Best Movies by Farr

Video Entry - Two Lane Blacktop

JIM BROADBENT AND SAMANTHA MORTON SOAR IN "LONGFORD"

Directed by Tom Hooper for HBO Films, the blistering fact-based drama "Longford" will hit you square between the eyes. True crime drama lovers should pounce.

Based on the horrific Moors Murders of Manchester UK children in the sixties committed by psychopath Ian Brady and girlfriend Myra Hindley (Morton), this stranger than fiction tale concerns the prolonged effort of the aristocratic, devoutly Catholic Earl of Longford (Broadbent), an esteemed member of the House of Lords and unwavering advocate of prisoners' rights, to rehabilitate and secure the parole of Hindley, whom he firmly believes was under Brady's evil thrall and could one day lead a normal, productive life.

Almost without knowing it, and acting on blind principle, the Earl risks his entire reputation and career over Hindley, who may or may not be worthy of all his good efforts. He also underestimates the hatred stirred up among the populace for any convicted child-killer.

The result is a tense, disturbing ride, as you witness someone who wants to help, actually risk doing quite the opposite-- both for himself and for his cause.

Both Broadbent and Morton give powerful, Emmy-worthy performances, ably supported by Lindsay Duncan as the long-suffering Lady Longford and a truly frightening Andy Serkis as Brady.

If you like your tea with a hint of arsenic, try "Longford".