Production Year: 2001 - Thriller - Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Paul Rhys, Lesley Sharp, Katrin Cartlidge, Terence Harvey, Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm, Robbie Coltrane, Ian Richardson, Jason Flemyng, Susan Lynch more
FROM HELL is a gory detective film cloaked in Victorian-era mystique. The movie shows how the serial killer Jack the Ripper stalked the dark streets of 1888 London, slaying... more
lacking the depth of the acclaimed graphic novel it's based upon. Making their third feature since 1993'sMenace II Society, twins Allen and Albert Hughes approach th...
lacking the depth of the acclaimed graphic novel it's based upon. Making their third feature since 1993'sMenace II Society, twins Allen and Albert Hughes approach th...
people who are in hell trying to survive the grimmest circumstances. At the core are five impoverished prostitutes who share a desperate friendship drawn tighter as...
Hangover From Hell
You danced 'til dawn, drank the bar dry and now you need help. Revive tired eyes and ease ... more
a pounding head with our cooling eye mask. For party animals who need to feel and look good fast a little piece of heaven - when you feel like hell., Weight: 0.22 lbs., Manufacturer: Oscar + Dehn Ltd.
From Hell
An unflinching recreation of Jack the Ripper's mutilation of five Whitechapel prostitutes ... more
in 1888 is the core of this graphic novel. Jack acts as "midwife to the 20th century" delivering the next 100 years of Holocaust serial killing and media rapaciousness as he extracts his last victim's heart.
From Hell
While Jack The Ripper ruled the streets of London, terror reigned. His crimes were ... more
unspeakable. His bloodlust, unquenchable. His identity, unknown... until now! Johnny Depp and Heather Graham are riveting in this engrossing, stylish thriller directed by the Hughes Brothers.
From Hell
While Jack The Ripper ruled the streets of London, terror reigned. His savagery implied ... more
insanity, but his diabolical precision argued that there was a method to his madness. In 1888 London, the unfortunate poor lead horrifying lives in the city's slums. Harassed by the gangs and forced to walk the streets for a living. Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) and her small group of companions are terrorized when their friend is kidnapped and another in their group is gruesomely murdered. The sinister murder gains the attention of Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp), a brilliant yet troubled man whose police work is often aided by his psychic abilities. Abberline becomes deeply involved with the case and as he gets closer to the truth it becomes more and more dangerous for Abberline, Mary, and the other girls. Will they be able to survive the avenging force that has been sent after them from Hell?
From Hell
In 1888 London, the unfortunate poor live horrifying lives in the city's slums. Harassed ... more
by gangs and forced to walk the streets for a living, Mary Kelly (Graham) and her small group of companions are terrorized when their friend is kidnapped and another in their group is gruesomely murdered. The sinister murder gains the attention of Inspector Fred Abberline (Depp), a brilliant yet troubled man whose police work is often aided by his psychic abilities. Abberline becomes deeply involved in the case and he gets closer to the truth, it becomes more dangerous for Abberline, Mary and the other girls. Will they be able to survive the avenging force that has been sent after them from Hell?
Thriller - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Timothy West, Neil Morrissey, Tara Fitzgerald, Annette Crosbie, Pauline Quirke, Rob Brydon, Denise Van Outen, John Thomson, Kevin Whately, David Suchet
This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now
Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: K.C. Bascombe - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jesse James, Rachel Skarsten, Charles Powell, Linda Purl, Kevin Zegars
This product has not yet been reviewed. Rate it now
Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: Matt Dillon - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Matt Dillon, James Caan, Natascha McElhone, Gerard Depardieu, Sereyvuth Kem, Stellan Skarsgard
A review by Elffriend on From Hell (DVD) September 12th, 2005
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Outstanding
Advantages:
An over - looked film . It has Johnny Depp in it .
Disadvantages:
Poor reviews by critics .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I'm a great fan of horror stories and to some extent a lover of horror movies although I do prefer my films to be subtle rather than a mixture of blood and gore. I was 18 in the late 1960's when Hammer Horror was at its peak so perhaps this influenced my choice of films. I just love atmospheric films when the heart stars to pounds and the music builds up to a climatic finale in any film. My reading matter is similar, a touch of the supernatural with some real content so it's not surprising that I have long been fascinated with stories of "Jack the Ripper". I've read many books over the years and seen a few films but nothing quite prepared me for the film "From Hell".
