The best police force money can buy In 1995, BLUE MURDER?the most controversial series ever produced for Australian television?exploded onto TV screens down under with such incendiary force that it was banned from being b... more »roadcast in the state where the events took place, New South Wales, for six years. This was due to ongoing legal proceedings involving several key figures depicted in the photoplay. Often referred to as an Aussie Godfather, it was, more accurately, "Goodfellas Down Under" with the goodfellas being the cops. The attempted, bloody murder of a "blue" (insider speak for "cop") is the dramatic lynchpin of this epic of police corruption that follows the booze-riddled, unlikely partnership of decorated copper Roger "The Dodger" Rogerson (Richard Roxburgh) and career criminal Arthur "Neddy" Smith (Tony Martin) after Roger gives Neddy "the green light" to rob, steal and beat his way through Sydney's underworld in the 80's. Directed with gritty realism (many scenes were shot on the actual locations) by one of Australia's most celebrated directors, Mike Jenkins, BLUE MURDER is a landmark Australian drama that has not been bettered on television or on the big screen. Impeccably researched and written by Ian David, the central performance by Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge) is a revelation and won the actor Australia's highest critical accolades. Tony Martin, mesmerizing as Arthur Smith, brings a likeable edge to a truly despicable character and actors Bill Hunter, as top cop Black Angus McDonald (Rogerson's protector) and Steve Bastoni (as straight "blue" Michael Drury) are outstanding.« less
"I have no idea why they compare this to the shield, and I agree with the other reviews, in the fact that if you like the shield, then this isn't the best movie choice for you. This is though a docu-drama, based on real events from one persons point of view. For those people really interested on the comings and goings of NSW cops then I suggest some of the books written, namely by the cop who was shot. I enjoy this movie as an Australian for the attention to detail of Sydney back in the late 70's early 80's. I feel sorry for you Yanks who can't understand our version of english, and I agree subtitles would be helpful. This movie though is for Australians and I wouldn't recommend it to people from any overseas country. I would like to point out as well, that thanks to cops like the ones depicted in this movie, NSW (New South Wales) police have virtually no power nowadays, which unfortunately has led to a decline in good public behaviour."
The Shield ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
The Dodger | Sydney NSW | 04/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To compare this masterpiece to a fictional TV show is pretty pathetic. This is simply one of the best movies I have ever seen & if our US brothers have trouble understanding the queens english then that is their problem.
Those that lived through the times & experienced the corrupotion first hand (such as myself) know that this is as real as it gets & as dirty as it comes.
Maybe some of you actually thought it was a fictional movie or something.
Anyway ***** is not high enough."
Real life vs make believe
MSJO | 08/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blue Murder is a dramatisation of real life events that occurred in New South Wales and which caused Royal Commission investigation and subsequent restructure of the NSW Police as a result. To say the storyline was 'corny' is a ludicrous comment.
Other than that, it is an excellent presentation, with top class acting and production.
"
True Blue Aussie Classic gets the treatment it deserves
Mr.Colin | Melbourne, Australia | 04/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Blue Murder" is simply one of the finest pieces of filmmaking ever.
The direction, scripting, casting and editing are all top notch. Performances from the lead actors, down to the bit players, are all outstanding.
Those who didn't like it, need their heads read.
Those who had trouble understanding what was being said, should put in the effort and try harder.
The commentary track with Director Mike Jenkins, Editor Bill Russo and Filmmaker Mark Savage is really excellent, providing a great insight into the behind-the-scenes making of this true aussie classic. All are very talkative with lots of interesting things to discuss and chat about.
"Blue Murder" is an amazing piece of work.
"
More like a James Ellroy novel than The Shield
D. R. Barton | Sydney, Australia | 10/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blue Murder is so accurate and well acted, it could almost be classed as a documentary. It explores the true life close ties between organised crime and the police in Sydney, Australia from the 1970s through the 1980s. The outrageous behaviour is mesmerising and the characters, both good and bad, are compelling. It's well cast, well written and well acted. Blue Murder is for anyone who enjoys the stories from the seedier side of society, but doesn't necessarily need their characters to speak with American accents."