From Hell
From Hell

From Hell

2001Movie122 minEnglish

Frederick Abberline is an opium-huffing inspector from Scotland Yard who falls for one of Jack the Ripper's prostitute targets in this Hughes brothers adaption of a graphic novel that posits the Ripper's true identity.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users70%
Director: Albert Hughes, Allen HughesGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

In Victorian London, Inspector Frederick Abberline is tasked with investigating a series of brutal murders committed by a killer known as Jack the Ripper. As Abberline delves deeper into the grim underbelly of Whitechapel, he uncovers a vast conspiracy reaching the highest echelons of society. He finds himself drawn to Mary Kelly, a prostitute who may hold the key to the killer's identity, while battling his own demons and a growing sense of dread.

Critical Reception

From Hell received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric visuals, production design, and performances, particularly from Johnny Depp and Ian Holm. However, many critics found the film's narrative convoluted and its historical inaccuracies distracting, with some deeming the violence gratuitous. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating its dark tone and suspense, while others were disappointed by its deviation from historical fact and its perceived lack of clarity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark and atmospheric recreation of Victorian London and strong performances.
  • Criticized for a convoluted plot and historical inaccuracies that overshadow the mystery.
  • The film is noted for its graphic violence and ambitious attempt to solve the infamous Ripper case.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's dark atmosphere and the compelling performances, particularly Johnny Depp's. However, many found the plot confusing and the resolution unsatisfying, with some expressing disappointment over the liberties taken with historical events.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Saturn Awards for Best Horror Film and Best Costume Design.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, though it takes significant creative liberties with the historical events and characters.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
Kamurai

Kamurai

Great watch, would watch again, and can recommend. If you're accepting or even intrigued by the case of Jack the Ripper, then this should be a great murder mystery for you. Johnny Depp, opinions aside, does confused, drug-addicted, an...
Wuchak

Wuchak

From Alan Moore, the Hughes brothers and Johnny Depp RELEASED IN 2001 and directed by the Hughes brothers, "From Hell" details the Jack the Ripper slayings in the slummy Whitechapel district of London in autumn, 1888. Johnny Depp plays a...
talisencrw

talisencrw

I went into this having only seen 'The Book of Eli' by these directors, The Hughes Brothers. I quite liked that film, although I did feel their vivacious stylizations interfered with the telling of the story. Seeing this earlier film of the...
Per Gunnar Jonsson

Per Gunnar Jonss...

I cannot say that I am an outright fan of old era British crime stories but I do fancy them now and then. This one is a rather dark, grim and gloomy story perfectly suitable as a evening movie at this time of the year when darkness already ...