The Krays

The Krays is a British crime biopic released in 1990, directed by Peter Medak and written by Philip Ridley. The film stars real-life brothers Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp, from the band Spandau Ballet, as the notorious Kray twins. Billie Whitelaw delivers an equally memorable performance as the twins' mother.

The movie sets itself apart from other crime dramas with its focus on the deep and highly complex relationship between the identical twin gangsters, Ronald "Ronnie" Kray and Reginald "Reggie" Kray, rather than merely their infamous criminal activities. The story transports viewers to an eerily dramatic representation of the 1950s and 1960s East End of London, a time and place marked by its evocative English gangland lore.

The Krays primarily delves into the lives of the Kray twins, notoriously known for the fear and respect they commanded in London's criminal underworld during the sixties. The movie paints a thorough portrait of their personalities and character traits. The story intricately portrays Ronnie Kray as a paranoid schizophrenic with violent tendencies, and his twin brother Reggie as the more controlled and calm of the two, torn between his loyalty to his brother and his desire for a more conventional life.

Central to the plot is their close bond to their mother, Violet Kray, compellingly played by Billie Whitelaw. She is portrayed as a domineering and fiercely protective mother whose influence helped shape the Krays into the notorious figures they would become. Her unwavering belief in her sons, along with her refusal to accept their malevolence, provides the emotional depth to the narrative. This family dynamic adds a unique perspective to the Kray's story that is seldom explored in typical gangster films.

While the Krays' life of crime — spanning from protection rackets to armed robbery, arson, and murder — provides the underlying tension in the story, it is their personal relationships and starkly contrasting personalities fuel the narrative. Even as the audience witnesses the cold-blooded actions of the brothers, the movie delves deeper into their psychology, portraying them as the results of their relationships and the environment they grew up in, as opposed to displaying them as outright villains.

Martin and Gary Kemp deliver arresting performances as the Kray twins, bringing to life the charisma that contributed to the allure of these complex criminal figures. Their off-screen brotherhood helps translate the Krays' bond onscreen in a way that feels genuine and convincing.

Supporting performances constitute an excellent cast, including Tom Bell as the dogged detective inspector determined to bring the Krays to justice and Susan Fleetwood as the elegant upper-class woman who falls for Reggie with disastrous results. The ensemble cast contributes to a gritty and compelling depiction of the East End at this time, as well as the high-stakes games the twins played – both on the criminal stage and in their private lives.

The direction of Peter Medak and the atmospheric cinematography succeed in transporting viewers to post-war Britain, from the smoky jazz clubs to the dimly lit streets. The production design and costumes also capture the period immaculately, reflecting the twins' obsession with style and status. Meanwhile, Ridley's smartly penned screenplay balances the glamour associated with the Kray twins and the grim reality of their criminal empire.

The film's score, composed by Michael Kamen, underpins the narrative with an unnerving sense of anticipation, adding to the gritty and tense ambiance captured on screen.

In summary, The Krays is an unforgettable exploration into the lives of two of Britain's most infamous criminals. The synergy of riveting performances, brilliant storytelling, and authentically reproduced settings, coupled with a keen psychological examination of its central characters, make it a fascinating watch. Through its unique blend of family drama and crime thriller elements, the film offers a deeply compelling look at the strength and destructiveness of fraternal bonds, and the dark side of ambition and loyalty.