Are you an Author, Writer, Producer or Creative? Stephen Gillen CEO of Roar Media Creative Studios is looking for stories, books, ideas & partnerships to commission and develop...sign up and more at link here www.roarmediacreative.com/events/
Stephen as you have shown many movies one inwould like you to watch is dead man running please dona video review on this too ❤ requested by me Rob sabey
Stephen you should contact Sam millar from Belfast, what a story that man has to tell. You may have heard of him, he’s a former IRA prisoner , a blanketman, turn bank robber in America. As staunch as they come. Would love to see you work together, his podcasts are second to none, god bless !!
I love the last scene in the car with Brosnan. The way that Hoskins portrayed everything going on in his mind without saying a word always blows me away, especially when he almost smiles.
Last German actor in that limitless category was Gert Fröbe. Our "German power women lesbian lobby`s" (manhating-committee) xxl influence in the casting department disallow such cool characters in the German actor landscape since the 1980s.... "Strong German Men" no thanks... Thanks UK that you don`t follow that absurd example. Bob Hoskins is a treasure.
My original text : I take it that Harold Shand would be subjected to a horrible death ... New info : Barrie Keeffe wrote a sequel, Black Easter Monday, set 20 years after the events of the first film. It opened with Bob Hoskins's character; Harold Shand, escaping from the IRA after the car was pulled over by police. Shand would retire to Jamaica, then return to stop the East End being taken over by the Yardies. However, the film was never made. In one of his last interviews, Keeffe seemed unconcerned by the lack of development: "In some ways, I’m glad we didn’t because sequels are usually diminishing returns."
As we all know Bob Hoskins almost play Al Capone in the Untouchables. When he met Brian De Palma at this hotel bar De Palma told Bob Hoskins I really want De Niro for the role but if he says no will you do it! Bob Hoskins said yes then a couple of months later got a cheque for $200.000 from Brian De Palma along with a note from De Palma saying thanks Bob for being my stand by
I love The Long Good Friday. Great storytelling. Great acting. Great directing. Great score. Bob Hoskins is brilliant as Harold Shand. Helen Mirren protrays Harold's wife Victoria with intelligence and beauty. Victoria also her toughness with her intelligence and class. Both Hoskins and Mirren got brilliant chemistry from opposite attracts way but Shand working class manner and Victoria Upper class manner gels well. The strength is from the script. I even love how the film predicts the vision of London 1979 especially the how the real London look from the canary wharf.
Film was ahead of its time, the development of the Docklands area was key. Allegedly some of the Brinks Mat robbery money was invested in the Docklands.
A prequel should be made to The Long Good Friday. Show in the prequel how Harold Shand become the boss of bosses in the underworld. Show how he got east end gangsters and South of the river gangsters sat down and talking
Please do Mona Lisa. I spent quite a bit of time in soho in the early 90’s and knew people in that trade. Shady and scary. People would literally disappear no trace ever. Mona Lisa captures it perfectly before the Russians came and took over everything.
Francis Monkman's soundtrack gives so much atmosphere to this brilliant film. As for the wardrobe, it's only 1980 so it's still a bit late 70's. Having known this film for so long, you give a fascinating insight into the real world of villany. I really enjoyed your breakdown of sexy beast, a film I've enjoyed many a time. I'd love to hear your views on the prison film, McVicar.
The Long Good Friday was the greatest British Gangster film ever made it was years ahead of time, I remember the first time I saw it and you're like Who is taking his firm out ,and the end was one of the best when he's asking Jeff all about it, that movie was one of the best Gangster films ever made not just British. Bob Hoskins was said to have based his character on Fred Foreman ,he even looked like Freddie.
@@mickymac6571 Get Carter was another all time great, I was told they were going to do a remake of the LGF and it was gonna be in the U.S I'm glad they didn't the remake of Get Carter was a disaster some films just can't be remade .
@@i.marr.6688 Yeah, I dunno how they thought that Sylvester Stallone could take on Michael Caine's incredible and iconic performance. The US one was awful. If they'd remade the LGF it would probably have had Stallone or Schwarzenegger in the Hoskins role and the last scene would have been him in a busload of IRA men and beating the shit out of the lot of them.
@@galesito1733 It would be a disaster if they did a remake of LGF like you say Stallone or Arnie would have come out on top, Some films like this are better left alone , I've always wondered how Bobs accent would have been had they made a remake and dubbed his cockney ,I mean he's playing a gangster and his accent was pure classic so imagine Bob's accent been dubbed. It would be a with
The Richardson's and Frankie Fraser are referred to as the Clancy mob. Parky says they are not behind the attack on the corporation because - No-one has had their teeth pulled out. Fantastic review of a special film.
