See more movie reviews

Longford (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

Tough questions in strong prison-forgiveness tale.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that a subplot involves Lord Longford's investigations into the effects of pornography, and he is shown personally visiting adult bookstores, a peep show with topless dancers, and reading through pornographic magazines. There is rough language in a prison setting, with use of "s--t" and "f--k." A true-life child-killing murder spree is discussed (thankfully, not in gory forensic detail) as the ultimate in ghastly horror, and scenes of the vengeful parents are apparently actual news clips. A key character smokes frequently; it is shown to have dire effects on her health, though. The DVD, originally a movie for British TV, carries a "TV-MA" rating.

Positive messages: Even though this can be taken as a cautionary tale, about Lord Longford's being too forgiving and trusting, he still comes across as a strong example of an upper-class gentleman who tries to use his high position and advantages in life to make a better existence for society's worst outcasts and sinners. Also, the largely unrepentant Hindley and Brady aren't glamorized, as fictional serial killers have come to be.
Violence: We never see anything, though there is talk of past murders and threats of retaliation killing.
Sex: Toplessness, suggestive dancing and glimpses of naked centerfolds in pornographic magazines, during Lord Longford's anti-porn investigation. Allusions to sexual components in the serial killers' relationships and their victims, but we're spared clinical details.
Language: "F--k" and "s--t" in the prison environment, plus a woman is called a "bitch."
Consumerism: A few references to British TV programs, books, and magazines of the era.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Myra Hindley chain smokes (ultimately it impacts her health severely, though she still doesn't quit). Social drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Longford

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the themes of spirituality and forgiveness. Was Lord Longford wrong for believing that Myra was worthy of clemency? Does he actually bring about a change in her by the end? What about his other work with prisoners, and his assertion that Myra Hindley got unnecessarily harsh treatment mainly because of her gender? You can talk in general terms about taking a moral stand for an unpopular person or cause. Are there more movies or news stories about this that you can think of?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A British TV movie, LONGFORD, tells a true story of some of the UK's more notorious 20th-century criminals and their relationship to an eccentric, idealistic member of the House of Lords. Lord Longford (Jim Broadbent), is well-liked but marginalized in the British Parliament, apparently not taken too seriously by fellow politicians. A wealthy publisher who champions the causes of convicts, he visits inmates and helps prisoners upon their release. Longford thus gets summoned by one of the most hated individuals in the British Isles -- Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton), who, with her lover Ian Brady (Andy Serkis) tortured and murdered children in the mid-1960s, and was sentenced to life. Longford jeopardizes his reputation by claiming she was also victimized by Brady and deserves parole.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Key details may be lost on non-British viewers (DVD extras and commentary help), though superb acting and themes of forgiveness, betrayal, and strength of character translate well. Longford is portrayed as an intelligent, if naïve, champion of society's outcasts, even when the cause is unpopular. It's too bad the movie sidesteps the many non-famous prisoners whom Longford comforted. They include AIDS sufferers who were cut off from any human contact otherwise. Instead there's an odd subplot where he embarks on an anti-porn crusade, sampling sex shops and reading dirty magazines in bed to his wife. Maybe it's meant to show his open-mindedness -- he studies porn-peddlers with the polite diligence he would a government report -- or his impracticality.

We're tipped off forebodingly at the start that something terrible happened to upset Longford's public support for Hindley and undermined the old gent's reputation. Thanks mainly to The Silence of the Lambs, when Longford has repeated cellblock consults with the most "evil" people imaginable it's impossible not to think of arch-villain Hannibal Lecter, and some viewers may feel misled when what ultimately transpires between Hindley, Brady, and Longford is more quiet and subtle than a spectacular prison break or renewed murder rampage.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: HBO
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Andrew Serkis, Jim Broadbent, Samantha Morton
Genre: Drama
Run time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release: February 17, 2007
DVD release: June 19, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Charles Cassady Jr.
 
 

Review It

 

Review Longford

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Longford?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other wartime dramas for teens
For kids who love dramas
Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines