This 97%-Rated Crime Gem Walked So That 'Snatch' & 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Could Run'

The Long Good Friday is a dark, witty, and quintessentially British masterpiece. Without it, there would be no Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch.

Guy Ritchie is a genius, of course, but his style is firmly rooted in this particular movie.

What Is 'The Long Good Friday' About?

London, April 1979. Harold Shand is one of the most powerful figures in gangster history. A burly man wearing a flat cap, he walks through Heathrow Airport as if the city belongs to him.

He plans to transform the old shipyards into a fashionable business district and will soon hold important negotiations with American partners.

However, things take a turn for the worse when Harold's best friend is killed in a swimming pool, his mother's car explodes outside a church while his wife Victoria is hosting guests on a luxury yacht, and Harold's empire begins to crumble. Harold is about to learn that the dirty tricks of survival on London's streets are not easily forgotten.

Bob Hoskins and Helen Mirren Shine in This Movie, Which Changed British Cinema

The Long Good Friday is based on the true story of the Kray twins, who terrorized London in the 1960s. The twins owned elite nightclubs, befriended Frank Sinatra, and seemed to embody the new British meritocracy – rule by the competent and ambitious.

However, by the end of the decade, the twins had gone rogue, committing two public murders and receiving life sentences.

Bob Hoskins received the offer while he was in the hospital, preparing to say goodbye to a tapeworm he had contracted while filming in Africa. The actor wasn't embarrassed by the story – he was even proud of it. The worm was as long as seven Bob Hoskinses.

His portrayal of Harold is an explosive mix of charm, cruelty, and tragic ignorance of the passing of the "honest" gangster era.

Helen Mirren plays his wife, Victoria, with elegance and intelligence – she's no less dangerous than Harold himself. She's not just a decoration but an equal partner, fully aware of her husband's affairs and ready to take matters into her own hands if necessary.

A young Pierce Brosnan made his debut in The Long Good Friday with a memorable role as an Irish saboteur – he only utters one word, yet his appearance is unforgettable.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Long Good Friday'?

• The Long Good Friday has 97% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.5/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Long Good Friday scored 3.9/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Long Good Friday'?

The Long Good Friday is available to stream on Pluto TV, Plex, or The Criterion Channel.