5 Movies That Offer A Glimpse Into The World Of The Kray Twins

As the sun sets on the gritty streets of London's East End, casting long shadows over Bethnal Green, stories of the notorious Kray Twins, Ronnie and Reggie, resonate with a chilling echo of a bygone era. These iconic figures have not only dominated the world of organized crime but also captured the imagination of filmmakers around the globe. The Kray Twins' saga, marked by their brutal control over London's underworld during the 1950s and 1960s, their flamboyant public life, and their eventual downfall, is a narrative ripe with drama, conflict, and intrigue. Here, we delve into five cinematic portrayals that give us a glimpse into the life and times of the Kray Twins.

🎥 The Krays: Their Legacy in Cinema

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The story of Ronnie and Reggie Kray has been a goldmine for moviemakers, with each film offering a different perspective on their lives. Here are five films that delve into the lives of these twin gangsters:

🎬 "The Krays" (1990)

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• Plot: This film, directed by Peter Medak, takes a straightforward approach to narrate the rise and fall of the Kray Twins. It follows their transformation from petty thieves to London's most feared gangsters.
• Key Points:
  • Starring Martin and Gary Kemp (of Spandau Ballet fame), the film captures the dual nature of the twins' public life as flamboyant celebrities and their brutal business dealings.
  • Notable scenes include their interactions with celebrities, their attempts to expand their empire to the US, and their eventual arrest.
  • Important Note: The portrayal focuses on the glamorized aspects of their lives, sometimes glossing over the more sinister elements.

🎬 "Legend" (2015)

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• Plot: Directed by Brian Helgeland, "Legend" dives deeper into the psychological complexities of the twins. Tom Hardy delivers an award-worthy performance, playing both Ronnie and Reggie.
• Key Points:
  • The film examines the relationship dynamics between the twins, their control over their family and associates, and the tragic love story of Reggie.
  • Scenes of violence, manipulation, and the internal power struggle between the brothers are portrayed with stark realism.
  • Important Note: The portrayal here leans towards the psychological, offering insights into Ronnie's mental instability.

🎬 "The Rise of the Krays" (2015)

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• Plot: This direct-to-video film focuses on the early years of the twins, showing their ascent in the London underworld.
• Key Points:
  • The film acts as a prequel, detailing how the twins established their criminal empire.
  • The portrayal of their familial ties, particularly with their mother, adds a layer of humanity to their characters.
  • Important Note: This film sets the stage for the more public known events of the Krays' lives.

🎬 "The Fall of the Krays" (2016)

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• Plot: Acting as a sequel to "The Rise of the Krays," this film shows the decline of their criminal empire due to their arrogance, legal troubles, and internal betrayal.
• Key Points:
  • The narrative focuses on the events leading up to their arrest, their trial, and the disintegration of their once formidable organization.
  • The portrayal of their downfall is both a cautionary tale and a spectacle of their hubris.
  • Important Note: The film does well in depicting how their empire fell, but it sometimes lacks the depth in character development.

🎬 "Vampira" (1974) - Indirectly related

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• Plot: Although not directly about the Krays, this film features David Hemmings playing a role based on Ronnie Kray, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the London underworld.
• Key Points:
  • The film uses its fictional narrative to comment on the seedy underbelly of London life, which was partly inspired by the real-life activities of the Krays.
  • The portrayal, while fictionalized, offers a surreal take on the criminal mind and the society that spawns such individuals.
  • Important Note: Viewers can appreciate this film as a creative interpretation of the era and the criminal psychology rather than a factual recount.

📚 Unraveling the Kray Mythology

Each film, in its unique way, attempts to unravel the complex mythos of the Kray Twins. Their story is not just about crime; it's a study of power, brotherhood, the dual nature of humanity, and the mythologizing of criminals into folk heroes. Here are some points to consider:

• Psychological Depths: "Legend" and "Vampira" delve into the psychological aspects, portraying the twins as complex characters, whereas "The Krays" offers a more surface-level narrative.

• Historical Accuracy: While films like "The Krays" aim for historical accuracy, each cinematic take takes liberties for dramatic purposes, which adds to the allure of their story.

• The Public Persona: The films highlight how the Krays cultivated a public image that was part flamboyant celebrity, part feared criminal overlord, which is a fascinating aspect of their legacy.

• Family Ties: The focus on the twins' relationships with each other and their family offers a humanizing glimpse into what drives such notorious figures.

Throughout these films, we're given a panoramic view of the Kray Twins' lives: their ambition, their brutality, their loyalty to each other, and their eventual downfall. Each movie, while taking creative liberties, captures a slice of the world that the Krays controlled, a world where law and order was often in the hands of those who could bypass it.

As we conclude our journey through these cinematic interpretations, the Krays remain as enigmatic as ever. They were master manipulators, feared by many, yet admired by some for their loyalty and charisma. Their story, as told through these films, serves not only as a dark mirror to the criminal elements of society but also as a reflection of the human fascination with power, violence, and the anti-hero.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did the Kray Twins actually meet celebrities?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, the Kray Twins were known to socialize with celebrities, rubbing shoulders with entertainers and public figures as part of their strategy to gain notoriety and respect.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was the relationship between Ronnie and Reggie Kray?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While both were incredibly close, their relationship was complex, marked by sibling rivalry and shared criminal enterprise. Reggie was the more outwardly violent, while Ronnie had a volatile mental state.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Were the Krays ever involved with politics?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, there were rumors and instances of the Krays attempting to influence local politics, particularly in the East End of London, though their political ambitions were never fully realized.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>