Lists are great. They inspire discussion, create arguments, and tend to spiral off into fun new lists. When you do a list about the “BEST” of anything it goes from being fun to becoming a hotbed for arguments. There’s no such thing as a definitive list but I’ve decided to pull from my rather extensive life of film watching and put it to good use.
This is not the “film critic’s top 100” list. There’s no guarantee Citizen Kane or The Bicycle Thief will be in the top echelon or even on the list. This is the 100 movies I would put my name on as my top 100. If I died tomorrow this would represent the 100 films I find most vital, special, or ones that bonded to whatever it is that makes me me. I’m not including documentaries, though that might make for a nice supplemental list.
The first 80 will be in no particular order. The last 20 will be in very particular order. One a day, you have my word.
#23 – The Long Good Friday
Message Board Thread Discussion.
Master Index of the 100 Best Movies Ever.
Why is it here:
Note: Remember that the first 80 are in no particular order.
This is somewhat quaint in today’s crime movie standards but it’s a must see in a pantheon dominated by Italian mob movies. It’s one of the best crime flicks ever made and the first British movie in the genre I fell in love with. Bob Hoskins doesn’t get nearly enough respect for this acting career, one which ended too soon. The guy is a powderkeg and so magnetic in this, his best performance. It’s also fun to see Pierce Brosnan in an early role as well as several faces who have popped up in Guy Ritchie films two decades after this movie made its mark. And Helen Mirren. Hot as hell to this day Helen Mirren.
A great crime flick and Harold Shand is a choice heavy. If you like watching thugs and the IRA square off this film will be a delight for you. Great to look at, listen to, and mull the influences it left.
Moments to savor:
Just about anything that comes of Harold Shand’s mouth under duress.
“The Mafia? I’ve shit ’em.”
Rewatchability:
Medium.
Miscellany:
I truly think this is of the same quality of the premier American crime flicks of the era.