Hidden City

I am another one who can't understand the good reviews. Maybe you have to be British to like it. I'm not so, I don't. Why did Charles Dance's character keep following the girl around? Tell her to give you the money she promised for ripping your jacket then tell her to go away. Movie over.

Instead we get, I'll take you here but I'm not going in. Next scene, he's in. Okay I'll take you there but I'm not going in. Next scene, he's in. He shows no interest in what she's looking for. Why keep following her? Does he really need the money to fix his jacket? She did steal his book too. Call the cops, have her arrested, end of bad movie.

Hidden city is a film that I really wanted to like after reading the plot synopsis on the back of the Blu-ray cover. In many ways, I did like it; the plot was somewhat unique and interesting; the hidden locations in London really did spark a sense of wonder and imagination; and the main character is a reasonable educated individual which keeps the movie grounded. Some of the scenes were a little eerie in fact. I found the journey itself to be quaint, but a tad unrealistic in terms of character interactions. These quirks can be be more appreciated in older films like this one.

Sadly, the lead actress struggles to deliver her lines organically, it feels as though she's reading a script at times- memorised lines. That pulls the viewer out of the story. There is some general overacting with some of the side characters as well, but given the right atmosphere, this can be forgiven and I feel that Hidden City certainly has that atmosphere.

However, as is typical of an edgy 80s movie, there are unnecessary scenes and elements added which only take away from the storyline. Prolonged snogging scenes up close, lengthy moaning in the background of an office, some brief rear nudity on the TV screens in a party, and frontal nudity in one scene - all took this from a family appropriate mind-opening movie inspiring curiosity, to an awkward watch meant for a specific type of audience that I certainly am not. Were not for these moments, the film actually would have been one of my favourite films, despite all its other flaws.

The BFI Blu-ray looked good, albeit quite grainy, but as usual that only adds to the experience of this 80s film. BFI made the brilliant decision of adding old archive footage of London as special features to this disc, which I found thoroughly fascinating. It was as if I were experiencing a time capsule and it really matched the essence of the film. I can't think of other types of films that would be as appropriate to include the special content on than this one - which is all about exploration of undiscovered secret archives of London. Having these extras makes you feel like you are part of the preservation of London's history.

'Hidden City' has become another good example how British films of the eighties have disappeared without a trace. Having found a rare video copy this film I have had the chance to reassess this possible lost gem. Cassie Stuart plays Sharon, a mysterious girl who turns up in the life of lecturer, Charles Dance with a mysterious piece of film placed at the end of fifties public information film. What unfolds is a genuinely interesting look at how Governments have so many secrets they can sometimes get lost. What is also interesting is how this gives an insight in to the early work of writer Stephen Poliakoff and how he still follows many of these theme in his later work more critically acclaim work. Unfortunately 'Hidden City' has dated in it's look and the plot just fails to hit the target. However it is certainly worth looking out for because just like the two leading characters the viewer is drawn into the film's theme of intrigue and mystery hidden in the bowels of London.

One of the better British films of the last 20 years and criminally neglected - it doesn't appear to be currently available on video let alone DVD.

Intriguing (and somewhat unsettling) plot. Sensible portrayals - no overacting, Unusual settings - a London rarely seen either in life or on screen. Well constructed - the atmosphere builds beautifully.

All in all, it puts so much of recent British cinema to shame.

And we go and bury it.

I loved this film for two reasons.

Firstly, it was well written and the direction was strong which is something often lacking in a British film.

Secondly, the scenes of London were fantastic; especially those parts of the city not always open to the public eye.