A good mystery/thriller based on history

Rating: 7/10 (22 October 2007)

The real Jack the Ripper case is mystery enough, add in some intrigue and conspiracies and it makes for a great story.
The film does a great job of transporting you to Victorian London; everything from the clothes and buildings to the attitudes of "non-civilized peoples" really set the mood.
There were a few problems; Heather Graham always appears to have just stepped out of the shower. For being a common street prostitute, she is remarkably clean and tidy. Her accent seems to come and go at some points as well. Johnny Depp does a good job as the conflicted inspector and Robbie Coltrane is as usual perfect (of course he didn't have to pretend to be English). Ian Holm also was very good.
Spoilers:
As for the plot line, it keeps you involved. There are enough misdirections so that you're suspecting the wrong people through most of the film. The idea that the Jack the Ripper was involved in a Masonic plot to protect the Royal line was a bit far-fetched though. Also, at one point, Ian Holm says he can no longer practice medicine because of a medical condition yet he states that the Ripper would have to have a steady hand...now perhaps the doctor was able to have steady hands by taking absinthe and laudanum.
Overall, it was pretty good. It's worth your time to watch. There's some nudity and sexual content as well as a lot of violence (though it is done in short bits so you know what is happening but don't actually see it).