John Mackenzie's riveting thriller shows how Harold, a gangland kingpin who sees himself as a respectable businessman, is embroiled in violence just as he is about to complete a multi-million dollar deal with the American Mafia. Beginning with apparently unconnected events, we see how a campaign to take over Harold's empire comes together over the course of 48 hours, despite his own terrifying efforts to stop the rot. The film is tense and exciting, but it is unthinkable without one central element - Bob Hoskins. Looking like a particularly pugnacious bulldog, he strides into the film after the first five minutes, accompanied by Francis Monkman's pounding main theme, and immediately makes it his own. Hoskins shows how a man whose bark and bite are equally fearsome can be undone by the violence he has strived to keep in check. Hoskins makes Shand a complex character, in some ways a dyed in the wool villain but also a visionary and - the suggestion is intentional - a good Thatcherite man of business and private enterprise. He's a considerate boss to his fiercely loyal taskforce, but when roused he is like a one-man apocalypse. Given some of the best dialogue ever written for a gangster film, Hoskins takes this role and runs with it; it's a star-making performance if ever there was one. He isn't afraid to show the confused human being behind the front he puts on for his audience, and his silences are as eloquent as his lengthy rants. The film ends with a long, wordless close-up of his face, and you know in an instant what is going to happen next, once we leave Harold to his fate.

One of the best gangster films ever made, and a British crime classic matched only by "Get Carter", "The Long Good Friday" contains so many memorable scenes that it's hard to pick out one or two. But the famous scene where Harold verbally savages the other gangland bosses as they hang upside down from meat hooks is unforgettable, as is the vicious rant against the Americans which concludes the film. Barrie Keeffe's script is full of great lines, and the conspiracy plot is well structured and relatively simple to follow. John Mackenzie keeps the film moving at a fast pace, while always giving time and space for his actors to make an impact. The violence in the film is moderate by modern standards, but several moments still shock, notably an impromptu backside carving and a horrible throat slashing with a whiskey bottle.

Several careers were launched by this film, notably those of Derek Thompson - now seemingly stuck in "Casualty" forever - and Pierce Brosnan. However, the story of the film is nearly as dramatic as the events it depicts. Made in 1979 for Lew Grade's ITC, it was considered too violent and politically sensitive, especially the involvement of terrorist groups, so it was buried. There was then talk of ITV showing the film in an emasculated form, with the swearing and violence severely toned down. Luckily, it received so much acclaim at the 1980 London Film Festival that Hand Made Films - previously the saviours of "Life Of Brian" - took the film on and gave it a wide release. It never fails to amaze me that a film as good as this was nearly turned into a bland TV movie.

The film clearly belongs to Bob Hoskins, giving a performance he has rarely matched since, but it also features eye-catching work from Helen Mirren as Harold's ambiguous girlfriend. There's also a great collection of character actors playing the dodgy supporting characters, notably Dave King as a corrupt copper and Bryan Marshall as a slimy GLC councillor. Fans of "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" will be pleased to see P.H.Moriarty in his best film role, as Harold's loyal enforcer, Razors.

Criterion have released this DVD, which immediately raised my hopes, and they have done a nice job on the film itself. The picture is excellent, with no problems. No noise or grain and a pleasing absence of artifacts. A mark knocked off, however, for the non-anamorphic transfer. The soundtrack is Mono only, unsurprisingly, but it is clear and forceful. That theme tune is great and sounds great even in such a basic format.

My only complaint is my usual one, as anyone familiar with my reviews will know. There are hardly any extras. This is surprising for a Criterion disc, especially considering their excellent versions of "Life of Brian" and "Brazil". Perhaps they had problems finding any extras to put on, but I'm sure Bob Hoskins could have been approached for a commentary. There are two trailers, one American - very gritty and tough - and one British - rather strange and offbeat. The packaging itself is adequate, although that bright red cover is rather unsightly. I was rather surprised at the lack of subtitles as well.

A great movie, one which survives repeat viewings and "quote-along" sessions, but only a good disc. The transfer quality is excellent and worthy of the Criterion name, but the presentation is distinctly disappointing.

Mike Sutton