Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent British gangster classic has swearing, racial slurs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Long Good Friday
What's the Story?
In THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY, London mob boss Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) is about to seal a deal to develop the city's docklands with his American associates. But the deal is threatened by a series of murders and bombings. Shand has just two days to find out what's behind these attacks that threaten not just his criminal empire but his very existence.
Is It Any Good?
With its witty dialogue, dynamic direction, compelling characters, and complex mystery, this 1980 thriller set out a blueprint for the British gangster movies that followed. Without The Long Good Friday, it's hard to imagine the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels existing. To its credit, the film still feels fresh despite its legacy in the movies that followed. Hoskins gives a great performance as the central mob boss, making it easy to believe that Shand has what it takes to make it to the top of the London underworld. We meet him on the cusp of sealing a deal that'll make him an almost legitimate businessman. But after losing some of his grip on London's web of gangs and corrupt officials, we see the real Shand -- a ruthless, raving murderer who's feared enough to become the almost untouchable ruler of London. Helen Mirren matches Hoskins as his partner, Victoria, who regularly swoops in to smooth out problems that the hot-headed male mobsters cause when they lose control of their egos. The payoff is worthy of the mystery and the movie feels like a godfather of the genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Long Good Friday. What did it add to the story? Were there repercussions for those responsible for the violence? Why does that matter? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were drinking, drugs, and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter?
The movie was released in 1980. Did you think the film showed its age? If it was remade today, how might it be different?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 2, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : November 24, 1998
- Cast : Bob Hoskins , Helen Mirren , Paul Freeman
- Director : John Mackenzie
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Embassy Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 18, 2023
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