At the end when Bob Hoskins character knows the game is up and his wife is being taken away in the other car always breaks my heart. What would they have done to her? Guess that’s the genius of the movie in that we are left to wonder. Nice one Stephen you have a wonderful ability to pull us into your films.
It was certainly a film that had an impact on me. The ending sent shivers down my spine, no mistake. I have watched a bunch of Stephen's videos since discovering the channel, and I love them. It is so interesting hearing his take on things, and I suspect there's a lot he doesn't say that would make our toes curl. He mentioned villains being more gentlemanly back in the day, which reminds me of a story. In 1964(ish) a school friend worked at Scotts Garage on the corner of the A127 and Eastwood Road North, a few miles west of Southend. One Friday night Mr Scott and another man arrived having collected cash from his other garage, and went upstairs to do the books. Three men with guns arrived, one keeping an eye on my friend Andrew, and the other two went upstairs. The point to this story is that the man looking after Andrew poked him in the ribs with his gun making Andrew flinch, at which point the gunman said 'Sorry mate. Are you all right?' and while I don't think he went as far as putting the gun down, he was most apologetic and went out of his way to look after my fifteen year old school friend. Thinking back, this was before credit cards became a thing, so there was a lot more cash about. I remember that a gallon of two stroke cost four shillings and eleven pence, (about £0.25 in decimal, which was still six years away).
Great film, I love that it shows the Docks before the total transformation - I know people who grew up around Canning Town and never imagined how the area would change. It was kind of sad the way Harold didn't realise he was out of his depth, thanks to Jeff ripping off the IRA and the bloke dying because of him, Jeff betraying Harold . When Harold is schmoozing the Mob guys and it all goes pear-shaped, he's so defiant, calling them names for pulling out of the deal. I can really imagine there's a lot of truth in this story, about carving up the Docklands cos big money is going to be flowing in the re-development /swanky flats going up and shoving out the locals. Harold sees himself as entitled to a piece of the action as a Londoner.. Reminds me of what happened with the Boroughs /developers getting in on the 2012 Olympics - I lived in Stratford through most of the late 80's - 2006, with the odd spell elsewhere. (Not on Her Majesty's, honest!) Saw how certain parties filled their boots and didn't give a monkeys about the locals - Legacy Shmegacy! Bob Hoskins was a brilliant actor, a couple of the cast I thought weren't all that but overall, Helen Mirren's character was the real brains/steadying influence when Harold went loco, calmed him down. Used her looks /poshness to advantage. She liked the lifestyle, wasn't involved in the violence but she knew it was happening. Great depiction of the times and the atmosphere - London had got a bit faded and grubby and this was the start of the new era - shiny office blocks, yuppies and Corporate greed - City traders earning silly money and rubbing it in.. Bit of history in this film, although it was "fiction". Nice one for reviewing it, interesting to hear how you thought it related to the real goings on. 👍
except Jeff didn't rip off the IRA, that was Harold's friend Colin who stole the money prior to the drop in Belfast, and the members had to stay longer in their hideout to recount the money which gave the British Army enough time to storm the farm house and catch them - so now the IRA figures not only it was a theft but a set up by Harold's Corporation, to which they began to tear down his empire one bomb at a time.
Great video. Movie recoews are excellent. I'd love to see a video specific to the IRA in the prison system through the troubles. I known from reading as well tgst they were poorly treated at the start, but their influence grew and rightly respected and feared due to their structure, knowledge and the mere fact of who they were. I'd love to hear how they dealt with issues within prison, as they woukd not be seen as normal criminals.
London gangster Jimmy Moody was on remand in Brixton jail. He shared his cell with IRA Vol Gerry Tuite it was 1980 Moody was so intrigued by what Tuite was telling him about the history of Ireland and Britain that they both escaped and Moody got to Dublin then Belfast, Moody began working with the IRA and allegedly killed IRA informers,he then went to London and got involved in a feud with a South London family and allegedly killed one member of the family Moody stayed on the run many times under the Met police for 13 years in 1993 while drinking in a pub in South London a bike pulled up and a man wearing a helmet went into the pub and shot Moody dead Also Fred Foreman was very friendly with the IRA,s OC Brian Keenan and so was Eddie Richardson, Eddie Richardson said Keenan was one of the most intelligent fella he ever knew Eddie also played Squash with him . And on TH-cam type in the 1983 mass escape from the H-Blocks 38 got out the H-Blocks were 8 prisons in a prison inside an Army Barracks. I doubt any firm in London could do that the H-Blocks were maximum security prison one of the most secured prisons in the world 🌎
Man, I love your film reviews. You're about the art and the craft; not inserting any politics other than the underground climate you were in. Two shots: the blue glare off the sniper rifle and the upsidedown meathooked fellas. Amazing camera direction. Could you do a Snatch by Guy Ritchie? I know it's not authentic, but it's a helluva movie and it'd be fun to see you review it. Have a great day :) Also congrats on 13 years!
