DVD review 'From Hell' (From Penarth Times)

DVD review 'From Hell'

THERE are probably very few people who have gone through life without some knowledge of the legendary Jack the Ripper.

'From Hell' explores one of the most popular theories, that a member of the Royal family was involved with a prostitute from London's slums, leading to a small group of grisly murders.

Johnny Depp plays Inspector Abberline, a troubled man dogged by his abilities to 'see' the violent deaths taking place.

Alongside the murder hunt runs another plot, centred around an unlikely love-match between Abberline and working girl Mary Kelly (Heather Graham).

There is no sickly sweet happy ending to the movie, but regardless of the truth behind it, 'From Hell' ends on a positive note.

It is an 18 certificate, and some of the excellent camera work leaves the imagination reeling. As the facts themselves are, so this film is by its very nature bloody and gory.

Whether you have taken an interest in the history behind the Whitechapel murders of 1888, or whether you want a film that will simply stand the test of time, 'From Hell' is a good choice.