Masterpiece: Dark Angel

Well, is it the story of a serial killer or not? The series starts off with a real presentation of the cheap value of the lives of the poor during the nineteenth century. Most children died due to unknown reasons (really disease, lack of pre-natal care, poor food, unclean conditions, etc.)In that context, the whole understanding of the morality of a serial killer becomes blurred. That is the real subject of Dark Angel.The series becomes a horror story from every viewpoint. No fantasy of monsters, these are people caught where dying is more lucrative than living.Every day is a struggle to survive and death sits at your dinner table. Child after child after child dies for a poor couple failing in the poor hovels of England. Then what do you say about a person (Joanne Froggatt from Downton Abbey) that learns to benefit from a bit of poison here and there. Monster or a woman trapped in a terrible situation? The real person was caught and hung. Where does that leave us in this real life Dickens-like horror story?I appreciate the presentation. The acting, production, scenery, editing, etc. are very good. But, I can not call the story excellent. It is horrible.Sorry, Ms. Froggatt but your Anna was so good that watching this is very hard. It is a bad thing for an actor to be typecast. But there it is.

Dark Angel is a dark tale in a time and place that you would not expect to see this type of thing happening. That is part of what makes this story so compelling. While people in general cared for their families and their communities. One little one walked about as though she was the only person to be taken into consideration ever. Based on a true story that must have shocked everyone at the time, very well acted by all. This is a story worth seeing and watching again.

very disappointing. I bought it only because of the star, whom I had grown to like as Anna on "Downton Abbey" ... perhaps the shining character of the compassionate person she previously played overshadowed my perception of this twisted woman ....

Very interesting story based on a true one. Very dark and depressing. Joanna was great as she was in Downton Abby.

Loved this movie! Dark subject matter...but really well done!

Very interesting and very well done. Though not condoning what the main character did, I felt for her nevertheless.

Interesting story - I enjoy historical dramas. Joanne F. was ok but not great. Such a flat affect.

Being mostly British of course I loved it! Fabulous movie! The Best and love this Actress from Downton Abbey. thankyou Amazon for another Great Materpiece Classic. xo Carol

joanne froggart is a far better actress that we saw in her well acted role in downton abbey. she handles this roll with all the nuance and belief it deserves. the whole production and telling of this story is handled with grace and intelligence. a wonderful way to spend a few hours. i highly recommend this movie and hope to see it when awards are being considered

Very interesting viewpoint. Makes you think.

performance was wonderful. Very informative as to events.

Excellent movie