When you watch The Long Good Friday for the first time you scratch your head and say that's the guy from Roger Rabbit? Yes! Which shows what a awesome actor Bob Hoskins was
#1 Why did Colin steal the £5000 from the suitcase. #2 Who ordered the hit on the three IRA members? In my opinion it was Jeff! #3 Why was the suitcase full of money left at the farmhouse?
The scene where Razors and Shand confront the Smack dealer and get confronted by children when leaving the property..... the youngest extortionist is played by Dexter Fletcher who went on to star in many great movies like Band of Brothers, The Bounty, Layer Cake and directed Starman. Its weird watching from afar, the ascension of his success. I wish him well. Today i am gonna watch Bohemian Rhapsody. 4 years ago i bumped into the owner of the Studio who oversaw Queen's recording of same. Besides us both being drummers we were watching Man Utd playing on TV when we got talking. I am a Celtic man and he kept bragging about knowing Rod Stewart. Its a small World.
9:10 That character was punching the boss to prove something because he was actually a traitor working with the IRA, it was a plot device showing that the character was suspicious as we would later find out.
Stephen is a very charismatic, intelligent and articulate bloke. Could have easily been a top shelf actor in his own right. Did my first film with Dennis Waterman and Roger Daltry in Chicago. It was an Anglo-American, gangster project, Stephen would have been perfect for it.
Unlike 90% of gangster films The Long Good Friday isn't about the rise and fall of Harold Shand. It's much more smarter then that. And you have the snake in grass (Jeff) who looks like a bag of nerves throughout the whole film. He's the one along with Colin (Paul Freeman) who brings about Harold Shand's downfall. And they are the two people he trust the most
My favorite British gangster film of all time. Snatch is a close second. I also like British films that depict what is was like in Belfast like '71 and Hunger. I think it would be great if you reacted to '71 even though it's not a gangster film, I would just love to hear your thoughts and react to it. I love your reactions and look forward to more.
Hi Stephen it's trev Dec here just to say hello and hope you're well this film is very very good Stephen I'm from tipparrie Ireland thank god bless you for interest on the film god bless you for now merry Christmas trev Dec
My uncle the bank robber and car dealer from Hanwell had a 2and 8 with the 🇮🇪 and they burnt his car show room down in the early 80s. After a few favours they settled it. He passed away so I will mention it Graham. Originally Welsh but sounded like a Londoner. Anyone remember the dustbin club in Hanwell.
Love the film and great review. But actually would love to see you do a bit on John Bindon not only was he in lots of great movies I think if you told people about him they would say you were making it up .
Brian Keffe who wrote The Long Good Friday also wrote a sequel set twenty years after The Long Good Friday. Brian Keffe wasn't concerned over the sequel not being made and later admitted the sequel would have been a mistake if it got made. He tore up the script and bin it
It's a great film. Yeah, a lot of it was far fetched, but that's cinema. Iconic theme, engaging plot, stellar performances, backdrops. The Concorde scene at the beginning sets the scene so well i.e. excess, contrived opulence, image; all hallmarks of top boys.
Somehow the movie feels like a bank holiday,also a great depiction of the docks, like a huge infrastructure that was lost. It feels like an epic long day for the viewer too. Surely Oscar material , that long face shot at the end,and now its too late because he's gone. Interestingly the head of UK secret operations recently said that he didn't want to refer to those classed as terrorists as soldiers , as he thought they didn't deserve the title. "i mean, youd have noticed that,educated geezer like you, a man nailed to the floor". Off to read your invitation to creatives now...
Dont mean to be a dick Mr Gillen but the whole of the british army couldnt beat the I.RA,i think thats the point of the film,there's always a bigger fish
Different class this film in its day ..." 📼 VHS springs to mind watching it on video!! Again grt content & keeping it real. As keeping your side of street clean!! Class...
Because of his national service. Danny Pembroke kept his gloves the entire time he was at Leather Slade farm. If he had to use the toilet he would grab a shovel walk across the fields dig a hole etc
@stephen.gillen Hi, I'm Bensin from NZ, really enjoy getting the perspective you give on these films. I'm wondering if you would take a look at a kiwi film called "Once we're warriors" . I think it would be interesting to hear your take on the similarities and differences in the conditions of society that lead to gang life, and the difference between London and NZ gangs. I think you'll see a lot that you can relate to, and see a bit of gang culture that is more tribal than your used to. Anyway, thought you might be interested, and I think I'd enjoy your take. Cheers Bensin
Interesting review Stephen.I always thought the character was like Freddie Foreman. I read that a in this film alot of this firm were not even actors they was real asscoiates of London firms. Also the chat in this film was proper slags, boob it was brilliant. Also Hatchet Harry and Bricktop was in this.
