Director: John Mackenzie
Cast: Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren
Certificate: 18
Running Time: 116 minutes
Last year we lost the brilliant Bob Hoskins to the void. The British actor known for Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Mermaids, Hook and Super Mario Bros was sadly lost to Pneumonia. Whilst better known for these big budget studio movies Hoskins is beloved by many in the UK for his turns in Mona Lisa and The Long Good Friday, and though he may be sorely missed both of these gems are getting the special edition treatment this year. We may still have a little while to wait for Mona Lisa but as of Monday 4th May you can own anniversary edition of The Long Good Friday.
This isn’t just an old film that has been stuffed onto a disc with a couple of trailers, oh no, Arrow Films have painstakingly overseen a fully film restoration and shifted through the archives for any suitable bonus materials. The result is a visual delight, images are crisp and clear, there truly is no better way to view the film.
The film itself is as good today as it was all those years ago when first released. Most people spend Good Friday sat on the sofa eating egg shaped chocolate watching whatever Bond film is on the telly, but not Hoskins’ Harold Shand. His Good Friday is the day for a very important meeting between himself and some shady Americans. His plans come unstuck as all his men start turning up dead. Think an adult cockney Bugsy Malone without songs and you’re almost there.
Yes the film might feel dated to some given how the times have changed since it was filmed but this really is a true British crime classic. Keep those eyes peeled for a young, and thuggish Pierce Brosnan as well.
Arrow Films certainly are the masters of restorations and special editions. The two disc set is crammed so full of special features that it will take you days to pour through all of the content.
The Long Good Friday is out now to buy on Blu Ray.
