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The Krays [1989]
![The Krays [1989]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41T4T97519L._SL160_.jpg)
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Fascinating Stuff!
Review date: 2006-09-04 Rating: 10 out of 10
I first became intrigued by the Kray twins when I viewed the movie here in the United States. Immediately, I wanted to know more about them as I was more interested in the their story than I was with the acting in the film. Apparently, from the information I was able to gleen from news items and internet websites, Ron and Reg Kray were idolized by people who had no power, no voice in society. I think I remember Ron saying he was good to good people, and a bastard to bad people. The acting in the film was great, Billie Whitelaw being the standout in my opinion. Still, it was a very interesting story for me.
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Reviews
Excellent
Review date: 2006-04-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
A vastly intelligent and utterly compelling biopic of Britain's most famous gangsters. When they weren't running shady protection rackets or inflicting horrific, gangland punishment on rival mobsters, the twin brothers contrarily made life generally safe for East Enders.
Writer Phillips Ridley and director Peter Medak shrewdly focus on the brothers complex personalities, showing their devotion as brothers to one another, their fierce loyalty to their mother and the rest of their family and their manically controlling and possessive hold over their lovers.
The film begins during World War 2 showing how the young Krays adapted to life in the East End during the war and some of the unscrupulous characters they met along the way as children which inevitably had some sort of psychological influence on them when they grew up.
The film chronicles their rise as rulers of the underworld and complimenting the rich, fine dialogue are the films two leading actors - a fantastic turn from ex- Spandau ballet members and real-life brothers, Martin and Gary kemp. Both put in concentrated, naturalistic and convincing performances.
Billie Whitelaw shines as their mother (who went on to win an oscar for her performance as Best Supporting Actress). Never once does she shrink to stereotype which is always so easy the case in roles such as these.
The film evokes a tense atmosphere throughout, building on suspense as the Krays steadily build their empire with a string of nightclubs and their protection rackets.
Some of the violent occurences in the film are stomach churning such as where one of the Krays sticks a sword directly through a rival mobsters palm whilst the bloody climax is played out to perfection.
Supporting performances from the likes of Tom Bell as Jack "the hat" Mcvitie, Susan Fleetwood as Charlotte Cornwell May and Kate Hardie as Frances are all equally superb and effective, each biting into their roles with seemingly a vengenace and making the most of every scene they're in.
A must see film that is gripping from beginning through to the bitter end!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Susan Fleetwood
Martin Kemp
Charlotte Cornwell
Gary Kemp
Alfred Lynch
Creators:
Gary Kemp (Primary Contributor)
Martin Kemp (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582361353
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Special Edition,
Release date: 2005-12-05
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 115 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1989
Language: English (Original Language)