London, 1961: Ronnie and Reggie Kray begin a reign of terror that would endure and define London's East End for years to come.
From protection rackets to members clubs, from brutal street brawls, arson via blackmail, extending all the way up to the Cabinet Office, the Krays rained red on anyone who crossed them......
So this is part one of a two part straight to Sunday night TV drama which has been given more recognition because the makers want to cash in on the forthcoming 'Legend' adaptation.
And this is all the movie is, a blatant cash-in on the titular Brothers, and their notorious rise to power. But the biggest crime on show here is just how the makers have ruined such a rich and interesting source? Anyone from the age of thirty onwards would know the story of The Krays, and the Medak's version of accounts has become something of a cult since its release, even that awful mess 'Assassin' had The Kemps in minor roles as criminal siblings, referencing their casting.
Even though they were criminals, The Krays have become cultural icons, referenced in Morrissey's Last Of The International Playboys, and always in the back of the mind of many gangster films made since the seventies.
But here, they are depicted as spoilt brats who just go around giving people a few tasty slaps and quickly winning the monopoly of what seems to be one street in London.
Credit where credits due though, it has a wonderful feel to it, but when anyone opens their mouth, we are into below sub Guy Ritchie territory, and I think I speak for a lot of people when I say these gangster films should be taking outside and given a Chelsea smile.
All in all is a disgraceful cash in that will soon be forgotten.
One to ignore.
From protection rackets to members clubs, from brutal street brawls, arson via blackmail, extending all the way up to the Cabinet Office, the Krays rained red on anyone who crossed them......
So this is part one of a two part straight to Sunday night TV drama which has been given more recognition because the makers want to cash in on the forthcoming 'Legend' adaptation.
And this is all the movie is, a blatant cash-in on the titular Brothers, and their notorious rise to power. But the biggest crime on show here is just how the makers have ruined such a rich and interesting source? Anyone from the age of thirty onwards would know the story of The Krays, and the Medak's version of accounts has become something of a cult since its release, even that awful mess 'Assassin' had The Kemps in minor roles as criminal siblings, referencing their casting.
Even though they were criminals, The Krays have become cultural icons, referenced in Morrissey's Last Of The International Playboys, and always in the back of the mind of many gangster films made since the seventies.
But here, they are depicted as spoilt brats who just go around giving people a few tasty slaps and quickly winning the monopoly of what seems to be one street in London.
Credit where credits due though, it has a wonderful feel to it, but when anyone opens their mouth, we are into below sub Guy Ritchie territory, and I think I speak for a lot of people when I say these gangster films should be taking outside and given a Chelsea smile.
All in all is a disgraceful cash in that will soon be forgotten.
One to ignore.