The Long Good Friday was Pierce Brosnan's first film role and we all know he went on to be James Bond and a lot of guys would love to be James Bond and a lot of women would love to meet a guy like James Bond and I think Really?
Brian Keffe who wrote The Long Good Friday did write a sequel which according to what Brian Keffe said......Thank god the sequel wasn't given the go ahead.
Great movie, thought the American mafia were played by the wrong actors though, one of them had dyed black hair to make him look Sicilian but he was a million miles away from Don Corleone, lol
i saw a video of a real gang member of a different cartel gang on a gore site kidnapped and put into a car he had the same expression with a gun and camera pointed at him from the front seat, defiance at first but eventually realism sets in and you can see it in his face, they burned him to death. hoskins portrayal of a man who knows he is vucked is very realistic indeed
The Crux of the game, one is a criminal enterprise, (The London mob) and the other is a liberation movement, (The IRA) there’s only one outcome coming from this. Get Carter and The long Good Friday, can’t get any grittier.
Shaun Attwood spent four years in the notorious tent city prison in Arizona. Straighten him out along with every other prisoner who spent doing time in Tent city prison. We should have the same type of prison in this country. No walls, no cells, no screws (prison officers) it will be a true test of survival
He suffer hallucinations of Roger Rabbit and other characters from the film. Bob Hoskins said in a interview the hallucinations drove him to the brink of insanity. His family got him section after his youngest daughter notice her dad talking to Roger Rabbit. Bob Hoskins spent 8 months in the funny farm. Bob Hoskins: I was glad to get out that place was full of nutters 🤣🤣🤣
Are you an Author, Writer, Producer or Creative? Stephen Gillen CEO of Roar Media Creative Studios is looking for stories, books, ideas & partnerships to commission and develop...sign up and more at link here www.roarmediacreative.com/events/
Stephen as you have shown many movies one inwould like you to watch is dead man running please dona video review on this too ❤ requested by me Rob sabey
Stephen you should contact Sam millar from Belfast, what a story that man has to tell. You may have heard of him, he’s a former IRA prisoner , a blanketman, turn bank robber in America. As staunch as they come. Would love to see you work together, his podcasts are second to none, god bless !!
I love the last scene in the car with Brosnan. The way that Hoskins portrayed everything going on in his mind without saying a word always blows me away, especially when he almost smiles.
Last German actor in that limitless category was Gert Fröbe. Our "German power women lesbian lobby`s" (manhating-committee) xxl influence in the casting department disallow such cool characters in the German actor landscape since the 1980s.... "Strong German Men" no thanks... Thanks UK that you don`t follow that absurd example. Bob Hoskins is a treasure.
Look like he had piranha`s in his belly.
My original text : I take it that Harold Shand would be subjected to a horrible death ...
New info : Barrie Keeffe wrote a sequel, Black Easter Monday, set 20 years after the events of the first film. It opened with Bob Hoskins's character; Harold Shand, escaping from the IRA after the car was pulled over by police.
Shand would retire to Jamaica, then return to stop the East End being taken over by the Yardies.
However, the film was never made.
In one of his last interviews, Keeffe seemed unconcerned by the lack of development: "In some ways, I’m glad we didn’t because sequels are usually diminishing returns."
@@hegstad9 I always thought the Irish made Harold's death quick. The gunman looks at him with a mix of smugness and respect.
Magnificent and sadly missed actor.
Seeing the London docks then and what they are now is why this film is one of the best examples of London social commentary of that era
Its very interesting to say the least
Think canary wharf is where his yacht is now!
At the time this was made the London docks had finished operating and the development of docklands had started 😅
This movie is incredible. One of the most perfectly written movies ever to come out of the UK.
As we all know Bob Hoskins almost play Al Capone in the Untouchables. When he met Brian De Palma at this hotel bar De Palma told Bob Hoskins I really want De Niro for the role but if he says no will you do it! Bob Hoskins said yes then a couple of months later got a cheque for $200.000 from Brian De Palma along with a note from De Palma saying thanks Bob for being my stand by
Some films like The Long Good Friday doesn't need a sequel and should always remain a one off
Thouroughly enjoyed this. An absolutely unmatched British film and a powerhouse performance by Bob Hoskins. Possibly my favourite film of all time.
dont forget, get carter
This made my day. One of my favourite movies. Bob Hoskins gave the performance of a lifetime. Theme tune was great too. Greetings from Dublin Stephen.
