Legend (2015) - Yes, it’s another ‘Kray film’ (but it does have Tom hardy in!)

‘The Krays’ are possibly one of the most ‘filmed’ real-life personalities Britain has ever produced.  It seems we can’t get enough of their antics as the twin brothers terrorised the London underworld scene all those years ago.  There has been countless films made about their dastardly exploits and now we have ‘Legend’ – another one.

Basically, it’s another ‘true’ story of their lives.  In other words it’s based on what people have said about them over the years and bits and pieces of fact mixed with a better and more concise way of telling their story.  The brothers’ tale has been put on film so many times it’s hard to get that excited any more.  However, this one has Tom Hard in.  And not just Tom Hardy, but Tom Hardy AND Tom Hardy (i.e. he plays both twins!).

And, in true Tom Hardy style, he brings a newfound excellence to the roles.  Just because the twins are (basically) identical, their personalities are definitely not.  One is – slightly – cooler and more calculating in his dodgy deals whereas the other one just wants to beat the hell out of anyone who opposes them.  Both Krays might as well be played by different actors as Hardy does each of them justice and you’ll never be confused as to which one is which.

If you already know about the loves and lives of the Kray twins, this film probably won’t tell you anything new.  However, it’s still worth a watch just to see Tom Hardy’s take on them (can you tell that I’m a fan?!).  Also, if you’re generally a fan of gangster films then this one should pretty much tick all the boxes you’re looking for.  There’s probably a reason as to why this is the second highest-grossing British 18 certificate (after Trainspotting) – and that’s because it really is a damn good biopic.  Okay, they’ll always be the questions asked as to how much is made up for the story and how much really happened, but, from what I know about the real life drama, a lot of the major plot points are covered and, whether it all happened exactly as portrayed here, it still makes for an entertaining ride in the gangster genre.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one