Legend - Review

"Me and my brother, we're gonna rule London" – A review of Legend.

Ask anyone about notorious London criminals, and after they've inevitably mentioned Jack the Ripper, it's almost certain that they'll mention the Kray twins of 1960s London. It is no wonder, then, that the two have been immortalised in film more than once, but Legend does it especially well as you discover the seedy underbelly of the city and get lost in a sea of historical intrigue as you learn about some of the most infamous brothers to ever live in London.

Legend follows the complicated relationship between identical twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who dominate London's criminal underworld. Reggie is charming yet volatile, whilst his brother Ronnie is unstable; together, the two orchestrate crime whilst running nightclubs, and you watch through the eyes of Frances Shea, Reggie's wife, as the brothers become more ambitious and their tragic flaws become increasingly apparent. From small time criminals the brothers become powerful crime lords and achieve power and notoriety, but at what cost?

Tom Hardy is absolutely remarkable in this film. Portraying both Ronnie and Reggie Kray, he expertly depicts the differences between the two bothers – Ronnie is unpredictable, unstable and menacing, whilst Reggie is charismatic and ambitious, but you always get the feeling that both men are dangerous. Their interactions with each other are riveting and believable, no small achievement when it's the same actor portraying both characters. Emily Browning is Frances Shea, who is quietly intense yet vulnerable, providing emotional depth even when in the midst of chaos and danger. Supporting cast members include Christopher Eccleston and David Thewlis, who give solid performances and really help to bring the London crime scene to life on screen.

Legend explores themes such as power, identity and violence as you watch the dynamics between the twins, seeing how their shared history and individual wants and needs both divide and unite them. The film also looks at the impact of crime in personal relationships though; this is particularly prevalent when thinking of the arc of Francis. Without spoiling the film, Francis highlights the cost of loyalty as well as the attraction of escape in a truly tragic manner. You can't help but consider questions around morality and notoriety as you watch, as the lines between heroism and villainy are blurred.

Legend looks great, too. The depiction of 1960s London is remarkable, as the glamour and grit of the city in that era is highlighted and set designs feel real, like you've actually travelled back in time to see it for yourself. Sound design is strong also, with moody jazz making up the score and atmospheric sounds of the city being in direct contrast with the tense silence of criminal confrontations.

This is a genuinely brilliant film. Tom Hardy is remarkable in his roles, the plot is entertaining, dark and compelling, and it sounds and looks completely real. Legend is atmospheric, fascinating and thoughtful, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys true crime as a genre.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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