It's not about safety; it’s about honor. The film takes place in the early 1980s on Good Friday, and Harold Shand is expecting some influential American figures to visit. He hopes they will provide funding for his dockside development project, but someone is killing his men. Although he has a suspicion as to who's responsible, he isn’t prepared for what happens next. The plot of The Long Good Friday demonstrates how effective it can be to avoid complicating things; the structure is straightforward, and the story remains compelling without unnecessary drama. It’s a British gangster film that draws more inspiration from classic films starring Paul Muni and Edward G Robinson than something like "The Godfather." These are men who operate on the streets, working-class criminals who could realistically live just around the corner, their actions contributing to reputations as notorious figures—feared and begrudgingly respected. Many contemporary movie fans may not know that “The Long Good Friday” had a delayed release, being held back for a year because Margaret Thatcher and her administration were upset by the film’s depiction of the Irish Republican Army. This occurred during a period when tensions in Northern Ireland were escalating, and government officials worried that the film could send damaging messages across Britain. One of the main reasons this film stands out from many others is its willingness to tackle this issue; it's a simple story, but it’s not just about two gangs fighting for control. Barrie Keeffe’s script has a raw and uncompromising quality, and some scenes are among the best British ones ever filmed—once you see them, they stick with you. The dialogue possesses a timeless sense of bravado, delivered with characteristic cockney confidence by Bob Hoskins as Harold Shand. Hoskins is excellent in the role, clearly enjoying it and blending menace with an authentic down-to-earth quality; one moment he’s someone you’d like to share a beer with, the next he's on the verge of violent retribution. Helen Mirren is wonderful as Harold’s wife, Victoria, remaining steadfastly loyal and calm amidst the unfolding chaos, while the rest of the cast also performs well, including a chilling cameo from Pierce Brosnan. Perhaps now it feels like a product of its time, and maybe only British viewers of a certain age can fully appreciate the pervasive sense of gangland London threatened by insurgents. However, I cannot imagine ever loving this film any less as time passes; for me, it comes close to being a British masterpiece, full of realism during a difficult period—and enough to irritate Margaret Thatcher, which is good enough for me. 9/10

Source on TMDB