- Film Review
- Reviewed By John Ferguson
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4 out of 5
This is an intelligent biopic of Britain's most infamous gangsters, the twins who made life safe for East Enders when they weren't running protection rackets or inflicting gangland punishments on rival mobsters. To be fair, writer Philip Ridley and director Peter Medak largely avoid glamorising the violent world of Reggie and Ronnie, and are more interested in unravelling the complex personalities of the two brothers. They are helped by surprisingly convincing lead performances from Martin and Gary Kemp, then better known from their kilt-wearing days with rock group Spandau Ballet. Billie Whitelaw effortlessly rises above everybody else in the star-studded cast as the boys' best friend, their mum.
Plot Summary
Crime drama portraying the life of the infamous twins who became powerful underworld figures in 1960s London, starring Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp and Billie Whitelaw. Born in London's East End, Ronnie and Reggie Kray are brought up by their resilient mother Violet and her sisters, to whom they become staunchly devoted. Involved in bullying at school, the twins grow increasingly violent following their national service and spells in prison.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Ronnie Kray
- Gary Kemp
- Reggie Kray
- Martin Kemp
- Violet Kray
- Billie Whitelaw
- Jack "The Hat" McVitie
- Tom Bell
- Rose
- Susan Fleetwood
- May
- Charlotte Cornwell
- Frances
- Kate Hardie
- Helen
- Avis Bunnage
- Steve
- Gary Love
- George Cornell
- Steven Berkoff
- "Cannonball" Lee
- Jimmy Jewel
- Mrs Lawson
- Barbara Ferris
- Mr Lawson
- Victor Spinetti
- Eddie Pellam
- John McEnery
- Shopkeeper
- Norman Rossington
Crew
- Director
- Peter Medak
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