The Long Good Friday

The Long Good Friday

Year: 1982

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: John Mackenzie

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

As Cockney crime lord Harold Shand navigates the treacherous underworld of 1970s London, he must confront a series of brutal bombings that threaten to upend his plans for legitimacy. With the American Mafia watching, Shand's ruthless pursuit of a traitor in his midst will stop at nothing to protect his empire and secure his legacy.

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Timeline & Setting – The Long Good Friday (1982)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Long Good Friday (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

Set in the 1980s, this period is characterized by economic transformation and the rise of organized crime within the UK. The decade saw significant shifts in both social and political landscapes, leading to increased tensions, particularly involving groups like the IRA. During this tumultuous era, the struggle for power and the battle for respect shape the narrative of the film.

Location

London, England

The film takes place primarily in London, with a particular focus on its thriving docklands development during the 1980s. Known for its historical significance and bustling trade, this area represents both opportunity and the undercurrents of criminal activity. London serves as a backdrop to Harold Shand's ambition and the subsequent chaos surrounding his empire.

🏙️ City 🌊 Docklands

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

Main Characters – The Long Good Friday (1982)
Meet the key characters of The Long Good Friday (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins)

Harold Shand is characterized as a dominant and ambitious gangster, deeply entrenched in London's criminal underbelly. His desire for power leads him to broker underworld deals, yet he grapples with the erosion of respect and authority as violent conflicts escalate. Despite his ruthless nature, Shand has a complex personality marked by moments of introspection and longing for the past.

🏴‍☠️ Gangster 💼 Ambitious 😓 Tormented

Colin (Paul Freeman)

Colin serves as a secondary character whose dubious actions and tragic fate propel the narrative forward. As a courier for Shand, his decisions lead to deadly repercussions, unveiling the risks involved in the criminal world. His demise is a stark reminder of the violent consequences that arise from the dualities of loyalty and betrayal.

🚨 Courier 💸 Unlucky ⚠️ Fatal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

Major Themes – The Long Good Friday (1982)
Explore the central themes of The Long Good Friday (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed

The theme of greed runs rampant throughout the film as characters vie for power, wealth, and respect. Harold Shand's relentless ambition drives him to forge alliances that ultimately unravel. The film critiques how greed can lead to moral decay and the destruction of community values.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict is a central theme, not only in the violent confrontations between Shand and rival factions but also within Shand's own empire. As he navigates betrayals and threats from the IRA, the film illustrates the broader struggles of lawlessness versus order in a chaotic urban environment.

🕊️ Loss

The sense of loss permeates the film, reflected in Shand’s grief for lost friendships, the decline of his power, and the disappearance of traditional values. The narrative starkly highlights the emotional toll of violence within the criminal underworld and its impact on familial and community ties.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:10

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