January 8, 2016 -- The London gangsters, Reggie and Ronald Kray, have been portrayed in films several times, probably because they are such interesting characters. I haven't seen the other films, but from the ratings, it looks like this Kray film might be the best one.

Tom Hardy, a fine actor, plays both of these gangster twin brothers who ran an organized crime operation in London's East End in the 1950s and 1960s. This film follows the Krays from the mid-1960s until the late 1960s, particularly the years 1965 to 1968. There is particular emphasis on Reggie Kray's romance with and marriage to Frances Shea (played by Emily Browning of “Pompeii”).

Although the Krays were twins, their personalities were quite different, perhaps due to a severe head injury suffered by Ron Kray in a fight with his brother when they were children. Both Krays were boxers before turning to a life of crime and both were known for using violence to intimidate and control people.

Both brothers enjoyed being gangsters, but Ron enjoyed it more. Reggie sometimes considered becoming a legitimate businessman after he acquired ownership of a successful nightclub, Esmeralda's Barn, in London. The Krays were part of the Swinging London scene of the 1960. Celebrities frequented their nightclub. Frances Shea is impressed by seeing singer Shirley Bassey (played by Samantha Pearl) and boxer Sonny Liston (Mark Theodore) at the club when Reggie brings her there for the first time.

Frances loves Reggie, but she and her mother (played by Tara Fitzgerald of “Exodus: Gods and Kings”) are both wary of his gangster activities. Despite her mother's warnings, Frances finally marries Reggie, but he never follows through on his promises to go straight. Ron's relationship with Frances is strange. He likes her, but sometimes says awful things to her. One such comment leads to a fight between the two brothers at one point.

In the film, Ron is portrayed as being psychotic and unstable. He is in a mental institution until a gangster threatens a psychiatrist into giving a false report so he can be released. Reggie is extremely upset with some of Ron's actions, but he refuses to let him be put back into a mental hospital. The two are joined, for better or worse. Both are guilty of extreme violence and murder.

The story follows real life into a downward spiral of tragedy, and the final downfall of the Krays. They were once untouchable because of bribery of police and blackmail materials used against high government officials. The film follows their wild rise and fall, including ties to the Mafia in the United States (the Mafia representative Angelo Bruno is played by Chazz Palminteri of “Bullets Over Broadway”).

Hardy and Emily Browning give excellent performances in this film, co-written and directed by Brian Helgeland (“42”). The story is compelling and the characters are interesting. It is a solid historical drama. This film rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

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