Underbelly: Razor

Underbelly: Razor, airing in 2011, is a fascinating Australian crime drama series that unravels the enigmatic criminal activities that rocked Sydney during the 1920s to the 1930s "Razor Gang" era. The show brilliantly recreates the sumptuous yet convoluted underbelly of Sydney, where crime syndicates controlled the bootleg alcohol trade, unlicensed prostitution, and aggressive extortion rackets.

The narrative is woven through the lives of two legendary criminal matriarchs, Tilly Devine, played by Chelsie Preston Crayford, and Kate Leigh, portrayed by Danielle Cormack. These ruthless and ambitious women ruled their turf with an iron fist, forever haunted by their dark pasts, battling personal demons, and engaging in fierce rivalry with each other. More than merely portraying their criminal lives, the series dives deep into their personal struggles, their hardened exteriors concealing their vulnerability and the humanity that barely survives amidst their dangerous pursuits.

This look into the dark, gritty world of razor gangs is further anchored by Anna McGahan, who plays Nellie Cameron, a notorious prostitute and lover of many gangsters. Her character adds another layer of narrative complexity, as she navigates a treacherous world and often finds herself entangled between rival factions.

Alongside these powerful women, Underbelly: Razor also features an illustrious ensemble cast, including Lucy Wigmore, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Justin Rosniak, and Matt Boesenberg, portraying various real-life figures of the era. The entire cast brings life to those who lived on both sides of the law – from corrupt cops to relentless razor slashers, earnest journalists, and criminal kingpins.

Underbelly: Razor brilliantly captures the intense violence and corruption of the time, highlighting the harsh realities and desperate measures that encapsulated the era. The glam and glitz of the Roaring Twenties provide the perfect backdrop to the stark brutality that was a part of daily life, making the audience question societal norms and mankind's propensity for violence and power.

Although the overarching theme of the show is the nefarious criminal world, it does not shy away from exploring the intense relationships and emotional dynamics within it. The characters, despite their criminal inclinations, are depicted with empathy, making it possible for viewers to understand their motives and conflicts. The balance between the desire for power and survival, relentlessness and vulnerability, ruthlessness, and the need for love, makes these characters come alive.

The show packs a punch with its immaculate production design. Set and costume design pay meticulous attention to the 20s' art deco aesthetics, making the series visually impactful and immersive. The series takes you deep into Sydney's alleyways, shining gambling dens, seedy brothels, and bustling markets bustling with energy and shrouded in an ominous sense of dread.

Underbelly: Razor is as much a period crime drama as it is a study of human nature, particularly women's depiction in present society. The show remarkably portrays the execution of power by women, demonstrating their business acumen, resilience, and the audacity to challenge the norms of a male-dominated underworld.

Whether for fans of historical dramas, true crime aficionados, or those who appreciate characters with depth and complexity, Underbelly: Razor offers a riveting journey into the past. Its compelling storytelling, remarkable performances, and unflinching dive into the rough, yet seductive world of crime makes Underbelly: Razor a must-watch. The show is a bold testament to the tenacity of the human spirit, the allure of power, and the doomed pursuit of a bullet-riddled American Dream Down Under. As it peels back the layers of the 1920s in Sydney, you'll be left with a sense of striking eeriness, an unsettling intrigue that will inevitably make you come back for more. The series is indicative of its time – a criminally forgotten period steeped in violence, glamour, and a fight for survival.