“The Long Good Friday” is a movie I desperately want to like. The 1980 British gangster film is highly regarded, often considered one of the best British films of all time. And such a cool name.
The first time I watched it I was confused and bored. But mused that I may appreciate it upon a second viewing. 14 years and 700+ reviews later, I decided to give it another chance.
“The Long Good Friday” was written by Barrie Keeffe and directed by John Mackenzie. It stars the immortal Bob Hoskins in a role that made him synonymous with criminal tough guy.
I’m not a politician, I’m a businessman.
Set in London, the movie pits British gangster Harold Shand (Hoskins) against police corruption, rival criminal enterprises, and even the IRA. Helen Mirren plays Shand’s girlfriend. A young Pierce Brosnan makes his debut as IRA hitman Daragh O’Malley.
But none of that matters in the presence of Bob Hoskins. Hoskins is the focal point and does a masterful job in the role. He’s a brutal thug, and a shrewd businessman. He hurls insults with the best of them and looks great in a pinstripe suit.
Paul Freeman from Raiders of the Lost Ark makes a brief appearance. The great P. H. Moriarty, who I know from “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” plays Shand’s enforcer, Razors. The actors are all excellent in the shadow of the legendary Hoskins.
I did appreciate the film more this time around. The setting of the London Docklands in 1980 is a treat for the eyes. I loved the music, which accompanies every scene in a way that unintentionally makes it a perfect time capsule. Of course, we get a slew of Cockney slang and insults. And plenty of violence for fans. I had planned to review this for the now defunct Mob Movie March, and it easily slides up there with The Godfather if that’s your fancy.
My criticisms are still there. The movie is only 115 minutes, but the sluggish pacing makes it drag. And again, I was confused and bored, despite the high body count and contingent of explosions. It was filmed in 1979, and scenes are longer and more drawn out than need be. A modern version would have sharper editing. But would also lose the charm of 1980, so it’s a draw.
SPOILER ALERT!
What stuck with me for 15 years is the ending. The final two minutes depict a scene that’s one of my all-time favorites. As Harold Shand gets bested by his enemies, Bob Hoskins delivers a master class of acting without uttering a single word.
Limited to facial expressions, Hoskins displays all five emotions in less than two minutes. With brilliant framing and a perfect score, the clip could and should be used by drama classes to this day.
“The Long Good Friday” is fine. It’s not a movie I love, or even like. The ending scene is mesmerizing, and the slow movie is worth trudging through just to get to that.
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