Modern day Robin Hoods (The Krays (DVD))

Member Name: christianfilm

Product:	The Krays (DVD)
Date:	24/10/06 (316 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A decent look at the notorious gangsters, great special features

Disadvantages: Avoids some of the dubious elements of their life

Synopsis
***********

Raised by their over-bearing mother and aunts, Ronnie and Reggie Kray were soon inducted into a world just on the wrong side of law as they became childhood bullies. With their father being a layabout gambler and their grandfather a former prize boxer, short of a couple of marbles, their only parental guidance came from their mother who taught them to be strong, crafty and conceited. Having progressed from childhood bullies into small time thugs, they intimidated the local neighbourhood with their violence and protection rackets. Soon they gained control of several local clubs and as their legal and illegal dealings grew bigger they became involved with the American mob scene. Despite their dubious success as London gangsters, personal circumstances started to take a toll on their business as their irrational behaviour and lust for brutal violence started to dominate their affairs.


Opinion
*********

I have always had a fascination with the criminal underworld, especially the dealings of the Kray brothers who ruled the London scene in the 60s and were forever in the press right up until recent years. So when in 1990, Peter Medak released his biopic movie "The Krays" I was one of the first in the queue to see it. Starring the Kemp brothers, Gary and Martin, in the lead roles, the film documents the life of the notorious gangsters from their early days, right on up until the height of their notoriety.

* The Story

Although the film is based on the notorious London gangsters, the film does serve as much more than this, with the film not just focussing on their criminal and violent dealings, but also their relationship with each other and the important part that their mother played in their life. What is particularly good is that although some people heralded the Krays as modern day Robin Hoods, who only targeted other criminals, the film does not play up to this and tries to provide a neutral and well balanced look on their lives.

What is very noticeable through out the film is the relationship that Ronnie and Reggie had with their mother, and even when they were hitting the height of their violence, she still remained a dominant force. Although this did show a human side to the notorious gangsters it also highlighted how the dominance of their mother helped mould them into the strong, arrogant characters that they were.

It was also interesting to see the relationship that Ronnie and Reggie had with each other, which included Ronnie's, and open homosexual, jealousy of his brother's relationship with women. The film does portray them as having some sort of strange bond which befalls twins, as to whether this is true or not is impossible to say, but it did provide some sort of reasoning behind their reactions. It was also interesting to see how Ronnie's psychotic nature soon started to manifest itself in Reggie's behaviour as they both became more violent than ever.

The only negativity I have over the film and in particular the storyline is the numerous elements of the Krays life that were left out. Although it attempts to not over glamorize their illegal dealings, and in doings so not make them out to be heroes, it does not really show the depths that they would sink to in pursuit of their goal. Having read a few books on the Krays, it becomes very apparent that the film does exclude some of the darker deeds that the brothers did and in doing so softens the harshness of how vicious they really were.

* Characters and Cast

What a risk it must have been to cast Martin and Gary Kemp in the title roles, mainly known for their band Spandau Ballet, they had very little acting experience. Well that risk paid off, and they put in very fine performances for such inexperienced performers. That is not to say they were with out faults, but as a whole they were absolutely convincing as the villainous brothers. But the real star of the film has to be Billie Whitelaw as their mother Violet. Her performance clearly depicted the dominance that Violet had over her sons and also how much she treasured them, to the extent that she was blinkered over how villainous her sons truly were.

Also putting in good supporting performances are the likes of Tom Bell, Steven Berkhoff, Jimmy Jewel, Victor Spinetti and Kate Hardie. None of them match up to that of Billie Whitelaw but then, none of them actually let the side down.

* Direction

"The Krays" is directed by Peter Medak who is better known for his directional work on TV series rather than that on movies, but even so he has done an exceptional job with this film. Not only has he managed to bring to screen some very good performances, especially from Billie Whitelaw and the inexperienced Kemp brothers, but he has also managed to capture the era brilliantly. One of the strongest points of the film is that you really feel like you are being transported back to a bygone era when the Krays were a prevalent force.


DVD - Bonus Features and quality
****************************************

* Bonus Features

Audio Commentary - This is an in-depth commentary provided by director Medak and the Kemp brothers. I say in-depth because unlike the glib commentaries that usually fill these audio commentaries, here we have one which shows real passion for the film. Not only do Medak and the Kemp brothers give detailed information on the film but also on the life of the Kray brothers.

The Krays: Flesh and Blood - This is an hour long documentary which looks at the real life of the Krays as well as other gangsters which reigned over London. What the film lacks in in-depth detail on the Krays, this documentary makes up for it and is very enlightening for anyone who is unfamiliar with the whole Kray story.

The Krays: The Final Word - This has to be the ultimate documentary dealing with the Krays. Not only do you get interviews with people associated with the Kray brothers, but a lot of the documentary is devoted to an interview with Reggie Kray shortly before he died. Although some of the information is repeated from the Flesh and Blood documentary there is a huge amount of new information and really goes into more detail into the Krays than the film manages. Also included with this documentary is Bios on the Krays and some of the associates, a map giving you information on where their criminal activities took place a copy of the order of service from Reggie's funeral

Trailer - An original trailer for the film.

* Picture Quality

The transfer to DVD is one of the best I have seen, the picture is very sharp and vibrant with very little fuzziness.

* Sound Quality

The sound quality is not so good. The dialogue is clear but the soundtrack and sound effects sound quite dull in comparison. Even the sound of shooting lacks the impact you would expect from a new release DVD.


Summary
***********

Even though "The Krays" has its flaws, most notably the decision to skip over some of the more dubious element of their criminal activities, I can't but help love the film. As a whole the performances are good, the storyline is interesting and it is an insightful look at how Britain's most notorious gangsters came to be and why they are still held in high esteem by many people, even now long after their demise. Whether this would appeal to anyone who is unaware of the Krays and their legacy, I am not totally sure, but for those who are aware of them, will definitely learn from, and also enjoy, watching the film.

The DVD package is on the whole very good. Ignoring that the actual sound on the film is a bit of a disappointment, the rest of the package is well up to standard. The audio commentary is very enlightening and the additional two documentaries really explore territory that the film chooses to ignore.


Price & Availability
*************************

Sendit.com: £8.89


Technical Details
**********************

Certificate: 18
Duration: 115 mins
Year of Release: 1990
Genre: Biopic, Crime, Drama, Thriller

DVD Release: 2005
Subtitles: English
Audio: English
Region: 2

Director(s): Peter Medak
Writer(s): Philip Ridley

Cast: Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Susan Fleetwood, Charlotte Cornwell, Kate Hardie, Alfred Lynch, Gary Love, Steven Berkoff, Jimmy Jewel, Victor Spinetti


© Christianfilm October 2006

Summary: The story of the Kray brothers