adriangr
Wow I'm only the third reviewer of this movie? That's a real pity.I remember first seeing "The Killing of Angel Street" on TV back in the 1980s and it left a lasting impression on me. Watching it again today, I felt the same way. The story is simple, a corrupt property development company wants to build a high rise apartment block in Sydney, but a few angry residents and some tatty old terraced homes stand in their way. A young woman named Jessica arrives home to find her father's house in the middle of the controversy and events take a turn for the worse as people who fight the demolition of the street start disappearing or dying with no apparent reason. Jessica is torn between standing up for justice, or keeping quiet for her own personal safetyThe acting is very good in this movie. Liz Alexander holds her own in the starring role of the reluctantly battling protester against the might of a huge corporation. Most other roles are also well played, and the street and derelict houses look like the real thing to me - if they are not the film makers did a very good job of setting up a fake street!It's the events that drives the film, though and the opposition that Jessica faces turns more and more nasty as the film moves on. You can feel the helplessness of the character as she starts to realise that nobody can be trusted, not even the police. The film gathers pace towards the end (which I wont spoil), and leaves you feeling angry at all the injustice that has been portrayed along the way. Which means that the film works, because you believe it could really happen...the sense of frustration is tangible.The film is now REALLY hard to find, which seems a real shame as so few people today are going to get a chance to appreciate it, but there is an Australian DVD release, which I recommend, as it's a film that rewards your attention.
tomsview
"The Killing of Angel Street" was inspired by real events, it's a thriller that highlights a time in Sydney when evil did indeed seem to triumph. But despite good intentions and some strong sequences that generate real tension, it is let down by others that seem too contrived.Elizabeth Alexander stars as Jessica Simmonds, who returns from London to find the old, inner city house and street where she grew up being demolished to make way for a massive redevelopment. When her father is murdered after opposing the development, she joins forces with a union boss, Jeff Elliott, played by John Hargreaves, and although they expose corruption in places high and low, it puts both their lives in danger.The film was sparked by the real life case of Juanita Nielson who disappeared after she opposed redevelopment in Kings Cross. At the time of filming, this was still a sensitive issue, and, presumably because of legal problems, the setting of the film is obscure – the suburb in question is never mentioned and even the police are not identified as NSW police; their shoulder patches simply say police. Treating these aspects so nebulously tends to make the film somewhat allegorical – it runs the risk of having the credibility of a film set in Ruritania.However, "The Killing of Angel Street" has one great asset: Elizabeth Alexander.Quite prominent in Australian films and television around this time, she had a calm beauty that stole every scene, and she didn't have to do much to make an impression. The role of Jessica Simmonds was originally slated for Julie Christie, but Elizabeth Alexander more than holds her own with a typically understated performance.John Hargreaves as Jeff Elliott, is cheeky and engaging, but all his performances were cheeky and engaging. John Hargreaves pretty much played himself in just about everything he did, but his screen chemistry made up for a lot.Alexander Archdale delivers a thick slice of premium ham as Jessica's father; with mutton chop whiskers, and sprouting poetry, he gives an over-the-top performance that tips the movie off-balance. Caz Lederman was a beautiful actress, but her performance as Nancy, Jessica's sister-in-law, is strained, which also creates a jarring note.The film looks good, although Brian May's score is too obvious and not particularly emotive – it hasn't travelled well over the decades.The film's immediacy is gone now, but even with its flaws, it still works as a cautionary tale, although the real story is far more disturbing than any movie. History aside, the film has an interesting locale, and features a couple of stars that hold your attention.
john191158
Great aussie thriller though hard to find now on video to hire or buy and not been screened on aussie tv for some time now. Based on a true story surrounding the dissapearance of juanita nielson,this movie shot in and around sydney received mixed reviews despite the talented cast led perfectly by the gorgeous elizabeth alexander.This movie is worth watching over and over again just to look at elizabeth.A truely talented Australian actress whose talents seemed to be wasted and never reached the success her acting talents deserved. For those who like aussie movies this is a must and proves aussie filmmakers were turning out high quality dramas/thrillers long before the likes of "muriel's wedding" and "prescilla queen of the dessert"(2 fine aussie comedies)were even thought of. Ending of this movie was a little dissapointing but is thought provoking as it leaves the viewer with many unawnsered questions on the real dissapearance of juanita nielson. I rate this an 8 out of 10.
