Underbelly: a Tale of Two Cities
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Last updated: August 11, 2009, 7:45 pm
Underbelly: a Tale of Two Cities Cusomter reviews:
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 2
(Joseph Kohout Jr., 2009-10-14) A friend and I watched all episodes over the course of a weekend. First and foremost, I did watch the first series and I am still not certain which I like better. Perhaps I like watching series that are not readily available in the USA and perhaps I am somewhat influenced by the fact that 2009 is the weakest new TV season in recent memory (can't wait for "24"). With all of the aforementioned taken into account, this is still an excellent series cum historical biopic on the development of the heroin trade in Australia. Oh to be a drug importer between 1976-1979 and to operate with relative impunity, as long as law enforcement received their weekly "drink" (Aussie slang for payoff). As referenced in the only other review, there is violence, language and nudity galore, of which the later two are generally not found on free TV in the USA. The violence is generally more thought out and less spontaneous, which seems to support the time and plot lines. I also agree with the other reviewer contending that Aussie Bob came off as being a somewhat sympathetic character despite having ordered several murders and essentially being charged with the distribution all the heroin imported into Australia by Terry Clarke. While the aforementioned Clarke garnered very little sympathy. I strongly recommend watching both series with Underbelly "A Tale of Two Cities" being watched first.
(Uncle Bimbo, 2009-08-18) I've not yet seen the first series of Underbelly, but it doesn't matter. This second series stands completely alone, and is purported to depict events from 1976 to 1987. Certainly, a certain amount of licence has been used, but the end result is a completely gripping series of episodes (13 x 24 minutes) that will spellbind the viewer. The show is beautifully acted and has a realism so often lost in similar American productions. Viewers from outside Australia might have some difficulty with some of the language used. Certainly much of it is quite blue, but as would be expected from a series depicting Australian crime figures, there is very frequent use of uniquely Australian slang. There is also much nudity, sex and quite brutally depicted violence, especially for a TV series. The violence is integral to the story, some of the displays of skin I could have lived without. Some of the crime figures are more sympathetically depicted than others. Robert Trimbole, for example, a man who ordered several murders and was a drug lord in Australia for many years, comes across with quite considerable compassion and humanity, and emerges as quite a likeable character. Likewise Ray Chuck, also a murderer and criminal, is imbued with impressive humanity, clearly the intent is that he is seen in a more sympathetic light than his adversaries. Conversely, the central character Terry Clark is shown as completely cold, prepared to end the life of anyone who he perceives as a threat. The character of Chris Flannery is depicted as some kind of loudmouth buffoon, which has drawn criticism from certain quarters. I think the producers have gone a little overboard in this characterisation. Memorable acting performances from Roy Billing as Trimbole, and an excellent cameo by Kate Ritchie as Judi Kane, wife of brutally murdered standover man Les Kane. Overall this is a slightly flawed masterpiece, which will require multiple viewings to fully take in the story.