Overview
A gangster's empire is threatened by a mysterious syndicate, leading to explosive confrontations in London.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- tense
- sardonic
- menacing
- crime movie night
- british cinema evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as an exceptionally intelligent, tightly plotted, stylish British gangster thriller elevated by Bob Hoskins's ferocious lead performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Harold seeks American investment for a dockside development while using criminal power to secure the project.
Bombings and murders target Harold's men and businesses, forcing him to identify the syndicate challenging his control.
The film contrasts stylish London locations, casinos, pubs, and development sites with killings, bombings, and intimidation.
Harold treats the attacks as an affront to his authority and pursues answers through escalating personal retaliation.
Films like The Long Good Friday, and why
Get Carter
British gangster drama centered on a ruthless crime boss, criminal hierarchy, and escalating betrayal
The Departed
Stylish gangster thriller combining criminal ambition, hard-edged violence, and a morally compromised protagonist
Miller's Crossing
Neo-noir crime drama driven by organized crime, paranoia, and a volatile underworld power struggle
Scarface
Gangster film with a commanding central performance, criminal empire politics, and brutal consequences
Movie Details
- Director
- John Mackenzie
- Release Date
- 1980-11-01
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (454)
Cast
- Bob Hoskins
- Helen Mirren
- Dave King
- Bryan Marshall
- Derek Thompson
- Eddie Constantine
- Paul Freeman
- P.H. Moriarty
- Alan Ford
- Paul Barber
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, MovieMe
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Long Good Friday about?
- A swaggering London crime boss fights to protect his empire and redevelopment ambitions when a mysterious campaign of bombings and killings exposes the limits of his power.
- What is The Long Good Friday like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Long Good Friday as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Long Good Friday violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in The Long Good Friday as graphic.
- What did critics think of The Long Good Friday?
- Critics broadly regard it as an exceptionally intelligent, tightly plotted, stylish British gangster thriller elevated by Bob Hoskins's ferocious lead performance.
- Which films are like The Long Good Friday?
- Films with a similar feel include Get Carter, The Departed, Miller's Crossing, and Scarface.
- How long is The Long Good Friday?
- The Long Good Friday runs 114 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Long Good Friday?
- In United States, The Long Good Friday streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
