Click Here >> Watch/Download The Krays 1990 Online
The Krays: A Gangster Classic
Have you ever watched a movie about gangsters and felt like they were the coolest and most stylish villains? Look no further than “The Krays,” a 1990 British biographical crime film directed by Peter Medak. The movie is based on the real-life Kray twins, who terrorized London during the 1950s and 1960s. Let’s dive into what makes this movie so special.
The Storyline
“The Krays” centers around the lives of Ronnie and Reggie Kray, twin brothers who ruled over London’s East End underworld. The brothers are played by real-life siblings Gary and Martin Kemp, who give incredible performances that capture the essence of the notorious twins.
The movie shows their rise to power and how they controlled everything from clubs to protection rackets. It also delves into their personal lives, including their relationships with women and each other.
The News
“The Krays” received mixed reviews upon its release, but has since gained cult status among fans of gangster movies. It was also a financial success, grossing over £9 million in the UK box office alone.
Interestingly, the film was banned in Malaysia due to its violent content. This only added to the movie’s reputation as a gritty and authentic portrayal of the Kray twins’ reign of terror.
The Plot
The plot follows the Krays’ criminal activities and their struggle to maintain control over their empire. It also shows how their ambition and penchant for violence ultimately led to their downfall.
One of the most powerful scenes in the movie is when Ronnie, who struggles with mental health issues, brutally murders a rival gang member with a knife. The scene is intense and disturbing, but it captures the senseless violence that defined the Krays’ world.
Fact vs. Fiction
Of course, like any biographical movie, “The Krays” takes some liberties with the true story of the Kray twins. While it accurately portrays many of their criminal activities, some details are exaggerated or altered for cinematic effect.
For example, in real life, Reggie was not present during several key moments in the film. Additionally, certain characters were added or combined for dramatic purposes.
The Casts
The Kemp brothers give standout performances as Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Their real-life bond adds an extra layer of authenticity to their portrayals of the twins.
Other notable cast members include Billie Whitelaw as Violet Kray, the twins’ mother, and Tom Bell as Jack “the Hat” McVitie, a gang member who fell out with the brothers and paid the price with his life.
The Acting and Characters
The performances in “The Krays” are top-notch across the board. In addition to the Kemps, Billie Whitelaw gives a fantastic performance as Violet Kray.
The characters themselves are complex and often morally ambiguous. While they can be brutal and cruel, they also have moments of vulnerability and empathy. This makes them more than just caricatures of gangster archetypes.
The History
While “The Krays” is not a completely accurate portrayal of the lives of Ronnie and Reggie Kray, it does capture the spirit of their time period. The movie is set against a backdrop of social upheaval in London during the 1960s.
In addition to their criminal activities, the Krays were also involved in the nightclub scene and rubbed shoulders with celebrities like Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. “The Krays” captures this aspect of their lives as well.
The Score and Popularity
One of the standout aspects of “The Krays” is its soundtrack. The movie features a great selection of 1960s songs, which adds to its period charm.
The film’s popularity has endured over the years, with many considering it to be one of the best British crime movies ever made. Its gritty realism and memorable performances have earned it a place in cinema history.
Evaluation
Overall, “The Krays” is a great movie that stands the test of time. It captures the spirit of London’s gangland era while also presenting complex characters and relationships.
While some aspects may not be completely accurate, it remains an engaging and entertaining portrayal of one of England’s most notorious criminal duos.
Cinematography
The cinematography in “The Krays” is top-notch. Director Peter Medak presents a visually stunning portrait of London during the 1960s.
One standout scene is when the Krays confront a rival gang in a deserted alleyway. The camera work and lighting create an eerie and tense atmosphere that perfectly captures the moment.
Opinion
Personally, “The Krays” is one of my favorite gangster movies. It’s gritty, intense, and has great performances across the board. While it may not be 100% accurate, it captures the spirit of London’s underworld during the 1960s.
Additionally, the movie raises interesting questions about loyalty and morality. Are Ronnie and Reggie Kray simply ruthless criminals, or are they victims of their own circumstances?
The Scenes
“The Krays” has many memorable scenes, but one that stands out to me is when Reggie marries his wife Frances Shea (played by Emily Lloyd). While the wedding itself is glamorous and stylish, it also shows the cracks in Reggie’s facade.
We see him struggle with his emotions as he realizes that his criminal life will always come first. It’s a powerful moment that shows how complex these characters really are.
Gossip
During the filming of “The Krays,” rumors circulated about Gary Kemp’s behavior on set. Some even alleged that he was acting like a diva and causing delays.
However, Kemp has since denied these allegations and maintains that he was simply passionate about the project. Either way, it’s interesting to think about the behind-the-scenes drama that may have taken place during filming.
Soundtracks
The soundtrack for “The Krays” is excellent, featuring classic songs from artists like The Kinks and The Righteous Brothers.
One standout track is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. It plays during a poignant scene where Reggie visits his wife in a mental hospital.
Analysis
“The Krays” can be analyzed in many different ways. From a historical perspective, it offers insight into London’s East End underworld during the 1960s.
The movie also raises questions about morality and loyalty. Are Ronnie and Reggie Kray simply vicious criminals, or are they victims of their own circumstances? It’s an interesting debate that can be had among fans of the film.
Special Effects
“The Krays” is not a movie that relies heavily on special effects, but there are a few notable moments. One example is when Reggie has a hallucination of his deceased brother.
The effect, which was achieved through practical means rather than CGI, is subtle but effective. It adds to the sense of unease that permeates the film.
Dialogue
“The Krays” features some great dialogue, particularly between the characters of Ronnie and Reggie. Their conversations reveal a complicated relationship that goes beyond simple brotherly affection.
Additionally, many of the supporting characters have memorable lines that add to the authenticity of the film.
The Crews
Director Peter Medak leads an excellent crew in “The Krays.” The camera work and lighting are superb, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws you into the world of the Kray twins.
The costumes and production design also deserve special mention. They accurately capture the style and flair of 1960s London.
Criticism
“The Krays” is not a movie that everyone will enjoy. Some may find it too violent or bleak. Additionally, the accuracy of the portrayal of the Kray twins has been called into question by some critics.
However, for those who appreciate a good gangster movie, “The Krays” is an excellent choice.
Production
Producing “The Krays” was no easy feat. The filmmakers had to recreate 1960s London in all its glory while also accurately portraying the Kray twins and their criminal activities.
Despite these challenges, they succeeded brilliantly. The film remains a testament to the creativity and dedication of everyone involved in its production.
Editing
The editing in “The Krays” is seamless and effective. The pacing is tight, which keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish.
The use of cross-cutting between different storylines adds to the sense of tension and urgency that permeates the film.
In Conclusion
“The Krays” is a classic gangster movie that deserves its place in cinema history. It offers a gritty but stylish portrayal of London’s East End underworld during the 1960s, and features excellent performances across the board.
While some aspects may not be completely accurate, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking film that raises interesting questions about morality and loyalty. Highly recommended for fans of the genre!