Pluskylang
Great Film overall
Noutions
Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .
Rexanne
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
clintstevens
I must admit, not being from Australia, it was a little difficult to follow the political ramifications of the story told in Secret City. However, I DID understand the crux of what was going on for the most part. You can call me shallow, but, save for the main character, I don't remember ever seeing such an unattractive cast in a mainstream series. Most of these actors became a distraction. And speaking of distractions, I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewer who stated there was no reason for the transgender character that distracted from the story. For the first two episodes I wondered why, unless it WAS a transgender character, the studio would pick such an unattractive woman for the part, one who seems to have had a romantic involvement with more than one of the series characters. When, in episode three, the character was finally referred to as a 'he', the mystery was solved. I finally understood that the fact that no mention was made of his orientation showed the powers that be were forcing their agenda on the viewing audience and were no doubt patting themselves on the back for being so politically correct.It's a shame that such a dramatic thriller should take a back seat to the sexual proclivities of a character. I wonder if there was a protest by the transgender community as to why a real transgender actor wasn't used for the part.I give it 5 stars; 9 for the story and 2 for the characters.
emuir-1
As most of the action seemed to involve cell phones, SIM cards and computers, this series should have been called Cell CIty. I found the plot very confusing and was not really sure who was who by the end reveal. I also found the inclusion of the ex husband who had turned into a woman very odd. There was simply no reason for the transgender character who was so obviously a man that I found him distracting. I lived and worked for the Commonwealth Government in Canberra for many years, which is why I watched the series, but the Canberra I knew was nothing like the one shown in the series. Either the times have changed greatly or I was totally blind. As for the main character played by Anna Torv, she wrecked the life of everyone she came in contact with and left a trail of destruction behind her I felt like saying 'run, run - get away fast' whenever she asked someone to do something illegal. Overall, I found the technological thriller aspect with the constant use of cell phones and computers rather annoying, and they sure got through a lot of cell phones dunking them in the lake, bathtub, sink, toilet or anywhere handy!
glennhansenau
You could be forgiven for thinking Peter Dutton (our recently installed czar of the new Department of Homeland Security) used much of the plot as a career chart. Though there are parts that strain belief (e.g. the main character having sniper take a shot at her while rowing on Lake Burley Griffen, making her way to the shore and then sitting down panting, still in the open), this is a really well written and acted Australian political drama.For those who want evidence that we can still do compelling TV, not just reheated reality shows and trash soapies, this series will help restore your faith.
andymhancock
Stark, no-BS atmosphere. Great acting. And, of course, Anna Torv. The plot kept me wondering. However, the plausibility of the plot also kept me wondering. Lots of cultural stereotypes, perhaps out of keeping with the times. Suspension of belief is needed as to how politicians would react to cyber terrorism, the kind of attributions that would be made without informed discussion, and policy fall-out without challenge (though one fears that this is indeed possible in reality. There is also the one character that seems to be at the centre of everything, by virtue of who knows what. That final ingredient seems to be a common archilles heel for plots of intrigue. Somehow, beyond any plausibility, one character seems to be all things to all people and situations. Sure, it makes for a plot that is difficult to figure out, but it would be better if they found a way to do this with greater plausibility.
