The Long Good Friday 1980
"Who lit the fuse that tore Harold's world apart?"
In *The Long Good Friday (1980)*, director John Mackenzie crafts a gripping crime thriller set in the gritty underworld of late-1970s London, where Cockney gangster Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) dreams of transforming his empire from crime into legitimate business.
Director: John Mackenzie
Cast
Bob Hoskins
Harold Shand
Helen Mirren
Victoria
Dave King
Parky
Bryan Marshall
Harris
Derek Thompson
Jeff
Eddie Constantine
Charlie
Paul Freeman
Colin
P.H. Moriarty
Razors
Alan Ford
Jack
Paul Barber
Erroll
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long Good Friday (1980) about?
The film follows Harold Shand, a London crime boss plotting to transition from gangster to property tycoon with help from the American Mafia. His world is turned upside down when a wave of bombings threatens his empire, forcing him to hunt down the traitor within before everything collapses.
Who directed The Long Good Friday?
The film was directed by John Mackenzie, known for his sharp, atmospheric storytelling in crime and thriller genres.
Who stars in The Long Good Friday?
Bob Hoskins headlines the cast as Harold Shand, joined by Helen Mirren, Dave King, Bryan Marshall, and Derek Thompson in pivotal roles.
Is The Long Good Friday (1980) worth watching?
Absolutely—it's a standout crime thriller with a stellar lead performance from Bob Hoskins. The tense plot, moody 1980s London setting, and themes of power and betrayal make it a must-see for fans of gritty dramas and classic mob films.
How long is The Long Good Friday?
The Long Good Friday runs for 114 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Long Good Friday (1980) — A Gritty Crime Thriller with Bob Hoskins
In *The Long Good Friday (1980)*, director John Mackenzie crafts a gripping crime thriller set in the gritty underworld of late-1970s London, where Cockney gangster Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) dreams of transforming his empire from crime into legitimate business. With big plans to impress the American Mafia and redevelop a derelict neighborhood—potentially even hosting the Olympics—Shand is on the brink of a power play. But when a series of brutal bombings shatters his world during the Americans' visit, he suspects betrayal within his ranks. Hoskins delivers a magnetic performance as the ruthless yet vulnerable crime lord, while Helen Mirren adds depth as his sharp-witted partner.
The film masterfully blends crime drama with political undertones, capturing the tension of a city on the edge of change. With its explosive mix of violence, ambition, and paranoia, *The Long Good Friday* explores themes of power, loyalty, and the cost of reinvention. The moody 1980s London setting and Hoskins' unforgettable portrayal make this a cult classic you won't want to miss.
