Legend, directed by Brian Helgeland and released in 2015, is a gripping crime thriller based on the lives of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who dominated London’s criminal underworld in the 1950s and 1960s. Adapted from John Pearson’s book The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins, the film offers a mix of drama, action, and biographical storytelling that captures the meteoric rise and ultimate downfall of the brothers.
Tom Hardy takes on the dual roles of Ronnie and Reggie, delivering a powerhouse performance that highlights the twins’ contrasting personalities and complex relationship. Through its stylish cinematography, period-accurate settings, and intense character-driven narrative, Legend explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the destructive nature of power.
Plot Overview
The film begins with Reggie Kray, the charismatic and calculating twin, already a prominent figure in London’s East End. Reggie is intent on expanding the family’s criminal empire, which includes extortion, racketeering, and nightclub ownership. His brother Ronnie, recently released from a mental institution, is volatile and violent, making him a dangerous but essential part of their operation.
The story is narrated by Frances Shea (Emily Browning), Reggie’s wife, who provides a personal perspective on the twins’ rise and fall. Frances, initially captivated by Reggie’s charm, quickly becomes disillusioned as she witnesses the darker side of his life. Despite her efforts to steer Reggie away from crime, his loyalty to Ronnie and their empire proves unshakable.
As the Kray twins consolidate their power, they face challenges from rival gangs, police investigations led by the determined Leonard “Nipper” Read (Christopher Eccleston), and their own internal conflicts. Ronnie’s unpredictable behavior, coupled with Reggie’s ambition and growing ruthlessness, drives a wedge between the brothers, leading to betrayals and tragic consequences.
The film culminates in the twins’ eventual downfall, marked by betrayal, violence, and the crumbling of their once-mighty empire. By the end, Legend paints a portrait of two men whose bond as brothers ultimately leads to their undoing.
Thematic Exploration
Brotherhood and Rivalry
At its core, Legend is a story about family—specifically, the complicated bond between Ronnie and Reggie. Despite their love for one another, their relationship is fraught with tension. Reggie is the level-headed leader, while Ronnie’s paranoia and erratic behavior often jeopardize their business. Their differences create a push-pull dynamic that drives much of the film’s drama.
The film also delves into the sacrifices and compromises Reggie makes for Ronnie, highlighting the burden of familial loyalty. Despite Ronnie’s instability, Reggie remains fiercely protective of his brother, often at great personal cost. This devotion ultimately contributes to the unraveling of both their empire and their lives.
The Corrupting Nature of Power
Legend offers a sobering look at how power can corrupt and destroy. The Kray twins’ ascent to the top of London’s criminal world is marked by ambition and cunning, but their unchecked power leads to arrogance and recklessness. Reggie’s desire to legitimize their operations clashes with his inability to escape the violence and greed that underpin their empire.
Ronnie, on the other hand, embodies the darker side of power—one driven by fear and brute force. His belief that violence is the key to respect and control ultimately isolates him from allies and makes him a liability. Together, the twins’ pursuit of power blinds them to the consequences of their actions, sealing their fate.
Love and Tragedy
The film’s emotional anchor is Frances Shea, whose relationship with Reggie provides a poignant counterpoint to the twins’ criminal exploits. Frances begins as a hopeful young woman in love with the idea of Reggie as a charismatic and successful man. However, her dream of a better life with him is shattered as she becomes entangled in the violence and deceit of his world.
Frances’s descent into despair mirrors the disintegration of the Krays’ empire, symbolizing the personal cost of their ambition. Her tragic fate serves as a reminder that the Krays’ choices impact not just themselves but also those closest to them.
Tom Hardy’s Dual Performance
One of the most remarkable aspects of Legend is Tom Hardy’s portrayal of both Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Hardy’s nuanced performances make it easy to distinguish between the two brothers, despite their identical appearances.
- Reggie Kray: Hardy portrays Reggie as a suave and intelligent figure, exuding charm and control. However, beneath the surface lies a ruthless streak that becomes more pronounced as the story unfolds. Hardy captures Reggie’s internal conflict, torn between his love for Frances and his loyalty to Ronnie.
- Ronnie Kray: In contrast, Hardy’s Ronnie is unfiltered and menacing, with a touch of dark humor. He fully embraces Ronnie’s unpredictable nature, portraying him as both frightening and strangely endearing. Hardy’s ability to switch seamlessly between the twins’ personalities is a testament to his skill as an actor.
The chemistry between the two characters is a standout feature of the film, making the dynamic between Ronnie and Reggie feel authentic and compelling.
Cinematic and Period Details
Direction and Screenplay
Brian Helgeland’s direction combines stylish visuals with gritty storytelling, creating a film that is both glamorous and raw. The screenplay, also written by Helgeland, balances moments of dark humor with intense drama, capturing the essence of the Krays’ world. However, some critics have noted that the film glosses over certain aspects of the twins’ crimes, opting for a more romanticized portrayal of their lives.
Cinematography and Production Design
The cinematography by Dick Pope beautifully captures the atmosphere of 1960s London, from the glitzy nightclubs to the grimy streets of the East End. The period-accurate costumes and set designs immerse viewers in the era, adding authenticity to the story.
Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack features a mix of classic 1960s hits and a haunting original score by Carter Burwell. The music enhances the film’s mood, reflecting both the glamour of the Krays’ world and the underlying tension of their lives.
Reception and Legacy
Legend received mixed-to-positive reviews upon its release. Critics widely praised Tom Hardy’s performance, with many considering it the film’s highlight. However, some felt that the narrative lacked depth, particularly in its exploration of the Krays’ darker deeds. Despite these critiques, the film was a commercial success, appealing to audiences with its stylish visuals and captivating performances.
For many, Legend serves as a fascinating character study of two of Britain’s most notorious gangsters. While it doesn’t shy away from depicting their brutality, it also humanizes them, exploring their vulnerabilities and complexities.
