Longford--Sundance Review

In 1965, Britain was shocked by the murders of several children, committed by lovers Ian Brady (Andy Serkis) and Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton). Brady and Hindley quickly became two of the most hated criminals in recent history, particularly Hindley, who was the one who lured the children to their gruesome torture and death. Unforgivable is the word for Brady and Hindley--except Frank Parkenham, Earl of Longford, doesn't believe that anyone is unforgivable.

Longford follows the relationship built during the visits that Frank (Jim Broadbent), a devout Catholic and champion of prisoners' rights, spent visiting Hindley in prison. Convinced that she was genuine in her profession of repentance, Frank ended up championing Hindley's release from prison against the tide of public opinion. Frank staked his public reputation on his fervent belief that penitent Hindley should be forgiven and freed.

Whether or not Hindley deserved Frank's trust is beside the point in this achingly heartfelt film. Her motivation is suspect from the beginning, but the movie never makes Frank out to be a fool--even when he's being fooled. Scriptor Peter Morgan was also responsible for The Queen, and he brings the same intellectual rigor and attention to detail to Longford. Broadbent imbues Frank with dignity and humanity, but doesn't shy away from the man's pomposity. He's a fascinating character, one well worth watching. Morton makes Hindley accessible, sympathetic and terrifying, and Serkis's Brady leaps off the screen.

Longford presents a portrait of a man under duress, forced to confront the ramifications of tenets upon which he's staked his life. Forgiveness is a concept that's easy to mouth but difficult to practice, and Frank's stance, while unpopular, is certainly brave. It's inspiring to see faith in action taken seriously, and a reminder that religion has its share of saints as well as hypocrites.