To be totally honest my main attraction was Johnny Depp starring in the film, along with such great actors as Robbie Coltrane, Ian Holm and Ian Richardson. The film itself didn't get a good review but I decided to see it for myself. It was released in 2001 but never amounted to much and soon was released on video and DVD. I couldn't understand why such a good film flopped so badly but that is mainly down to the critics and some flaws in the casting and the plot. The film was based on the book by the same name, a masterpiece of research by the author Allan Moore with sketches by Eddie Campbell; it took ten years to produce and encompassed many theories on the identity of the "Ripper". Incidentally the letters sent to the police at the time were signed "From Hell".
The film opens with Sergeant Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane) dragging the reluctant Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp) from an opium den to work on the case of the "Ripper". Abbeline has some physic ability, which he dampens or uses to solve crimes aided by the use of opium, laudanum and absinthe a fairly standard use of opiates in the 19th century. The year is 1888 and in the area of Whitechapel a killer is on the loose, a criminal whose name will strike fear into the hearts of every prostitute who works the area for a living. Prostitutes had been murdered before but never in such a brutal way. Abberline senses certain things around the crime scene and with "flashbacks" he knows this is no ordinary killer but a man bent on destruction with a knowledge of anatomy that suggests a butcher or a doctor.
In the eerie streets of London Abberline and Godley pursue the killer, often getting near but never in time to stop the butchery. The "Ripper" taunts the police with letters signed "from hell" and Abberline's superior Sir Charles Warren (Ian Richardson) puts on the pressure in an effort to show that the Ripper will be caught. Abberline comes into contact with the queen's own physician, Sir William Gull (Ian Holm), an egotistical man who further muddies the waters of the case. Abberline is sure that a physician is committing the crimes and the underhand activities of Gull only reinforce his belief. Each murder brings him closer to understanding but can he trust his opium-fuelled brain when his visions draw him nearer to a possible truth, a conspiracy that could rock the foundations of the monarchy?
His investigations lead him to meet Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), a fiery Irish prostitute and so a love affair begins with Abberline paying her to keep off the streets, but blinded by love he can no longer trust his visions and as the victims fall so his theories become more bizarre including Masonic activities and even Albert, the grandson of Queen Victoria who has been known to visit prostitutes. As he draws nearer to understanding the truth behind the murders so he sets himself up for a downfall. Can he avert it in time and save Mary? That's for you to find out for yourself.
The atmosphere of the film is highlighted by the use of colour, mainly red and black in the murder scenes although the actual murders are only shown in brief glimpses with a minimum of blood and gore. Still the "flashbacks" and visions are powerful and add to the intensity of the film. Each scene is captured by the sense of brooding horror in the lurid colours and the skylines of London. Sometimes the scenes became almost surreal in their atmosphere of fear brought on by the stunning soundtrack that whispered or echoed fear in every note. Perhaps the greatest part of the film lay in its twisted landscapes, it's visual complexity. This is no London of pea-souper fogs and echoing footsteps, rather an artistry that may have distracted rather than complimented the film.
I couldn't fault the performance of Johnny Depp although his accent did jar occasionally, he played the part of a man tormented by visions and fuelled by drugs while still keeping in character. Robbie Coltrane gave an excellent performance although his character would have benefited from more exposure. Ian Holm almost stole the show although his character was a minor role, his performance as the villain of the piece was faultless. Heather Graham seemed to be out of her depth a lightweight amongst a star-studded cast. All the right ingredients were there, a superb storyline, great directing from Albert and Allan Hughes, a haunting soundtrack by Trevor Jones, so why did the film fail to live up to its promise? I have my own ideas, maybe it was too visually stunning and led the viewer away from the story, maybe the role of Mary Kelly was too weak, or perhaps the idea of physic thoughts underneath a veil of drugs was too radical.
It certainly worked for me, I loved the film and the subtle touches which brought an old story into new life. I'd read many books on the "Ripper" and the storyline, although not unique, kept me intrigued, how many films have been made without the true villain (Jack the Ripper) putting in an appearance? A twist on a gothic horror should have propelled the film into the top ten best films but it seemed the critics failed to agree. Maybe the artistry had taken the place of the story; maybe the characters were not given enough material to work with? For those like me who prefer atmosphere to gore I'd recommend this without hesitation, if you like your horror splattered by blood then it's still worth a look, you may find the taut tension better than you had expected.
