The storyline of the film is set in the 1960s and revolves around the lives of the Kray twins- considered to be the most dangerous criminals in London. The film is an adaptation of John Pearson’s book The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins, which traces the rise of the Kray twins in the gangster world of London.
Tom Hardy’s excellent portrayal of both the twins is one of the film’s highlights. He effortlessly portrays the polar opposite personalities of the Kray twins – Reggie’s suave and charming demeanor and Ron’s erratic and brutal behavior. The two brothers are shown to be running a notorious criminal empire that had its control over the nightclub scene of London.
The film brings to light many other aspects of the Kray twins’ life, including their love interests. Frances Shea, played by Emily Browning, is shown as Reggie’s love interest, and her delicate and innocent character beautifully contrasts the roughness of the Kray brothers’ life. In contrast, Ron’s love interest is played by Tara Fitzgerald. Her character, Mrs. Shea, plays a critical role in the film’s story as the interference of the Kray brothers in Frances’ life leads to drastic consequences.
The film also delves into the relationship between the twins, which is complex yet intriguing. While Reggie is shown to be the more practical and pragmatic of the two, Ron’s erratic and violent behavior causes several undesirable situations that the brothers inevitably have to deal with. Ron struggles with paranoid schizophrenia, which leads to violent mood swings that the film portrays with great prowess.
The cinematography of the film is outstanding, showcasing the glamour and brutality of the 60s with equal exquisiteness. The use of light and darkness to highlight the contrasting personalities of the two brothers is praise-worthy. The attention to detail, including the costumes and props, transports the viewer to the era of the Kray twins.
The film’s soundtrack is another remarkable aspect of Legend. The music choices perfectly capture the mood of the scenes, whether it be the film’s use of the pop song ‘Green Onions’ during a scene of casual violence in a club, or the intricate score composed by Carter Burwell for the more emotional scenes of the film.
The supporting cast, including characters such as Chazz Palminteri as Angelo Bruno, and Christopher Eccleston as Leonard “Nipper” Read, also deliver strong performances, adding further depth to the story of the Kray twins.
Overall, Legend is a film that beautifully portrays the rise and fall of the Kray twins. The film is an honest portrayal that shows the glamorous and violent underworld of the 60s. Tom Hardy’s impeccable performance, the stunning cinematography, and the electrifying soundtrack make Legend a must-watch for fans of the crime thriller genre. However, the film is not for the faint-hearted, as it portrays the brutality that came with the lives of the Kray twins, showing the consequences of a life of crime.