Bob Hoskins was a pure talent. Acting Dynamo and my Favourite actor of all time. RIP.
Was and still is one of the best British gangster films ever,Bob hoskins absolutely brilliant ❤
Razors and Alan were 2 great Henchman for Harold. Loyal,tough and likeable
Lovely Steve. THIS role was tailored for Bob absolutely spot on the timing and everything.
I love The Long Good Friday. Great storytelling. Great acting. Great directing. Great score. Bob Hoskins is brilliant as Harold Shand. Helen Mirren protrays Harold's wife Victoria with intelligence and beauty. Victoria also her toughness with her intelligence and class. Both Hoskins and Mirren got brilliant chemistry from opposite attracts way but Shand working class manner and Victoria Upper class manner gels well. The strength is from the script. I even love how the film predicts the vision of London 1979 especially the how the real London look from the canary wharf.
Film was ahead of its time, the development of the Docklands area was key. Allegedly some of the Brinks Mat robbery money was invested in the Docklands.
that film is the shit ..the way Bob goes out is fucking class .You can see the emotions on his face...but then he accepted he was going to die
A prequel should be made to The Long Good Friday. Show in the prequel how Harold Shand become the boss of bosses in the underworld. Show how he got east end gangsters and South of the river gangsters sat down and talking
no it will take away the shine of the original, just make another original film, people are tired of sequels.
@@Blobby192He said "prequel" not "sequel"
Please do Mona Lisa.
I spent quite a bit of time in soho in the early 90’s and knew people in that trade.
Shady and scary.
People would literally disappear no trace ever.
Mona Lisa captures it perfectly before the Russians came and took over everything.
Francis Monkman's soundtrack gives so much atmosphere to this brilliant film. As for the wardrobe, it's only 1980 so it's still a bit late 70's. Having known this film for so long, you give a fascinating insight into the real world of villany. I really enjoyed your breakdown of sexy beast, a film I've enjoyed many a time. I'd love to hear your views on the prison film, McVicar.
He's sounding like Alan Parsons Project in places.
Big fan of this movie from the start. One of my favorite gangster movies of all time!
The Long Good Friday was the greatest British Gangster film ever made it was years ahead of time, I remember the first time I saw it and you're like Who is taking his firm out ,and the end was one of the best when he's asking Jeff all about it, that movie was one of the best Gangster films ever made not just British. Bob Hoskins was said to have based his character on Fred Foreman ,he even looked like Freddie.
Get Carter is up there.
@@mickymac6571 Get Carter was another all time great, I was told they were going to do a remake of the LGF and it was gonna be in the U.S I'm glad they didn't the remake of Get Carter was a disaster some films just can't be remade .
@@i.marr.6688 Yeah, I dunno how they thought that Sylvester Stallone could take on Michael Caine's incredible and iconic performance. The US one was awful. If they'd remade the LGF it would probably have had Stallone or Schwarzenegger in the Hoskins role and the last scene would have been him in a busload of IRA men and beating the shit out of the lot of them.
@@galesito1733 It would be a disaster if they did a remake of LGF like you say Stallone or Arnie would have come out on top, Some films like this are better left alone , I've always wondered how Bobs accent would have been had they made a remake and dubbed his cockney ,I mean he's playing a gangster and his accent was pure classic so imagine Bob's accent been dubbed. It would be a with
Sexy beast too
The Richardson's and Frankie Fraser are referred to as the Clancy mob. Parky says they are not behind the attack on the corporation because - No-one has had their teeth pulled out. Fantastic review of a special film.
Bob Hoskins LEGEND
I remember those early 80s in London when l was just a kid visiting my grandparents who still lived there, my Dad moved out before l was born.
Saw this when it came out ,that last scene when he realises he's really messed up big time , shows what a terrific actor he was .
I have a collection of films on DVD. Retro I know but I like owning them. The Long Good Friday is part of that collection. Amazing.
At the end when Bob Hoskins character knows the game is up and his wife is being taken away in the other car always breaks my heart. What would they have done to her? Guess that’s the genius of the movie in that we are left to wonder. Nice one Stephen you have a wonderful ability to pull us into your films.
Cameo from a young pierce Bromsan
@@StoutProper I didn't no that..👍
@@StoutProper I remember. He (the IRA) would have got me too, cause I would have followed Pierce into that back room too!
Acting masterclass from Bob. My favourite Actor ever.
Even worse being taken away in a Volvo
My number one film. The story, script and acting superb. Great review too Stephen !! 👏
Top film. Hit my top ten the day I saw it in the cinema and remained there to this day.