The DVD is available on Amazon as a two-disc set, priced £17.99. New and used are available from £4.50. If you don't fancy buying the film then why not try Amazon's new rental system? It starts at £5.99 per month for three DVD's or try one of the other rental systems. E-Bay have the usual offers, from 99p to £4.99 to buy it outright. Alternately buy it with another DVD such as Sleepy Hollow. A must view for Depp fans who will find yet another of his many acting skills given full reign. Thanks for reading
Advantages: A thought-provoking, suspenseful thriller Disadvantages: You'll only want to watch it once
...but with very little support from a society that treats prostitutes as having no value anyway, it is extremely hard to find answers. He finds himself taking drugs & relying more on psychic-style methods to find out what has been happening to the women & who is responsible. We, the viewers, however, grow to sympathise with the women as we see them for the human beings they are, simply trying to cope in a troublesome world. Often as they are being ... ...are people nearby, either ignorant of what is happening, because the women cannot scream, or unwilling to help. This adds to the frustration that somehow these women are treated as subordinate outcasts to society & suddenly this is a matter of life & death. The Acting
I can’t think of a single scene or actor/actress that disappointed me. The point is that this film is based on suspense & passion, both of which featured well throughout. Mostly this ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Quite realistic, Depp's performance is flawless Disadvantages: Well the historical correctness is not adhered to
...years. I bought this from my local rental shop when we first got a DVD player (shortly after we got married) as I wanted to see it but didn't want to spend a lot of money buying the DVD brand new. So buying an ex-rental disc seemed to be the best option. This single disc edition is currently selling on Amazon for around £4.97 but I would recommend that you shop around as it may be possible to buy it cheaper elsewhere.
I found this whilst looking ... ...His murders concentrated on prostitutes from the poorest areas. Many thought that he was insane, given the savage manner in which he killed these women, but there was a precision to the killings that gave rise to the belief that the Ripper was not a madman, but in fact a highly educated man.
Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) is a prostitute living in a poor area of London. When one of her friends is brutally murdered by the Ripper, and another is kidnapped, ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great quality movie with good cast and great detail Disadvantages: none
Johhny Depp stars as a opium addicted police officer in victorian england, hes called in to investigate the murders of some prostitues in englandbuythe infamous Jack the ripper,complications begin when he quickly falls for one of the prostitutes who is fearing for her life and he begins to feel responsible for her and her friends,unaware of what he is becoming envolved in he seeks the advice of a medical doctor who is already involved in this dark ... ...very dark and gives a good atmosphere to the film,its attention to detail is remarkable and although the plot is rather fictional the actual set and costumes are very well done,its quite a eerie movie able to keep the suspense dangaling and it is very brutal some times but the story is brilliant and compelling to watch and when its all wrapped up together you have a very good movie that is often overlooked,i highly recomend this film i thourghly ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: great actors, great plot, great story line twists. Just amazing. Disadvantages: feeds your thirst for finding out the truth
...Depp), with a helping hand from Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) and Sergent Godley (Robbie Coltrane). This film shows the terror that walked the streets in London in 1888 that chills you to the bone. Like many I have read the stories and researched his killings, as there is still a quest to find the true Jack the RIpper. There is also many conspiracies to whom Jack the Ripper was including whether the Prince was involved, and these conspiracies are explored ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: A very good thriller starring Johnny Depp Disadvantages: None that i can think of
From Hell is a film based on the 5 murders of prostitutes in 1888 by Jack the Ripper, staring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. The film is also based upon the novel written by Alan Moore. Johnny Depp plays inspector Frederick Abberline who thinks at his best when he has had a little too much opium, and Heather Graham plays the prostitute Mary Jane Kelly who has one need to try and survive. Abberline and Kelly become close during the film. The film ... ...has been using drugs which cause the hallucinations. From Hell is an eerie film with visual effects which make it unsuitable for young audiences. Johnny Depp is astounding as are the other members of the cast. A film which can be enjoyed on more than one occassion. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Excellent portrayal of the Victorian East End, mostly gripping, Johnny Depp Disadvantages: Terrible ending, Heather Graham as Mary Kelly
...? because surely the legend is only so potent precisely because his identity is a mystery.
In conclusion I would recommend this film to anyone who has an interest in Victorian London and Jack the Ripper or enjoys the horror / thriller genre. Despite the lame ending most of the film is interesting and well made. Naturally if you don?t like violence and gore then this is not the film for you!
?FromHell? is available on both DVD and Video from all major retailers.
