The Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, were notorious British gangsters who dominated London's organized crime scene during the 1960s. Their infamous reputation as both ruthless criminals and charismatic figures has made them a captivating subject for filmmakers. The films about the Krays often explore themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the violent underbelly of society, showcasing their rise and fall within the criminal world as well as their complex personal lives.
Here are some notable films about the Kray twins:
“The Krays”, 1990
Director: Peter Medak
This biographical crime drama focuses on the lives of the Kray twins, portraying their rise to power in London's East End. The film delves into their criminal activities, relationships, and the eventual downfall that leads to their imprisonment.
Starring: Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Susan Fleetwood, Charlotte Cornwell, Kate Hardie, Avis Bunnage, Alfred Lynch, Gary Love, Steven Berkoff, Jimmy Jewel, Barbara Ferris, Victor Spinetti, John McEnery, Philip Bloomfield, Norman Rossington, Patti Love, Michael Balfour, Roger Monk, Jimmy Flint, Andrew Kitchen, Michael Joseph Carr, Ian Burfield, Bob Brimson, Russell Gold, David Arlen, Jon McKenna, Sean Blowers, Murray Melvin, Sadie Frost, Stephen Lewis, Peter Turner, Soo Drouet, John H. Stracey, David Fenwick, Laura Cox, Angus MacInnes, Michael Tezcan, Richard Vanstone, Chris Pitt, Mark Burdis, Pete Gillett, Julie May, Jackie Downey, Vernon Dobtcheff, Ryan Ward, Chrissie Cotterill, Simon Foy, Tony Sands;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Krays” on the website imdb.com
“The Fall of the Krays”, 2016
Director: Zackary Adler
A sequel to “Rise of the Krays,” this film continues the story of the twins, focusing on their reign of terror, the law enforcement efforts to bring them down, and the personal struggles that ultimately lead to their capture.
Starring: Phil Dunster, Adrian Bouchet, Anita Dobson, Nicola Stapleton, Josh Myers, James Weber-Brown, Danny Midwinter, George Webster, Alexa Bull, Ian Attard, Simon Cotton, Ian Lindsay, Tim Chipping, Kevin Leslie, Nathanjohn Carter, Richard Banks, Oengus MacNamara, Stephen McDade, John May, Michael Instone, Paul Blackwell, Martyn Mayger, Clare McGlinn, Sandy Batchelor, Steve Brunton, Philip Howard, Rachel Palmer, Dan Parr, Sean Browne, George Oliver, Cedric Tylleman, Nicola Taggart, Helen Millar, Nikolaos Brahimllari, Al Groves, Alan Chimes, Rocky Abrahms, James Powell, Martin Ross, Kris Sommerville, Patrick Myers, George Brockbanks, James Hepburn, Barrington Campbell, Alex Brabbins, Paul Michael Harrison, Ken Brown, Matthew Carter, Jenny O'Reilly, Jessica May Buxton;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: crime;
Duration: 116 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,6;
More information about the film “The Fall of the Krays” on the website imdb.com
“Legend”, 2015
Director: Brian Helgeland
Starring Tom Hardy in a dual role as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, this film presents a stylized account of their lives, emphasizing their complicated relationship and the impact of their criminal empire on those around them, including their romantic partners.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Duffy, Christopher Eccleston, Chazz Palminteri, Paul Anderson, Joshua Hill, Colin Morgan, Tara Fitzgerald, Nicholas Farrell, Adam Fogerty, Mel Raido, Major., Millie Brady, Chris Mason, Stephen Thompson, Sam Spruell, Taron Egerton, Alex Ferns, Martin McCreadie, Shane Attwooll, Richard Riddell, Huggy Leaver, Sam Hoare, Frankie Fitzgerald, Christopher Adamson, Alex Giannini, Samantha Pearl, Mark Theodore, Lara Cazalet, Charley Palmer Rothwell, Tim Faraday, John Sessions, Kevin McNally, Tim Woodward, Nick Hendrix, Robert Ashby, Geoffrey Beevers, Jane Wood, Jon McKenna, John Sears, Stephen Lord, Lorraine Stanley, Ashley Byam, Clive Aitkins, Fraser Andrews, James Francis Andrews, Lasco Atkins, David Olawale Ayinde;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: crime, thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
These films serve as both dramatizations and cautionary tales, illustrating the allure and dangers of a life of crime through the lens of the infamous Kray twins.
The films about the Kray twins offer a captivating and often chilling portrayal of the notorious East End gangsters. From the intense performances to the evocative period settings, these films provide a window into the criminal underworld of 1960s London. The complex dynamics between the twins, their criminal activities, and their relationships with others are skillfully depicted, making for a compelling cinematic experience. Whether exploring the darker aspects of their lives or delving into the psychological motivations behind their actions, these films offer a thought-provoking and immersive journey into the world of the Kray twins, leaving audiences both captivated and unsettled by their larger-than-life story.
