Summary
Pierce Brosnan’s 1980s gangster movieThe Long Good Fridaywas not only the actor’s first film but continues to be a must-see with a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score.Pierce Brosnan’s careerhas largely been shaped by his time as the infamous 007 from 1995-2002.That suave command of the screen has followed him beyond the James Bond filmsthroughout the years, an example being his role as the mystical and logical Dr. Fate inBlack Adam.
Though his career seems to be shifting away from action, he retains that presence,something that seemed to have been shaped early on. One particular Brosnan role easily showcases the beginning of that evolution, though it is a departure from what audiences know of the actor. His character inThe Long Good Friday,aBritish action movie, showcased another side of Brosnan that is a direct mirror to his later portrayal as Bond. The cunning and stunts remained, but Brosnan’s first movie showcased his versatility as the story of a crime boss whose past returns to haunt him unfolded.
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The Long Good Friday Was Pierce Brosnan’s First Movie - What It’s About
The Long Good Friday Premiered In Early 1981
The Long Good Friday’s plot was able to showcase Brosnan’s range with his unnamed but villainous character.The Long Good Fridaytells the story of crime boss Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins), who is attempting to become a legitimate businessman and gain financial support from the American Mafia. However,his plans begin to unravel as a series of murders and bombings destroy his operation, leading to an obsessive hunt for the culprit.Pierce Brosnan’s characteris an unnamed IRA hitman who seems to be a part of a larger conspiracy, with Brosnan delivering a chilling, Bond-villain performance.
Pierce Brosnan has one word of dialogue in the entire runtime ofThe Long Good Friday: “Hi.”
Why The Long Good Friday Is A Brilliant Gangster Movie
The Long Good Friday’s Plot And Twists Keep It Fresh For Audiences
Both the performances and the sharp thrills have helped earnThe Long Good Fridaya strong Rotten Tomatoes score.Rotten Tomatoeshas thecritic score for the film at 97%, with the audience score at a strong 89%.Many of the critic reviews praise Hoskins’s performance as the lead as well as the well-written story, while audience reviews focus on the film’s viciousness and action scenes. Brosnan’s role, while small, also aids in adding to the film, as the tension between characters showcases his menace.
This showcases howThe Long Good Fridayeasily married action with drama, giving the film a unique place in general and mafia film history.
The Long Good Fridaywas not just one ofBrosnan’s best movies. Rather, it helped in shaping the gangster film genre as a whole, with its legacy continuing into the modern day.Later films,such as 2007’sMichael Claytonand 2019’sThe Gentleman,referenced the film’s quiet but poignant final sceneas an example of its excellence. This showcases howThe Long Good Fridayeasily married action with drama, giving the film a unique place in general and mafia film history.
The Long Good Friday
Cast
The Long Good Friday is a British crime thriller directed by John Mackenzie, featuring Bob Hoskins as Harold Shand, a London gangster whose empire is threatened over the course of a Good Friday. Helen Mirren stars as Victoria, Harold’s determined and intelligent partner. The film explores themes of loyalty and betrayal within the British underworld and is noted for its gritty portrayal of London’s criminal landscape.