It was certainly a film that had an impact on me. The ending sent shivers down my spine, no mistake. I have watched a bunch of Stephen's videos since discovering the channel, and I love them. It is so interesting hearing his take on things, and I suspect there's a lot he doesn't say that would make our toes curl.
He mentioned villains being more gentlemanly back in the day, which reminds me of a story. In 1964(ish) a school friend worked at Scotts Garage on the corner of the A127 and Eastwood Road North, a few miles west of Southend. One Friday night Mr Scott and another man arrived having collected cash from his other garage, and went upstairs to do the books. Three men with guns arrived, one keeping an eye on my friend Andrew, and the other two went upstairs. The point to this story is that the man looking after Andrew poked him in the ribs with his gun making Andrew flinch, at which point the gunman said 'Sorry mate. Are you all right?' and while I don't think he went as far as putting the gun down, he was most apologetic and went out of his way to look after my fifteen year old school friend. Thinking back, this was before credit cards became a thing, so there was a lot more cash about. I remember that a gallon of two stroke cost four shillings and eleven pence, (about £0.25 in decimal, which was still six years away).
Love gangster flixs normally b list britsh and some american this guy gillen appears the real deal honest analysis he has been there
One of the greatest British films ever made!
What a film. The scene at the end, where Harry know what's going on... Wow. Never to be surpassed.
Thank god the Long Good Friday remake didn't go into production
Yeah good stuff this is one of my favourite British gangster films. Good review
8:40 I love Jeff's overcoat and flap cap. Smart casual. Gangsters back in the era dressed sharp.
Great film, I love that it shows the Docks before the total transformation - I know people who grew up around Canning Town and never imagined how the area would change. It was kind of sad the way Harold didn't realise he was out of his depth, thanks to Jeff ripping off the IRA and the bloke dying because of him, Jeff betraying Harold . When Harold is schmoozing the Mob guys and it all goes pear-shaped, he's so defiant, calling them names for pulling out of the deal. I can really imagine there's a lot of truth in this story, about carving up the Docklands cos big money is going to be flowing in the re-development /swanky flats going up and shoving out the locals. Harold sees himself as entitled to a piece of the action as a Londoner.. Reminds me of what happened with the Boroughs /developers getting in on the 2012 Olympics - I lived in Stratford through most of the late 80's - 2006, with the odd spell elsewhere. (Not on Her Majesty's, honest!) Saw how certain parties filled their boots and didn't give a monkeys about the locals - Legacy Shmegacy! Bob Hoskins was a brilliant actor, a couple of the cast I thought weren't all that but overall, Helen Mirren's character was the real brains/steadying influence when Harold went loco, calmed him down. Used her looks /poshness to advantage. She liked the lifestyle, wasn't involved in the violence but she knew it was happening. Great depiction of the times and the atmosphere - London had got a bit faded and grubby and this was the start of the new era - shiny office blocks, yuppies and Corporate greed - City traders earning silly money and rubbing it in.. Bit of history in this film, although it was "fiction". Nice one for reviewing it, interesting to hear how you thought it related to the real goings on. 👍
except Jeff didn't rip off the IRA, that was Harold's friend Colin who stole the money prior to the drop in Belfast, and the members had to stay longer in their hideout to recount the money which gave the British Army enough time to storm the farm house and catch them - so now the IRA figures not only it was a theft but a set up by Harold's Corporation, to which they began to tear down his empire one bomb at a time.
It's a great film and when l bought it a few years ago it was an expensive DVD to buy but well worth it and no collection is complete without it.
Bob Hoskins was a great actor.. There are so many great gangster flix from the uk.!
Like your review of this Stephen and been catching up on all your others - top good stuff :-)
Great video. Movie recoews are excellent. I'd love to see a video specific to the IRA in the prison system through the troubles. I known from reading as well tgst they were poorly treated at the start, but their influence grew and rightly respected and feared due to their structure, knowledge and the mere fact of who they were. I'd love to hear how they dealt with issues within prison, as they woukd not be seen as normal criminals.
London gangster Jimmy Moody was on remand in Brixton jail. He shared his cell with IRA Vol Gerry Tuite it was 1980 Moody was so intrigued by what Tuite was telling him about the history of Ireland and Britain that they both escaped and Moody got to Dublin then Belfast, Moody began working with the IRA and allegedly killed IRA informers,he then went to London and got involved in a feud with a South London family and allegedly killed one member of the family Moody stayed on the run many times under the Met police for 13 years in 1993 while drinking in a pub in South London a bike pulled up and a man wearing a helmet went into the pub and shot Moody dead Also Fred Foreman was very friendly with the IRA,s OC Brian Keenan and so was Eddie Richardson, Eddie Richardson said Keenan was one of the most intelligent fella he ever knew Eddie also played Squash with him . And on TH-cam type in the 1983 mass escape from the H-Blocks 38 got out the H-Blocks were 8 prisons in a prison inside an Army Barracks. I doubt any firm in London could do that the H-Blocks were maximum security prison one of the most secured prisons in the world 🌎
McVicar would be a good film to react to, because it seems to be a British gangster film that many people don't know about
Best of all time mt
Man, I love your film reviews. You're about the art and the craft; not inserting any politics other than the underground climate you were in.
