Bill The butcher should have just killed Amsterdam after Amsterdam tried to kill him?? It seems so simple. Bill obviously knew that he wanted to kill him in revenge for his father and even if he did "shame him" publicly by beating him, surely Bill would have suspected he would try again? Loved this movie but it just seems a bit strange
"There are some that call me..... Tim"
That's exactly what his father did for him (Bill) so he owed him that much. The Priest Vallon could've killed Bill but he gave him another shot and it was his downfall.
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I'd love to see you in the moonlight with your head thrown back and your body on fire.
Bill treated Amsterdam like a son. Amsterdam had proven himself and had saved Bill. I think Bill figured that Amsterdam had 'no heart' when he disfigured him and discarded him.
However Amsterdam exceeded Bill's own expectations and 'rose up with a full heart'.
That's why I think in the final scene between them he nods at him in acknowledgement and a little pride; he's about to use the 'that's a kill' move he has been taught. to It's a father / son type moment. I think Bill is tired and yearned to be bested and face a foe to match him.