This is NOT a documentary...

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2002)

WARNING - MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
I must say I completely enjoyed this film from beginning to end. It is the only film the Hughes Brothers have made that I enjoyed. I have never enjoyed "slasher" films or anything in that genre, but From Hell I enjoyed so much I bought it on DVD. People have complained that this film doesn't follow the facts of history and so on. I rush to the film's defense, reminding everyone that this movie is not, nor has it ever claimed to be, a documentary. This is a Hollywood adaptation of a graphic novel, basically a long and more adult-oriented comic book. There has never been a more realistic and stylish representation of Victorian London and the ghetto that is Whitechapel. But style alone does not a great movie make.
Johnny Depp is outstanding in this film, as is Robbie Coltrane who is good in everything it seems. Ian Holm is a great Jack the Ripper, not at all overacted and his smaller stature seems to add something to his performance as a believable psychotic. The only problem I have with the whole film is Heather Graham, who plays the part reasonably well, but she's so much better looking than her fellow prostitutes that she sticks out like a massive sore thumb.
There isn't as much graphic violence in this as I thought there would be. In fact, you don't see too much gore until the final two murders, which are admittedly brutal. You do HEAR the killings, but for the most part you don't see them. I am NOT a fan of gore so if I say this film wasn't too disturbing than probably you won't either, though this is by no means a film to be watched in the presence of children.
If you would prefer a film that sticks to facts, don't see From Hell, but if you like a stylish thriller with some rather disturbing moments and a whodunnit, this is a great film