Two shots: the blue glare off the sniper rifle and the upsidedown meathooked fellas. Amazing camera direction.
Could you do a Snatch by Guy Ritchie? I know it's not authentic, but it's a helluva movie and it'd be fun to see you review it.
Have a great day :)
Also congrats on 13 years!
When you watch The Long Good Friday for the first time you scratch your head and say that's the guy from Roger Rabbit? Yes! Which shows what a awesome actor Bob Hoskins was
#1 Why did Colin steal the £5000 from the suitcase. #2 Who ordered the hit on the three IRA members? In my opinion it was Jeff! #3 Why was the suitcase full of money left at the farmhouse?
The scene where Razors and Shand confront the Smack dealer and get confronted by children when leaving the property..... the youngest extortionist is played by Dexter Fletcher who went on to star in many great movies like Band of Brothers, The Bounty, Layer Cake and directed Starman. Its weird watching from afar, the ascension of his success. I wish him well. Today i am gonna watch Bohemian Rhapsody. 4 years ago i bumped into the owner of the Studio who oversaw Queen's recording of same. Besides us both being drummers we were watching Man Utd playing on TV when we got talking. I am a Celtic man and he kept bragging about knowing Rod Stewart. Its a small World.
I like the coat he's wearing very smart
Love this film. Pure Brilliance.
9:10 That character was punching the boss to prove something because he was actually a traitor working with the IRA, it was a plot device showing that the character was suspicious as we would later find out.
Stephen doesn't half look like Robert De Niro. Pretty inspiring guy turning his life around and bringing some good into the world. Top bloke.
fantastic work as usual
Love this channel
Stephen is a very charismatic, intelligent and articulate bloke. Could have easily been a top shelf actor in his own right.
Did my first film with Dennis Waterman and Roger Daltry in Chicago. It was an Anglo-American, gangster project, Stephen would have been perfect for it.
Unlike 90% of gangster films The Long Good Friday isn't about the rise and fall of Harold Shand. It's much more smarter then that. And you have the snake in grass (Jeff) who looks like a bag of nerves throughout the whole film. He's the one along with Colin (Paul Freeman) who brings about Harold Shand's downfall. And they are the two people he trust the most
Not a big fan of gangster films, but I think this is a fantastic film. Probably one of my favourites.
My favorite British gangster film of all time. Snatch is a close second. I also like British films that depict what is was like in Belfast like '71 and Hunger. I think it would be great if you reacted to '71 even though it's not a gangster film, I would just love to hear your thoughts and react to it. I love your reactions and look forward to more.
Hi Stephen it's trev Dec here just to say hello and hope you're well this film is very very good Stephen I'm from tipparrie Ireland thank god bless you for interest on the film god bless you for now merry Christmas trev Dec
Thanks for that mate trev Dec
Cracking podcast Steve nice one
I have never seen the movie. But will make a point of watching it.
My uncle the bank robber and car dealer from Hanwell had a 2and 8 with the 🇮🇪 and they burnt his car show room down in the early 80s. After a few favours they settled it. He passed away so I will mention it Graham. Originally Welsh but sounded like a Londoner. Anyone remember the dustbin club in Hanwell.
Love the film and great review. But actually would love to see you do a bit on John Bindon not only was he in lots of great movies I think if you told people about him they would say you were making it up .
Hard to believe Bob Hoskins go on to make
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.
Went with my brother and his kids to it, entertaining.
Brian Keffe who wrote The Long Good Friday also wrote a sequel set twenty years after The Long Good Friday. Brian Keffe wasn't concerned over the sequel not being made and later admitted the sequel would have been a mistake if it got made. He tore up the script and bin it
It's a great film. Yeah, a lot of it was far fetched, but that's cinema. Iconic theme, engaging plot, stellar performances, backdrops. The Concorde scene at the beginning sets the scene so well i.e. excess, contrived opulence, image; all hallmarks of top boys.
Somehow the movie feels like a bank holiday,also a great depiction of the docks, like a huge infrastructure that was lost. It feels like an epic long day for the viewer too. Surely Oscar material , that long face shot at the end,and now its too late because he's gone. Interestingly the head of UK secret operations recently said that he didn't want to refer to those classed as terrorists as soldiers , as he thought they didn't deserve the title.
