A neo-noir psychocological movie starring Robert De Niro is hailed as “unforgettable” and is highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes. Angel Heart (1987) tells the story of New York private investigator Harry Angel (played by Mickey Rourke), who is hired by mysterious businessman Louis Cyphre to solve the disappearance of a singer known as Johnny Favourite.
The sleuth heads to New Orleans in search of answers, but what starts off as a classic murder investigation soon descends into a series of shocking discoveries more at home in a horror film. The movie was written and directed by Alan Parker and is an adaptation of William Hjortsberg’s novel Falling Angel, first published in 1978.
The star-studded cast also includes Lisa Bonet and Charlotte Rampling.
One Audience Reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes called it one of their favourite movies, adding: “I have seen it easily ten times. The atmosphere is 50s film noir.
They added that the story is “intriguing and keeps your interest with all the twists and turns”.
The fan also praised the performances, saying Rourke “melts into the role as the gumshoe”.
“The supporting cast is perfect. The real surprise is Lisa Bonet. She exudes such passion and awareness, like she knows the answer to everything unknown.
“Overall, it is a fascinating mix of thriller, whodunit, and noir, that always keeps moving.”
Another called it: “Dark and inviting. Amazing performances on all ends. Great ending!”
A third added: “One of the most underrated movies of all time. Mickey Rourke acts his tail off. And that ending….. unforgettable movie”.
Legendary film critic Roger Ebert said the film is both “a thriller and a horror movie, but most of all it’s an exuberant exercise in style, in which Parker and his actors have fun taking it to the limit”.
The movie is has an 82% score on the site’s Tomatometer, which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.
It also has an 81% score on the site’s Popcornmeter, reflecting a positive reception from general viewers.
The film has an 18 certificate and contains strong sex and bloody violence, so may not be for everyone.
Angel Heart is available to rent or buy on various platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.