Watch The Krays

The Krays is a British crime-thriller film released in 1990, directed by Peter Medak and written by Philip Ridley. The movie is based on the true life story of the notorious Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray who were the famous gangland bosses in East London during the 1950s and 1960s. The film stars Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp as the Kray twins, and Billie Whitelaw plays their mother Violet Kray.

The movie takes us on a journey through the lives of the Kray brothers, starting from their early days in the East End of London to their rise as two of the most feared and powerful gangsters in the criminal underworld during the 1960s. The cinematic portrayal of the Krays is an exceptionally accurate depiction of their organized crime organizations including their links to the Labour Party and celebrities of the time.

Gary Kemp portrays Ronnie Kray with a powerful and sometimes terrifying presence. He is shown to be the more volatile and unpredictable of the twins, with a predisposition towards violence and a fascination for homosexuality that adds to his mystique. Martin Kemp, on the other hand, plays Reggie Kray with a quiet intensity that slowly draws the viewer in, portraying the cold yet magnetic leader of the twins.

Throughout the film, the brother's relationship with their mother, Violet, is also portrayed in detail. Billie Whitelaw took on this role with skill, playing the perfect balance between loving matriarch and a woman who is not afraid to stand up to her sons. She is integral to the brother's lives and helps shape their characters and their destinies.

The film also delves into the lives of other important players in the Krays' world, including their associates, romantic interests, and rival gangster characters. The portrayal of these people adds depth to the Krays' story and gives the audience a broader understanding of the criminal underworld during that era in London.

One of the strengths of the movie is the excellent re-creation of the East End of London during the 1960s. The sense of time and place is carefully captured, with the set design and cinematography adding to the authenticity of the portrayal.

Overall, The Krays is an excellent movie that offers a realistic glimpse into the lives of two of the most infamous criminals of the 20th century. The acting is powerful, and the story is both fascinating and disturbing. The movie portrays the Kray brothers as complex characters, with their family ties, violent tendencies, and criminal empires all playing a role in shaping their personalities. This is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in London or true crime stories in general.