One of the best British gangster films, no doubt. Not quite reaching the epic heights of 'The Godfather' but you can see its influence on what came after. 'Lock Stock and Two Smoking etc.' for example. The mix of violence with witty one-liners, the colourful characters, the slang, the music. 'Lock, Stock etc.' is more of a violent lark, 'The Long Good Friday' is a much deeper film.
It is hard to fault the acting. Bob Hoskin's performance is justly celebrated. He falls apart at the seams as his 'manor' is assaulted on all sides. He is a gangster and as seen in the film not averse to using dreadful violence but he manages also to be sympathetic in a way that Al Pacino in 'The Godfather' does not. The last scene in the car is excellent. The camera is kept mainly on Hoskins and you can see his life flashing through his mind. I don't know how many takes were done but it is a great bit of acting.
Helen Mirren hold her own besides Hoskins more showy role. She is more than a gangster's moll. The iconic Eddie Constantine was a splendid choice as the Mafia man. His sheer presence spoke volumes. Looking now at a film from 1980 you can spot familiar British actors. Isn't that Derek Thompson from 'Casualty' and Gillian Taylforth from 'EastEnders' and would you believe it, there's Pierce Brosnan looking a mere wisp of a boy.
One interesting aspect is the political and business background. Harold declares he is a new European and discards the USA. The state of change is crystallised by the new building developments in London's docklands, seen in the film as mere steel frameworks but which is part of Harold's attempt to go legitimate. It was a crucial time in London's history and the film reflects that. Similar to the Newcastle in 'Get Carter'.
'The Long Good Friday' is perfectly paced, splendidly acted and has many resonances beyond the story of the decline and fall of a gangster.
It is hard to fault the acting. Bob Hoskin's performance is justly celebrated. He falls apart at the seams as his 'manor' is assaulted on all sides. He is a gangster and as seen in the film not averse to using dreadful violence but he manages also to be sympathetic in a way that Al Pacino in 'The Godfather' does not. The last scene in the car is excellent. The camera is kept mainly on Hoskins and you can see his life flashing through his mind. I don't know how many takes were done but it is a great bit of acting.
Helen Mirren hold her own besides Hoskins more showy role. She is more than a gangster's moll. The iconic Eddie Constantine was a splendid choice as the Mafia man. His sheer presence spoke volumes. Looking now at a film from 1980 you can spot familiar British actors. Isn't that Derek Thompson from 'Casualty' and Gillian Taylforth from 'EastEnders' and would you believe it, there's Pierce Brosnan looking a mere wisp of a boy.
One interesting aspect is the political and business background. Harold declares he is a new European and discards the USA. The state of change is crystallised by the new building developments in London's docklands, seen in the film as mere steel frameworks but which is part of Harold's attempt to go legitimate. It was a crucial time in London's history and the film reflects that. Similar to the Newcastle in 'Get Carter'.
'The Long Good Friday' is perfectly paced, splendidly acted and has many resonances beyond the story of the decline and fall of a gangster.