Search - Dangerous Lady on DVD

Everything a mini-series should be

LiterateWalrus | 03/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard the words "british TV miniseries", I was admittedly not expecting much. I was very pleasantly surprised.This miniseries had everything a quality production should have: good cinematography, an excellent script, fully-drawn three-dimensional characters, and a fine slate of actors. Pay particular attention to Jason Isaacs as Michael "Mickey" Ryan. Mr. Isaacs, and the movie, were outstanding."

Wow.

V. A McCoy | Nashville, TN United States | 05/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

An unusually rewarding miniseries

DominionOnline | Northern VA USA | 03/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While never quite overcoming its origins as a British television miniseries, this movie is nevertheless an absorbing, satisfying crime drama featuring unusually strong performances, especially from leads Susan Lynch and the always mesmerizing Jason Isaacs.
Both convey their reluctance to yield completely to the life of crime that seems to have chosen them; it costs Maura her one true love, and Mickey any chance of self-determinism at all. Mickey commences his career as the youthful lover of an older boss, whom he regards with contempt and disgust.
While never excusing or romanticizing their actions, the story presents the Ryans as unusually fully realized individuals, and even at their most sociopathic, they are never entirely repellent.
As British productions in general seem to do, this one also projects extreme realism in the gritty environment and tacky costumes. The accents may prove somewhat challenging to Americans for the first few minutes, since those seem completely authentic as well."

Gritty drama with great performances...

Malfoyfan | Santa Clarita, CA USA | 01/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."