The Long Good Friday Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A London gangster tries to go legit but forgets to pay his protection money to the *real* bosses.

🍿 The Long Good Friday: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Gangster’s Ambitions

Harold Shand, a London gangster, is on the cusp of a major deal to redevelop the Docklands with American Mafia money. He envisions a modern London, shedding its old skin and embracing new opportunities. This ambition represents Shand’s desire to legitimize his empire and move beyond traditional crime.

Good Friday Massacre

On Good Friday, Shand’s world is thrown into chaos. A series of bombings and assassinations target his key associates and businesses. This coordinated attack signals a significant power shift in the London underworld and throws Shand’s carefully laid plans into disarray. He must quickly identify the threat before it destroys everything he’s built.

The Hunt for the Culprit

Shand embarks on a ruthless quest to uncover the perpetrators, employing violence and intimidation. He interrogates rivals and suspected informants, revealing the brutality and ruthlessness that underpin his empire. As he digs deeper, Shand uncovers a connection to the IRA, throwing his assumptions and plans into complete turmoil.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harold (Bob Hoskins): A London gangster on the verge of a lucrative deal whose empire is threatened by a mysterious and violent force.
• Victoria (Helen Mirren): Harold’s sophisticated and intelligent mistress who plays a key role in his operations.
• Colin (Paul Freeman): A shady associate whose actions inadvertently trigger the conflict with the IRA.
• Razors (P.H. Moriarty): Harold’s imposing and loyal right-hand man, known for his intimidating presence.
• 1st Irishman (Pierce Brosnan): A silent and menacing IRA hitman who represents the ruthless threat to Harold’s world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harold: “I’m a businessman, not a gangster.” – Harold’s self-justification as he attempts to legitimize his criminal empire.
• Harold: “What I’m looking for is someone who can contribute to what England has given to the world.” – Harold’s grandiose vision for redeveloping London’s docklands.
• Charlie: “We’re offering you a partnership, Harold. Nothing more, nothing less.” – The American mobster outlines the terms of their business arrangement.
• Harold: “This is my manor.” – Harold asserts his dominance and control over his territory.
• Pool Attendant: “They kept it all incognito. They’re gonna collect the body in an ice cream van.” – A darkly humorous observation after a murder, highlighting the casual brutality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £2 million
• Domestic Gross: $47,193
• Worldwide Gross: $47,193

💥 The Long Good Friday Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Long Good Friday’ blew my mind! I was hooked from the very start. Hoskins is terrifying and yet you kind of root for him, which is so weird. That ending with the car is just… unforgettable. I’ve never seen a film where the actor says so much, without saying a single word. I felt tense, sad, and impressed all at once.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime films”
  • “Those interested in 1980s London history”
  • “Admirers of Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren”
  • “People who enjoy gangster movies with complex plots”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief male nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “Hoskins delivers a career-defining performance, embodying a ruthless but surprisingly sympathetic gangster. The film’s sharp dialogue and gritty realism make it a standout in British cinema.
• Indiewire: “Mirren’s performance as Victoria is both commanding and subtly nuanced. The way she interacts with Hoskins brings a real depth and complexity to the movie.

Audience Reactions

Bob Hoskins’ performance is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the movie’s gritty realism, intense atmosphere, and Bob Hoskins’ powerful acting.

Overall Consensus: A groundbreaking British gangster film celebrated for its realism, sharp writing, and Bob Hoskins’ outstanding lead performance.

Awards

1. Evening Standard British Film Award (Best Actor)- 1982

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bob Hoskins initially turned down the role of Harold Shand because he didn’t want to play another gangster. It was only after his wife read the script and convinced him that it was a special and unique project that he accepted.”
• “The film’s ending, featuring a prolonged close-up of Bob Hoskins’ face, was achieved by director John Mackenzie simply instructing Hoskins to ‘think about all the things you’ve done in the film’ as the camera rolled.”
• “The Long Good Friday was nearly shelved due to its portrayal of the IRA, which was considered too sensitive at the time. It was only through the intervention of individuals in the film industry that it was eventually released.”
• “The film’s memorable synthesizer score by Francis Monkman was initially controversial, with some feeling it didn’t fit the gangster genre. However, it has since become recognized as a key element of the film’s unique atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Long Good Friday?

As a classic British crime film, ‘The Long Good Friday’ is available on various platforms. Check streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and the Criterion Channel for availability. It’s often available for rent or purchase on these platforms as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Long Good Friday, you might like these similar films:

• Get Carter (1971): Shares the gritty realism and violent underworld setting of British crime cinema. It also features a protagonist seeking revenge.
• The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973): Offers a similarly bleak and realistic portrayal of low-level criminals and their struggles within a larger criminal ecosystem.
• Layer Cake (2004): Presents a modern take on the British gangster film, with a protagonist looking to exit the criminal life but getting pulled back in.
• Sexy Beast (2000): Features a retired gangster forced back into action, showcasing the dark humor and intense character dynamics found in The Long Good Friday.

🛒 The Long Good Friday Related Products

• The Long Good Friday [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high definition, perfect for collectors and cinephiles.
• London Gangster Film Collection (DVD): A curated set with similar films exploring London’s underworld.
• London Movie Location Walking Tour: Walk through the streets where ‘The Long Good Friday’ was filmed. See the real-life locations and learn about the movie’s history.
• Gangster Inspired Fedora: A classic fedora hat. Wear it like Harold!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Long Good Friday features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by Francis Monkman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Gritty British Gangster Movies

If you loved ‘The Long Good Friday,’ you need to see where it ranks among the best British gangster flicks! Honestly, some of these picks are absolute classics, and it’s a great way to discover more movies in the same vein.

THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY (1980) Harold finds out about who is after him! PT 5 #movie #film #movieclips

Remember that intense scene where Harold finally figures things out? This clip breaks down all the subtle details and the incredible acting that makes it so powerful. It will make you appreciate the movie even more!

✨ Rate