the menacing Butcher’s Den, foreshadowing the impending storm.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. FIVE POINTS – NIGHT
In the dimly lit alley, AMSTERDAM VALLON (30’s, leader-like bearing) stands before a motley assortment of MEN and WOMEN. Eager eyes reflect off the fire light.
AMSTERDAM
(Firm, low)
We’ve lived under the Butcher’s boot for too long. It’s time for change – it’s time for freedom.
A murmur runs through the gathering. Amsterdam’s attention goes to the PICKPOCKET (teens, defiant eyes), who has become his unlikely right-hand man.
AMSTERDAM
(softly)
Are you with me?
PICKPOCKET
(quickly)
To the end, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam nods, appreciating the loyalty. He turns back to the crowd.
AMSTERDAM
(rousing)
We fight for justice, for peace, for our families! Stand with me, not for revenge, but for the dawn of a new era!
A cheer makes the air vibrate. Amsterdam’s army is ready.
INT. MAKE SHIFT TRAINING GROUND – DAY
A montage of men and women training under Amsterdam’s watchful eye. Amsterdam too, trains, his intensity magnified in sweat and determination.
EXT. FIVE POINTS – NIGHT
Amsterdam and the Pickpocket on a rooftop, overlooking the VERY SAME crowd moving stealthily in the moonlight, preparing for the battle.
AMSTERDAM
(softly)
Tomorrow, we might fall…
PICKPOCKET
(interrupting)
Or we might fly.
They share a knowing look, their resolve steeling them for the reckoning to come.
FADE OUT.
