Eminently watchable crime thriller

Rating: 7/10 (11 January 2009)

This movie is an adaptation of a graphic novel which itself was loosely based on the Jack the Ripper crime spree which took place in late 19th century London. Production values are quite high; it does a wonderful job of attempting to recreate the feel of both the place and era. The acting likewise is above par, with solid performances by a gifted cast. Because of the subject, the movie is filmed almost entirely at night, ala The Crow or Darkman, which may be slightly disturbing to some.
The movie encompasses conflict on many levels, which in itself is a valid description of Victorian England. Perhaps that's why it succeeds, by not getting bogged down into the somewhat gruesome basic plot-line. The gore itself is held to a minimum and the movie simultaneously goes on to explore many aspects of the class relationships of the time, while never getting far afield of the story. All in all, a pretty cute movie.