Sharon Newton (Cassie Stuart) leads the uncooperative James Richards (Charles Dance) into a world of misplaced government secrets, capitalistic artists and bungling secret agents.Sharon Newton (Cassie Stuart) leads the uncooperative James Richards (Charles Dance) into a world of misplaced government secrets, capitalistic artists and bungling secret agents.Sharon Newton (Cassie Stuart) leads the uncooperative James Richards (Charles Dance) into a world of misplaced government secrets, capitalistic artists and bungling secret agents.
Michael Müller
- Boyce
- (as Michael Mueller)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMichelle Fairley is of Scottish ancestry.
- Quotes
Sharon Newton: [holds up her bag] It's in here what I've got to show you.
James Richards: Oh you have it with you, how convenient.
- ConnectionsFeatures Howling II: ... Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985)
Featured review
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.
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.
Details
- Runtime1 hour 48 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
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