take dark to the next level

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2006)

"From Hell" presents something not seen in movies since the old Sherlock Holmes movies. It tells the story of an inspector (Johnny Depp) investigating the Jack the Ripper murders in 1888 London, but it suggests that the decadent aristocrats in a way aren't much better than the murderer himself. Of course, the setting is like a star on its own: eerie, dismal streets that look like they could be hiding almost anything...ANYTHING. As for the question of historical accuracy, that doesn't really seem to be an issue. You have to focus on the bleak, evil surroundings to really get the feeling.
Depp is great in his role, as can be expected. Also starring is Heather Graham as prostitute Mary Kelly; let me tell you, this is a role very far removed from her comedic ones. Robbie Coltrane plays a sergeant; because of this movie's grim nature, you probably will be able to forget that he plays Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies. Ian Holm, Ian Richardson, Jason Flemyng and Katrin Cartlidge also star. Maybe the most surprising thing about "From Hell" is that it was directed by Albert and Allen Hughes (known for movies like "Dead Presidents").
Overall, this is not a movie to be missed. It just goes to show that real horror entails that which we don't know. Very well done.