Watch The Rise of the Krays

The Rise of the Krays is a 2015 British crime drama film that depicts the rise of one of the most notorious gangs in London's history, the Kray twins. The movie is directed by Zackary Adler and produced by Ken Brown and Sebastian Brown. It stars Matt Vael as Reggie Kray and Simon Cotton as Ronnie Kray, the twin brothers who ruled London's criminal underworld in the 1950s and 1960s.

The movie begins by introducing us to the Kray twins as young boys growing up in the East End of London. We see them struggle with poverty and experience bullying from other kids in the neighborhood. As they grow older, they become involved in petty crime, and eventually, they form their own gang, taking over the local protection racket and enforcing their own law on the streets.

As the twins' criminal empire expands, they become more and more notorious. We see them commit a series of violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, and blackmail. They start to attract the attention of the police, who are determined to bring them to justice. But even as the authorities close in, the Krays remain one step ahead, using their charm, wit, and cunning to evade capture.

Throughout the movie, we see the relationship between the two brothers evolve. Reggie is the more level-headed of the two, while Ronnie is prone to fits of violence and erratic behavior. Despite their differences, they have a strong bond, and they rely on each other to run their criminal enterprise. We see them deal with personal struggles, including Ronnie's homosexuality and Reggie's rocky marriage to Frances Shea (Emily Wyatt).

The film is shot in a gritty, realistic style that captures the dark and seedy side of 1960s London. The costume and set design are excellent, transporting us back in time to an era of fashionable suits, elaborate hairstyles, and classic cars. The score is also noteworthy, with a mix of original and period music that adds to the film's atmosphere.

The acting in the movie is top-notch, with Matt Vael and Simon Cotton delivering powerful performances as the Krays. Vael portrays Reggie as cool and calculating, while Cotton depicts Ronnie as unpredictable and unstable. Together, they create a dynamic and believable portrayal of the legendary gangsters. Kevin Leslie is also impressive in his role as Eddie Richardson, the Krays' rival and eventual enemy.

One of the strengths of the film is its attention to detail. It explores the Krays' rise to power in detail, showcasing the tactics they used to intimidate, extort, and control the people around them. From the seedy nightclubs they ran to the backroom deals they brokered with corrupt politicians, the movie paints a vivid picture of the Krays' criminal enterprise.

Another notable aspect of the film is the way it handles the Krays' legacy. While the movie doesn't shy away from depicting the twins' violent tendencies, it also humanizes them in a way that makes their story compelling. We see the Krays as products of their environment, shaped by poverty, adversity, and a desire for power. By the end of the film, we understand why they became the legends they are.

In conclusion, The Rise of the Krays is a well-crafted crime drama that delivers on all fronts. It offers a fascinating insight into the Krays' criminal empire, portraying them as complex figures who were both villains and heroes in their own right. Whether you're a fan of gangster movies or simply enjoy a good story, this film is well worth watching.

The Rise of the Krays is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.