From Hell

From Hell, released in 2001, is a horror/mystery movie about the Jack The Ripper murders. The movie plays on the theory that Jack the Ripper was murdering the specific prostitutes (unfortunates) because they knew about the Prince's marriage to an "unfortunate" that resulted in the prince and this girl having a baby, which would have been the heir to the throne. It also played on the idea that the prince had syphilis. The theory states that the murderer was protecting the throne. The film stars Johnny Depp as inspector Abberline, and Robbie Coltrane as Sargent Godley, Abberline's friend and subordinate as the investigators assigned to the Jack the Ripper case. Abberline has visions that help him to solve crimes, his visions come in his dreams and after he smokes opium or drinks absinthe. Heather Graham stars as Mary Kelly one of the girls who the Ripper is targeting, Mary Kelly and Abberline meet during the investigation and there is a love story that unfolds between the two. But can Abberline stop the Ripper before Mary and all of her friends are murdered? The Jack the Ripper case was never solved, and there are many theories on who the Ripper was and why he committed the murders. This is one of many of them. The movie is slightly problematic in it's feeding into people's stereotyping the Free Masons as some evil mysterious cult. After talking to a few Freemasons I have been told that this film is actually kind of offensive in its portrayal of the Freemasons. I am not a mason so I honestly can't say one way or another. Other than those issues, I would honestly say that this is a really excellent movie. The sets are beautiful, and it really does feel like you are transported to 1888. The characters are all perfectly cast, and it is nice to see Robbie Coltrane in this film, as many people might only know him as Hagrid from the Harry Potter films, it is nice seeing him in a more adult role, though even here he has this element of kindness to him, that he also has as Hagrid, I am kinda convinced that he might be a genuinely good person based on his characters and how he plays them. The film has a great compelling story, great characters, great costumes, and the cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The film has a dark dreariness that sets the perfect tone for the dark story, and there are some brilliant beautiful effects and shots in the film that make it a visual joy to watch. This is definitely a film that I have and will continue to re-watch regularly. Would I recommend this movie? Yes, this is honestly one of my favourite movies, and I feel like it should be on everyone's must watch list. It is really well done, and after 18 years still looks as good as it did when it was made. So definitely check this film out if you get a chance!