The Long Good Friday

Colin is seen making a precarious money drop, quick to pocket some cash from a suitcase before the intended deal. This sets the stage for a chain of violent events that follows in the underbelly of London's criminal world.

In a secluded farmhouse, three men attempt to split the cash they received, but their efforts are abruptly interrupted when they are ambushed by gunmen. This ruthless attack signifies the dangers that lurk in the criminal underworld.

Outside a local pub, Colin’s accomplices are snatched away by unknown assailants, meeting a grim fate shortly after. Their disappearance hints at the increasing violence enveloping the criminal factions in London.

Colin meets a tragic end at a swimming pool shortly after the events at the farmhouse and pub. His death marks a significant loss for the remaining gangsters as they navigate their tumultuous environment.

Harold Shand, the dominant gangster of the London underworld, is introduced as he seeks to orchestrate a lucrative alliance with wealthy Americans. He aims to capitalize on the booming docklands development of the 1980s, establishing himself firmly in the criminal hierarchy.

On Good Friday, while Shand’s mother attends church, a devastating explosion erupts, obliterating her waiting chauffeur and car. This incident heightens Shand’s fury over the declining code of conduct in the criminal world and directly impacts his business dealings.

Following the explosion, Shand receives an ultimatum: rectify the collapsing order of the criminal world within 24 hours or face losing the support of his American partners. This ticking clock intensifies the pressure on him and his operations.

Shand learns about Colin's murder, which deepens the chaos surrounding him. He is also made aware of a bomb planted in his casino, which fortunately fails to detonate, adding to the series of threats against his empire.

In an attempt to regain control, Shand mobilizes his informants and gathers underworld leaders to uncover the masterminds behind the string of violent incidents. His desperate search reflects his determination to uphold his power.

Amidst the turmoil, Shand expresses his grief over the neighborhood decay and declining respect for both the church and his own power. He reflects on the lost reverence for England's history while striving to create grand structures on abandoned sites.

Shand uncovers that the IRA is behind the bombings aimed at him, responding to the trivial theft of £5,000 by Colin. This revelation intensifies the ongoing feud, forcing Shand to confront the reality of the threat posed by the IRA.

Shand's right-hand man chillingly advises against confronting the IRA, warning that they are 'fanatics'. This moment signals the growing understanding that the IRA's influence in London is a formidable force that can't be easily combated.

In a desperate bid to reclaim his authority, Shand agrees to meet the IRA under the pretense of making a payment. Instead, he ambushes them, showcasing his willingness to resort to violence to maintain control in his realm.

Despite his violent maneuver against the IRA, Shand finds himself abandoned by the Americans who now view him as merely a gangster. This shift marks a significant turning point in Shand's quest for legitimacy in the criminal underworld.

In a tense turn of events, following his confrontation with the Americans, Shand is ultimately captured by the IRA. This climactic moment signifies the definitive end of his reign and the fall of his power in London.