"i mean, youd have noticed that,educated geezer like you, a man nailed to the floor". Off to read your invitation to creatives now...
Bob Hoskins rang up Brian De Palma saying have you got any more film roles you don't want me to do 😂😂😂
My prequel starts with Harold Shand layer on his prison bunk writing down names and businesses.
Dont mean to be a dick Mr Gillen but the whole of the british army couldnt beat the I.RA,i think thats the point of the film,there's always a bigger fish
Every high end villain is in cahoots with Police. Especially so David Hunt.
Right right best bobs role ever
Bob married my history teacher, legend!
Different class this film in its day ..." 📼 VHS springs to mind watching it on video!! Again grt content & keeping it real. As keeping your side of street clean!! Class...
In my prequel to The Long Good Friday we see how Harold Shand become boss of bosses off Britain's under world
Bob Hoskins said he based Harold Shand on gangsters he knew when he was growing up.
Because of his national service. Danny Pembroke kept his gloves the entire time he was at Leather Slade farm. If he had to use the toilet he would grab a shovel walk across the fields dig a hole etc
nice one steve son !
@stephen.gillen Hi, I'm Bensin from NZ, really enjoy getting the perspective you give on these films. I'm wondering if you would take a look at a kiwi film called "Once we're warriors" . I think it would be interesting to hear your take on the similarities and differences in the conditions of society that lead to gang life, and the difference between London and NZ gangs. I think you'll see a lot that you can relate to, and see a bit of gang culture that is more tribal than your used to.
Anyway, thought you might be interested, and I think I'd enjoy your take.
Cheers
Bensin
Interesting review Stephen.I always thought the character was like Freddie Foreman. I read that a in this film alot of this firm were not even actors they was real asscoiates of London firms. Also the chat in this film was proper slags, boob it was brilliant. Also Hatchet Harry and Bricktop was in this.
Harold Shand based on BROWN BREAD FRED. ❤
6:44 "Do you think Harold was unnecessarily rude to the car mechanic?"
What a great question... (facepalm)
The Long Good Friday was Pierce Brosnan's first film role and we all know he went on to be James Bond and a lot of guys would love to be James Bond and a lot of women would love to meet a guy like James Bond and I think Really?
One of the best films ever, get carter was another classic
Best British film 🎥
Brian Keffe who wrote The Long Good Friday did write a sequel which according to what Brian Keffe said......Thank god the sequel wasn't given the go ahead.
There's still a couple of unanswered questions surrounding The Long Good Friday!
Wish I could see this in the US, its only streaming on HBO services. Maybe I can find it cheap on DVD
Great movie, thought the American mafia were played by the wrong actors though, one of them had dyed black hair to make him look Sicilian but he was a million miles away from Don Corleone, lol
i saw a video of a real gang member of a different cartel gang on a gore site kidnapped and put into a car he had the same expression with a gun and camera pointed at him from the front seat, defiance at first but eventually realism sets in and you can see it in his face, they burned him to death. hoskins portrayal of a man who knows he is vucked is very realistic indeed
Bob Hoskins was excellent in this
@stephengillen which Benn fight did you mention at the beginning?
Benn v Watson in 1989 fought in Finsbury Park.
Those fellows were sussed up, top flight gear, that camel Winter coat the South London geezer had on, all aces, can't even get those nowadays.
Like your vids. Just make sure you do them straight and sober brother.
One of the best crime films made imho
Bob Hoskins says: "It's my manor!"
Really?
Are you sure?
I saw trailer and he says: "It's my manor." In his place.
Harold Shand had to show the IRA not to Beep with him along with sending them a message. Unfortunately for him it back fired
The Crux of the game,
one is a criminal enterprise, (The London mob) and the other is a liberation movement, (The IRA) there’s only one outcome coming from this.
Get Carter and The long Good Friday, can’t get any grittier.
Shaun Attwood spent four years in the notorious tent city prison in Arizona. Straighten him out along with every other prisoner who spent doing time in Tent city prison. We should have the same type of prison in this country. No walls, no cells, no screws (prison officers) it will be a true test of survival
Stephen, you bear a strong resemblance to Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull later in his life.
Amazing content as usual!. シ
I love how Bob Hoskins read scripts...on the toilet. He said I knew it was a good script when I got a cold bum lol
Have you reviewed "The Limey"?My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message and English gangster movies.
He suffer hallucinations of Roger Rabbit and other characters from the film. Bob Hoskins said in a interview the hallucinations drove him to the brink of insanity. His family got him section after his youngest daughter notice her dad talking to Roger Rabbit. Bob Hoskins spent 8 months in the funny farm. Bob Hoskins: I was glad to get out that place was full of nutters 🤣🤣🤣