I watched this before I 18 at my high school cinema. I also remember watching Alien and Rollerball. But The Long Good Friday really had an impact on me. Everything about this movie is spot on and deserves its recognition as the best British gangster film of all time second only in my opinion to Scarface (Al Pacino). Some have said it is dated but far from it. A slice of history in the late 70s early 80s just as Thatcher changed England politically and socially.
The east end of London looked so raw before the high rise of the multi millionaire flats and chic restaurants became ubiquitous. Looking back if only I had invested there I would be set for life. Shand was a visionary but also a viscous gangster who today would viewed as a relic from the past who was also proud to be British but also a racist. Today likewise still exist but due to the PC brigade have gone undercover or become so disillusioned with the UK they would have moved to the south of France or Spain.
If Hoskins only made TLGF he would have still been a legend. The chemistry between him and the other characters especially Mirren and Thompson is electric. Look out for cameo appearances like a young James Bond and Denzel. Possibly too violent for an Oscar nod for Hoskins and also the cockney slang would not have gone down well with an American audience but he did get a nomination nod for equally as impressive Mona Lisa. Guy Ritchie made a living out of this genre but could never recapture the true magnificence of TLGF. I am amazed how many are unaware of how great this movie is where the acting direction cinematography and score is second to none.