Review of The Krays (1990) by Stuart K — 27 Apr 2014

Directed by Peter Medak (The Changeling (1980), Romeo Is Bleeding (1993) and Species II (1998)), This film had been in development for years, with more than one version being planned at one point, but when Medak came on board, he got together an all star cast, and even though it shouldn't be good, it's actually quite compelling and it has some good performances as well, which is surprising.

This tells the story of Ronnie Kray (Gary Kemp) and Reggie Kray (Martin Kemp), twin brothers born to Violet Kray (Billie Whitelaw) and Charlie Kray Sr. (Alfred Lynch). In the 1950's, when called up for National Service, they assault their drill sergeant, and they soon find themselves diving into the world of organised crime.

They use nightclubs as a cover for their illegal operations, and they soon become feared yet respected in the London underworld. However, Ronnie is the more psychotic of the two, while Reggie usually joins in due to peer pressure.

But when the Krays decide to take on rival George Cornell (Steven Berkoff), it proves to be the brothers' downfall. Having the Kemp Brothers off Spandau Ballet as the Krays might have seemed like a silly idea at the time, but it manages to work, due to their intense performances, and they're backed up by the likes of Jimmy Jewel, Tom Bell, Victor Spinetti, Sadie Frost, Murray Melvin and Stephen Lewis.