Gritty drama with great performances... This gritty drama won't be to everyone's taste, but I recommend it for the great performances and interesting story. It's not what I expected as far as the plot or the characters. I wasn't expecting much since it was made for TV about 12 years ago, but was surprised to be drawn in very quickly to the story and characters. As usual for him, Jason Isaacs is able to take a very amoral, unpleasant character and make him sympathetic and repellent at the same time; he's amazing, as are the actresses who play his mother and sister (sorry, I don't have their names in front of me or I would give them; they both are wonderful). I highly recommend this series (4 episodes) for its honesty and realism. It's painful to watch at times but well worth your time. Be aware it's NOT for kids or those who are easily offended by a very adult, honest story. Nothing is sugar-coated here! But I really enjoyed it and plan to watch it many times. Also, as I think another reviewer mentioned, the accents take some getting used to for us Americans. I have watched it a few times to try to get more of the dialogue.
Excellent All Around Great acting, a compelling storyline and well-rounded characters make this one of the most enjoyable movies I've ever seen. I don't usually like gangster movies, but this is definitely an exception. Many scenes in Dangerous Lady stayed with me long after the movie ended. Several characters, Michael in particular, struck at the heart. Many of these characters are more than what they seem. Notable performances by Susan Lynch, Owen Teele, and Jason Isaacs. Excellent all around.
Great acting I really enjoyed this movie! Loved Jason Isaacs and Susan Lynch. Definately worth seeing.
Wow. I stayed up until 2 a.m. last night watching this mini-series, because Jason Isaac's performance as Michael Ryan, an ambitious, violent thug who has been the primary caretaker of his large family since he was a child, is so mesmirizing that I simply could not stop watching. Although the performances of the whole cast range between very good and outstanding, my favorite scenes were all about Michael's relationship with his mother. I loved every single scene between them, even the most painful and contentious of their encounters. Michael is so strong, so resolute, so self-sufficient and self-confident, and yet his mother still has the power to undo him completely. An Irish mother is a powerful being, a living Madonna, and an Irish son can never completely escape his desire for her good regard and affection. When Mrs. Ryan finally turns Michael out of her house, the disbelief and despair on his face is simply heartbreaking.
Susan Lynch is wonderful as Maura, and I think the mini-series was supposed to be primarily her story, as opposed to her brother's, but Jason's performance of Michael is too powerful. It is the showpiece role of the production, and it prompts me to ask this question: Why the hell isn't Jason Isaacs a bigger star?
I highly, highly recommend this one, even though the DVD doesn't include much in the way of extras.
Wow!! Very impressive!! I really wasn't sure what to expect from this mini-series. I'm not a big fan of British television but I had heard good things about this so I watched it. I'm glad I did.
The acting was first-rate. Susan Lynch (as Moara) was very good - as was everyone in the cast. Jason Isaacs (as Michael) was truly outstanding - his portrayal as a 'violent perverted bender' was chilling (but also sympathetic). I've never seen an actor that can convey more emotions with tiny changes in his expression. His scenes with 'Joe-the-fish' were exceptional.
This movie is well worth watching more than once. I'll be honest - the accents threw me a bit and I had to watch it several times to catch all the words. But that's not a fault of the film - it made it more authentic.
All in all, a great movie. And a must-have for any Jason Isaacs' fan.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
