This City Is Ours: A Gripping Crime Drama Premiering Soon

The highly anticipated crime drama epic, This City Is Ours, is set to captivate audiences with its unique setting and storytelling, filmed in the vibrant locales of Liverpool and Spain. Renowned for its impressive pedigree, this series features the acclaimed Sean Bean and is produced by Left Bank Pictures, known for their work on The Crown. The entire series will be available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer beginning at 6 a.m. London time this Sunday, with the first episode airing on BBC One at its regular 9 p.m. slot that evening. Additionally, Sony Pictures Television will manage its international distribution.

Meet the Compelling Cast

Sean Bean stars as Ronnie Phelan, the formidable leader of a crime gang. He shares the screen with James Nelson-Joyce, who portrays Ronnie’s loyal associate, Michael Kavanagh. The cast also includes Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams, Michael’s love interest, and Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan, Ronnie’s son. Julie Graham plays Elaine Phelan, Ronnie’s wife and a pivotal figure in the Phelan family.

A Complex Narrative of Love and Crime

The narrative centers around Michael, described in the series synopsis as a man entrenched in organized crime throughout his adult life. For the first time, he finds himself in love, complicating his world of crime. As Michael navigates his romantic relationship with Diana, the backdrop of his illicit activities begins to crumble. The plot thickens when a cocaine shipment from Colombia vanishes, signaling an imminent threat to their criminal empire.

Insights from the Cast and Creatives

During a recent panel at the London TV Screenings, Nelson-Joyce shared his experiences working with Bean and the creative team. He fondly recalled, “Sean is a gentleman”; his previous collaborations with Bean have fostered a genuine camaraderie among the cast. “We felt very fortunate to bond quickly during our time filming in Spain, which helped build a family atmosphere conducive to our performances.”

Both the show’s themes and its exploration of complex characters are designed to resonate with a wide audience. “We’ve all made mistakes and loved deeply,”noted Nelson-Joyce, emphasizing that Michael’s story unfolds during a critical juncture in his life.

Character Depth and Societal Reflection

Actors involved expressed appreciation for the layered complexity of their roles, with Nelson-Joyce pointing out that “every person has depth.”He compared the characters to iconic figures like Walter White from Breaking Bad and Tony Soprano from The Sopranos, suggesting that even flawed characters can elicit audience empathy.

Faith and Community in Liverpool

Questions arose regarding the significance of religion and community in This City Is Ours, particularly in a city like Liverpool where faith groups play a crucial role. Writer Butchard remarked, “Although fewer people believe in God, the church remains a gathering place for important life events,”highlighting its enduring influence on community cohesion.

The Importance of Local Accents and Dialects

The authenticity of the Liverpool accent is a critical aspect for the cast and crew. Julie Graham praised their voice coach, Helen Ashton, for her guidance, and noted how having local actors provided essential support. “Their accents enriched our performance, allowing us to truly embody our characters,”she explained.

Incorporating Humor in a Dark Narrative

Butchard emphasized the role of humor in the storyline, stating, “It’s crucial to reflect the reality of the characters’ lives. While we had to tread carefully to maintain dramatic tension, infusing genuine humor was essential, as it mirrors the way these characters interact, especially in the face of adversity.”

Boosting the Local Economy

This production not only aims to entertain but has also proven economically beneficial, with contributions from the Liverpool City Council’s Film Office. The efforts surrounding This City Is Ours have already injected over £9 million (approximately $11.7 million) into the local economy, underscoring the series’ positive impact beyond the screen.

Watch the Trailer

To get a glimpse of the action and drama that awaits, check out the trailer for This City Is Ours below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9irsgS7DEUISource & Images