Blue Murder (1995)

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 broadcast 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.

Cheesey/Poorly Acted/Low Budget/Boring

This is NOT like The Shield at all. Blue Murder is hokey and dated with a very low budget feel. The dialect/language is hard to understand and the action is mostly non-existent. I understand the dynamic relationship these two men had but I don't care. Neither are very interesting and the show as a whole - which has been resurrected because of the BRILLIANCE of The Shield - is a poor and cheap comparison. I know the creator of The Shield said he got many ideas from Blue Murder but quite frankly he does a much better job with those ideas than the original series. Blue Murder lacks charisma, and interesting characters. One reason I am upset about Blue Murder is that it is VERY expensive to get here in the USA and the show just wasn't up to par compared to normal US television. It is hard to describe the show if you haven't seen it but it's almost has a soap opera or stage play feel to it and it is tediously boring. May 2, 2007

You can enjoy the Shiels and Blue Murder.

To compare this to the Shield is like comparing an apple to an banana. The Shield while good is a fantasy with Vic and his crewe getting away with criminal behavour by the skin of their teeth week after week. In fact the problem with the Shield is that it requires the rest of the LAPD to be completly stupid for Vic to keep getting away with it. Also the break up of his family aside Vic suffers no comeback for all his crimes. Although the strain does show of Lem.

Blue Murder on the other hand is based on true events, that is the relationship between Roger Rogerson, Sydney's most decorated cop and Neddy Smith a bank robber, drug dealer, murderer and rapist. What Blue Murder shows is that despite all the money they earn together it comes at a price. Both men fall apart under the influence of alcohol and the strain of the life they lead.

I note that many Americans have trouble with the Australian dialect and slang, well so do we Brits, but it should not stop anyone enjoying Blue Murder for what it is, a well written, well acted, realistic drama based on true events. Whats more in Blue Murder when someone gets shot it hurts.

I am a fan of both the Shield and Blue Murder and there is no need or even reason to compare them to each other. Would you compare Bonanza to Happy Days? January 9, 2007

Real life vs make believe

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.
August 11, 2006

True Blue Aussie Classic gets the treatment it deserves

"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.

April 24, 2006

The Shield ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

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. April 20, 2006

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