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Longford is a 2006 historical drama film that delves into the life of Lord Longford, a British aristocrat and politician who was popularly known for his controversial views on rehabilitation and prison reform. The movie is directed by Tom Hooper and stars eminent actors like Jim Broadbent, Samantha Morton, and Andy Serkis in key roles.

The plot of the movie revolves around the life of Lord Frank Pakenham, the seventh Earl of Longford played by Jim Broadbent. Longford was a staunch Roman Catholic and was often criticized by his peers and the media for his support of notorious criminals and his staunch opposition to the death penalty. Despite the negative publicity surrounding his controversial stance, Longford continued to campaign tirelessly for the cause.

The movie takes place in the 20th century, mainly during the 60s and 70s. Longford's life takes a significant turn when he meets Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton), a notorious serial killer involved in the gruesome murders of several children along with her partner Ian Brady. Longford insists on visiting Hindley in prison, believing that she deserves compassion and understanding despite her heinous crimes. The film takes on a uncomfortable and emotional journey that showcases the complexities of human behavior and the limits of forgiveness.

While the film primarily revolves around the life and work of Lord Longford, it also explores the ramifications of his controversial choices and the challenges he had to face as a result of his unpopular opinions. Jim Broadbent's portrayal of Longford is nuanced and deeply moving, and the film beautifully captures his struggle and dedication towards achieving his vision of a better society.

Apart from Broadbent, the other actors in the movie also deliver exceptional performances. Samantha Morton particularly stands out as Myra Hindley, adequately conveying the villainous yet vulnerable aspect of the character. The acting is raw and showcases some of the most compelling displays of emotions in modern cinema.

One of the biggest strengths of Longford is its ability to bring to light the complexity of human behavior and emotions. By showing a man as controversial as Lord Longford as sympathetic and compassionate, the movie invites the audience to reevaluate their moral values and beliefs around the concepts of punishment, forgiveness and redemption in modern society.

The film's direction is understated but powerful, succeeding in maintaining the movie's overall emotional intensity. The cinematography is engaging, with some truly mesmerizing shots that capture the grandeur of the English countryside as well as the claustrophobia of the prison interiors.

Longford excels in its ability to start a dialogue around sensitive topics like the death penalty, prison reform and rehabilitation. It challenges people's preconceived notions about criminals and their place in society, particularly those that have been convicted of heinous crimes.

Overall, Longford is a timeless masterpiece that leaves a deep emotional impact on the viewer. Its focus on human behavior, particularly the complexities of forgiveness and redemption, make it a must-watch movie for all. It raises profound questions about the nature of humanity and the best means of achieving justice and accountability for crimes, creating a poignant and powerful cinematic experience that remains long after the credits have rolled.

Longford is a 2007 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.