- Actors: Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Susan Fleetwood
- Directors: Peter Medak
- Writers: Philip Ridley
- Producers: Dominic Anciano, Jim Beach, Michele Kimche, Paul Cowan, Ray Burdis
- Language English
- Classification: 18
- Studio: 4 Front
- VHS Release Date: 1 Oct 1999
- Run Time: 119 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004R6IA
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,627 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
vastly intelligent and utterly compelling biopic of Britain's most famous gangsters. When they weren't running shady protection rackets or inflicting horrific, gangland punishment on rival mobsters, the twin brothers contrarily made life generally safe for East Enders.
Writer Phillips Ridley and director Peter Medak shrewdly focus on the brothers complex personalities, showing their devotion as brothers to one another, their fierce loyalty to their mother and the rest of their family and their manically controlling and possessive hold over their lovers.
The film begins during World War 2 showing how the young Krays adapted to life in the East End during the war and some of the unscrupulous characters they met along the way as children which inevitably had some sort of psychological influence on them when they grew up.
The film chronicles their rise as rulers of the underworld and complimenting the rich, fine dialogue are the films two leading actors - a fantastic turn from ex- Spandau ballet members and real-life brothers, Martin and Gary kemp. Both put in concentrated, naturalistic and convincing performances.
Billie Whitelaw shines as their mother (who went on to win an oscar for her performance as Best Supporting Actress). Never once does she shrink to stereotype which is always so easy the case in roles such as these.
The film evokes a tense atmosphere throughout, building on suspense as the Krays steadily build their empire with a string of nightclubs and their protection rackets.
Some of the violent occurences in the film are stomach churning such as where one of the Krays sticks a sword directly through a rival mobsters palm whilst the bloody climax is played out to perfection.
Supporting performances from the likes of Tom Bell as Jack "the hat" Mcvitie, Susan Fleetwood as Charlotte Cornwell May and Kate Hardie as Frances are all equally superb and effective, each biting into their roles with seemingly a vengenace and making the most of every scene they're in.
A must see film that is gripping from beginning through to the bitter end
Writer Phillips Ridley and director Peter Medak shrewdly focus on the brothers complex personalities, showing their devotion as brothers to one another, their fierce loyalty to their mother and the rest of their family and their manically controlling and possessive hold over their lovers.
The film begins during World War 2 showing how the young Krays adapted to life in the East End during the war and some of the unscrupulous characters they met along the way as children which inevitably had some sort of psychological influence on them when they grew up.
The film chronicles their rise as rulers of the underworld and complimenting the rich, fine dialogue are the films two leading actors - a fantastic turn from ex- Spandau ballet members and real-life brothers, Martin and Gary kemp. Both put in concentrated, naturalistic and convincing performances.
Billie Whitelaw shines as their mother (who went on to win an oscar for her performance as Best Supporting Actress). Never once does she shrink to stereotype which is always so easy the case in roles such as these.
The film evokes a tense atmosphere throughout, building on suspense as the Krays steadily build their empire with a string of nightclubs and their protection rackets.
Some of the violent occurences in the film are stomach churning such as where one of the Krays sticks a sword directly through a rival mobsters palm whilst the bloody climax is played out to perfection.
Supporting performances from the likes of Tom Bell as Jack "the hat" Mcvitie, Susan Fleetwood as Charlotte Cornwell May and Kate Hardie as Frances are all equally superb and effective, each biting into their roles with seemingly a vengenace and making the most of every scene they're in.
A must see film that is gripping from beginning through to the bitter end
11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The 1989 film, the krays still astounds me today. after seeing it 3 years ago on tele, it is still one of the best britsh films i have seen for years. it deffinatly levels up with, Long Good Friday and A clockwork orange in its Violent Content, but still excellent.
the story follows the lives of the Kray Twins played wonderfully by the Kemp brothers - known for Spandaul Ballet and Martin in Eastenders. Gary Kemp gives an excellent insight into Ronnie, Into his violent behaviour, his short fuseness and his homosexuality. One interesting scene involves ronnie, after winning a boxing match, stareing at his brother to come and fight him. naturally it turns into a blood bath as everything seems to in this film! the film then continues allthe way to there arrest in 1969, leaving the film on the deaths of the 2 people the krays Murder. the film includes very bloody scenes such as a snooker hall fight in which ronnie puts a sword thru some one hand!!!!
its a must have video for gangster fans. and at this price, BUY NOW!
the story follows the lives of the Kray Twins played wonderfully by the Kemp brothers - known for Spandaul Ballet and Martin in Eastenders. Gary Kemp gives an excellent insight into Ronnie, Into his violent behaviour, his short fuseness and his homosexuality. One interesting scene involves ronnie, after winning a boxing match, stareing at his brother to come and fight him. naturally it turns into a blood bath as everything seems to in this film! the film then continues allthe way to there arrest in 1969, leaving the film on the deaths of the 2 people the krays Murder. the film includes very bloody scenes such as a snooker hall fight in which ronnie puts a sword thru some one hand!!!!
its a must have video for gangster fans. and at this price, BUY NOW!
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
this is a classic film about the krays.it shows how they ruled the london crime scene in the 60s.it's got to be one of the best british films ever.great performances from the kemp brothers.a really great film.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
brilliant dvd
my sister had this on vhs u get film and only a documentry as well. im sure both r on dvd. other flesh and blood.
Published 2 months ago by tango
Dissapointing
Having read good reviews about this film I was actually very dissapointed. I know that the film is 20 yrs old and therefore can seem a bit dated - but I found the acting of the... Read more
Published 22 months ago by C. Jakobsen
good film
really good film, they should play in more films because there really good actors!!! saw the film years ago on video
but the dvd was much better, gonna watch it some other... Read more
but the dvd was much better, gonna watch it some other... Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2010 by R. Kooij
A decent film, the Kemp brothers are the redeeming feature
This film does everything it says on the tin, it tells the story of the Kray twins keeping in all the well known bits and adding an attention grabbing narrative. Read more
Published on 11 Nov 2009 by Helliecopter
Kemps Are Classic
This is a fantastic movie, the Kemp brothers proved they were talented beyond their music. A great cast and an interesting story, fascinating to watch Gary and Martin's wonderful... Read more
Published on 30 Sep 2009 by Karen F. Wynn
Pathetic
Having just finished John Pearson's superb bio of the twins (The Profession of Violence) I thought I'd take a look at the film. I shouldn't have bothered. Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2009 by lawrence_of_london
The Krays
A cool film - I enjoyed, but not everyones cup of tea. Remember it's not a BIG budget film
Published on 14 Aug 2009 by Seuzi
BRITISH CINEMA AT ITS BEST.........................
A superb cast excel in this movie depicting the antics of the nation's most famous gangsters. Gary and Martin Kemp play the brothers Reggie and Ronnie Kray who ruled the East End... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2009 by L. Hay
happy with the dvds condition
was very happy with the condition of the dvd cant coment on if it plays ok as i havent watched it yet as i have seen it many times before on video but i just wanted to update all... Read more
Published on 21 Mar 2009 by Mrs. L. J. U. Butler
Not a manual for budding gangsters!
Having seen and enjoyed this film many times I bought it for a grandson who has since watched and also enjoyed it. Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2009 by Big Nana
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