The Long Good Friday

As the opening credits role and the sound track builds (Francis Monkman), this feels like a parody. Its Sarf Lon’on, boozers, geezers, f@gs and big hair – and that’s just Shand (Bob Hoskins). There is unintended humour as Shand refers disparagingly to the streets of Brixton – that now only bankers can afford. The first half hour or so feels lumpy, chunky, and going nowhere: was Hoskins still learning his trade as he delivers some leaden speeches of British greatness? But hold on. Enjoy your own prejudices and adapt to the times. Gradually a fuller and more fearsome picture emerges. The plot thickens and distrust spreads. Is Shand out of his depth or rediscovering his roots? And then a series of sickening turns. Hoskins drenched in blood had me thinking of Macbeth or Coriolanus (epic, bloody and conflicted), while the famous closing sequence of Shand hijacked in the back of his cab while his wife is carried off is the most gripping unresolved ending I have seen. Does he make it out? Despite everything we have seen of him, I hope so.

I'll be honest I have no recollection as to why I put this on my list!

It also looks like a really old film!

Not much explanation is given at the start of the movie as to what is going on.

And Londoners talking as proper Londoners!

My goodness Bob Hoskins looks really young and is that Charlie from Casualty?!

The acting is quite frankly appalling!

The music is, 'Interesting!'

'Harold you know I only drink when I'm on duty!'

'They always come in twos.. like the Baylifts. Its means they mean business!'

Is that Piers Bronsnan in this film?!

Quite early into the movie I'm convinced that I'm not going to enjoy it!

Just what role is Charlie from Casualty playing? - He doesn't cut it as an East End Gangster!

I'm so bored that I can barely be bothered to review the film!

The actor who plays Densel off Only Fools And Horses?! (lol).

'Well maybe its about time you ask the unusual!'

It seems to be very working class and also very upper class at the same time!

Fine dining in a pub - I'll be damned!

Why oh why did I listen to this person's recommendation and rent this??!

'Nobody spotted nothing. - Nothing at all!'

Who does Bob Hoskins think he is??! - Some big time London Gangster.

YAWN!!!

'How do you stay so cool?!'

- 'I'm on the winning side!'

'We're self made men - right Charles!'

I wonder if this film was big when it came out.

'He fancies you, you know. - Then a lot of people do.'

I wonder if Snatch and Lock Stock are modelled on this movie?!

There would be no comparison between Scarface and this movie!

'Oh no. I run London!' - (Yeh whatever!)

Are you really setting up the biggest deal in Europe??!

Maybe this was a precursor to Reservoir Dogs??!

'So, someone got to him before you could.'

'Get him a decent stone.. send me the bill!'

It looks like Hoskins has got a gold Casio! lol

The plot seems dreadfully predictable.

Its a very violent film it must be said!

I quite like the ending!