The Krays

The violence, loyalty, fear, blood and traditions are all present and correct. The Kemp bros., especially Gary, give superbly sinister and dangerous portrayals of the twins. You can't fault it's accuracy on who the twins were or how they grew up. However, the events shown are lacking in relevance to how they really happened and are taken from the point of view of Gang members who so obviously lied during their trial. The film also lacks on the other gang members, no member is named as being Tony Lambrianou or Freddie Foreman, for example. Although this is secondary to the twins themselves, for people who know the real story it does make it a little less enjoyable.

This was an impressive movie: stylish, well played and atmospheric.

The greatest revelation was the talent of the Kemp Brothers (ex-Spandau Ballet) who were absolutely marvelous as the notorious Kray Twins. They portrayed the mixture of glamour, ruthlessness and family loyalty of these two brothers with much conviction.

The storyline seemed a little vague at times, and glossed over one or two episodes, but this was probably due to the compression of facts and didn't mar the feel of the movie as a whole. Quite frankly, it probably would have taken a mini-series to document all the things the real Twins were up to.

Billie Whitelaw was a standout as Violet Kray. Steven Berkoff over-acted as usual. Tom Bell was wonderful as always.

Not to be taken as absolute fact but is interestingly done and certainly gives an idea of the story behind these two well known villains.

A powerful film about the lives and crimes of the notorious Kray Twins. The Kemp brothers are superb as Reggie and Ronnie (and still the best film concerning their turbulent lives). The movie is almost a perfect production and dealing with a violent subject matter, that could easily have been screwed-up. The mood and atmosphere is charged and even the 'Maltese Brothers' get a mention (nice one). Two of my favourite actors Steven Berkhoff and Tom Bell, explode onto the screen!

I watched the film in the context of a historical study into London and its underworld from the 18th to 20th centuries, so I apologise in advance if this review seems overly academic.

The Krays were a fascinating pair, and this film shows the continuing interest in their lives and crimes, which has continued past their deaths. The film accurately shows the individual quirks and fascinations of the brothers while remaining a drama, rather than a documentary (and there are quite a few about).

The enormous presence of the Krays in London history is proven by the Monty Python sketch on the Pirhana Brothers, Doug and Dinsdale - made a single year after the Krays were imprisoned. If you don't know it, it's worth a look-see.

Martin and Gary Kemp, seasoned performers themselves were chillingly well-cast as the twins, who used the media themselves to promote their place as "Diamond Geezers" in East End London. The Krays themselves served as advisors on the film, with the Kemps visiting them in prison to meet and learn about their role from them.

From what I've read about them, I think the Krays would have liked this film about them, especially that proper brothers - twins, in fact - were playing them.

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By the way, the copy of the film I borrowed had a special cover which had a pocket over the name "The Krays" with 'blood' (red fluid) in it. It suited the film and subject matter well - one up for the designers.

I was fortunate enough to have seen "The Krays" on cable a number of years ago and I never forgot it..

I consider myself a stone cold film buff especially for the action drama genre. To later find out that the film was based on real people just drove the point home even further how awesome this film was.

I only wish that the DVD version would be released in the US as well. I rank this film right up there with "Once upon a time in America" and "Miller's Crossing" as films I love and would watch again and again.