Interesting Facts:
The ?Ten Bells? pub featured in the movie is still in existence on the corner of Commercial Street and Fournier Street in Whitechapel. Apparently frequented by several of Jack the Ripper?s victims the pub has capitalized on its notoriety even being renamed ?Jack the Ripper? for a while. Now reverted to its original name the pub is a mecca for Ripper...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Good Filming of 19th Century London Disadvantages: Johnny Depp's Cockney Accent
...The film I am about to review is a special favourite of mine not because it is a brilliant film but because part of it is filmed in Hradcany which is the heart of the castle quarter in Prague, it stars Johnny Depp and it is a film loosely based on the story of Jack the Ripper. Is this rendition as gripping as it's predecessor was compelling? Let's take a look.....
FromHell is a re-examination of the infamous and unsolved Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechapel. To this day, he remains the most notorious and enigmatic serial killer in history. Over 100 years after he committed five heinous, ritualistic murders during a ten week span in the Autumn of 1888, creating a frenzied atmosphere of gossip, rumour and terror, our continued fascination with him should not be that surprising when you consider that his legend ushered in a new era...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: the visuals and the way the film puts shiver through you Disadvantages: the 'twist' isn't a twist by the end of the film!
...FromHell was a film I wasn’t expecting too much from. It was a film that I laid down to watch in bed last night not all that tired, but I didn’t think I would make it through 2 hours of movie and thought I would be watching the other half tonight. However, I finished it all last night, eyes fixed to the screen! FromHell is a film which to me, has a strong resemblance to Sleepy Hollow, not just because both have Johnny Depp playing the lead role, but because of the dark way in which they are shot and the way the films themselves are told.
It’s a film about no less than Jack the Ripper, a pretty controversial subject for a film, and one which has to be made well to succeed, I mean, who would want to take on Jack the Ripper?! I didn’t know much about Jack myself, all I knew to be honest was that he went round...
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Plot: Set in London during 1888, this is the story of Inspector Fred Abberline who is on the hunt for Jack The Ripper. As Fred gets nearer to uncovering the truth he becomes deeply involved with the case...
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment; Deluxe Video Service - Fox
Release date: 13/10/2003
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: 22231 VDVD
Barcode: 5039036014939
Production Designer: Martin Childs
Screenwriter: Terry Hayes, Rafael Yglesias
Composer: Trevor Jones
Subject: Marilyn Manson
Featured: Marilyn Manson
Executive Producer: Thomas M. Hammel, Amy Robinson
FROM HELL is a gory detective film cloaked in Victorian-era mystique. The movie shows how the serial killer Jack the Ripper stalked the dark streets of 1888 London, slaying prostitutes and crudely dissecting their bodies. Based on the graphic novel written by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, this moody chiller is directed by twin brothers Albert and Allen Hughes (MENACE II SOCIETY, AMERICAN PIMP). Johnny Depp stars as Inspector Frederick Abberline, who smokes heavy doses of opium and drowns himself in absinthe to evoke hallucinatory visions that are his clues to catching the Ripper. Heather Graham co-stars as the prettiest of the floozies, who wins the muted affections of the inspector. With plenty of atmosphere and spooky effects, FROM HELL borrows scenery, filming tricks, and sequence construction from a host of popular movies, resulting in a visually interesting style. Haunting nighttime shots of the London skyline (actually Prague) bleed into shadowy Tim Burton-like prowls through the damp cobblestone streets; aerial camerawork contrasts with crowded ground-level focuses; and the camera peeks around corners and into foggy windows with stealthy curiosity. What may stand out most in viewers minds after the carnage is through, is the exaggerated use of surround sound, which brings a dreadful sense of reality to the film's gore, making FROM HELL all the juicier.
Languages
Main Language: English
Professional reviews
Review: "...Sensational and accomplished....A horror film of genuine artistry and excitement. The Hughes brothers work with commanding restraint..." (Entertainment Weekly, p.87-8, 26/10/2001)
"...The Hughes Brothers' goal here is to make an epic of savagery, and they are brilliant at ambience and details....A conspiracy-theory thriller with brains and a heart..." (New York Times, p.E16, 19/10/2001)
"...Impressively realized, confirming the Brothers as formidable visual stylists....The shadow-drenched Prague studio sets help sustain a sense of claustrophobia well suited to a tale of endemic corruption..." (Sight and Sound, p.45, 01/03/2002)
"...It's a true auteur movie, perfectly in sync with the brothers' previous output and delivered with a dry, subliminal message..." (Total Film, p.102, 01/03/2002)
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