I was looking around for a few bargain blu-rays to take a look at and review and Legend (2015), the story of the Krays popped up. Let’s takes a closer look, this is my Legend blu-ray review.
At the time of writing this blu-ray review Legend (2015) can be picked up for around £6 on Amazon.
- Legend (2015)
- Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Directed by Brian Helgeland
- UK Rating 18
- Discs: 1
- Released by Studiocanal
- Blu-ray Released: 25 January 2016
Plot
Legend tells the story of the rise and fall of the British East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray. The film is also told / narrated through the eyes of Frances, Reggie Kray’s wife.
Style / Direction
Director Brian Helgeland delivers a visually impressive 60’s London. The cinematographer for the film was Dick Pope.
Music / Audio Effects
The film’s score comes from Carter Burwell.
Acting / Characters
Tom Hardy takes on both roles of Ronnie and Reggie Kray and does a pretty good job of both. However I did find Ronnie sometimes bordered on the silly but may be that’s an accurate depiction, I don’t know.
The film has a very good cast which really does help bring to life the characters surrounding the Krays.
The film is told from Frances Shea’s (Reggie’s wife) perspective as she narrates the film. Played by Emily Browning I was very impressed by her strong performance.
You have Christopher Eccleston as Leonard “Nipper” Read the policeman determined to put an end to the Kray’s empire and control of the East End London.
Cast
- Tom Hardy as Ronald “Ronnie” Kray and Reginald “Reggie” Kray
- Emily Browning as Frances Shea
- Colin Morgan as Frankie Shea
- Christopher Eccleston as Leonard “Nipper” Read
- David Thewlis as Leslie Payne
- Taron Egerton as Edward “Mad Teddy” Smith
- Chazz Palminteri as Angelo Bruno
- Paul Bettany as Charlie Richardson
- Tara Fitzgerald as Mrs Shea
- Aneurin Barnard as David Bailey
- Paul Anderson as Albert Donoghue
- Duffy as Timi Yuro
- Kevin McNally as Harold Wilson
- John Sessions as Lord Boothby
- Alex Giannini as Antonio Caponigro
- Sam Spruell as Jack McVitie
- Adam Fogerty as Big Pat
Conclusion: Legend (2015) Film Review
I’ve seen The Krays (1990) starring Gary and Martin Kemp and thought that was pretty good. In that version the Kray’s mother, played by Billie Whitelaw, took on a major role in the film. However in Legend that role has much less significance.
The two films take different approaches and both are worth a look. Legend is so called titled that because the writer and director claim it was difficult to separate fact from fiction. That means the film has licence to go in its own direction.
I did think Legend was a well made and told film, I mean Tom Hardy really does to a good job in bringing each character to life.
So is it worth £6? Absolutely I’d recommend picking if you like the gangster genre.
If you’ve enjoyed my Legend blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Legend (2015) Blu-ray Review
The film is only from 2015 so has no image concerns. Now to the extras and there’s a good set of interviews along with a feature with people that actually knew the Krays.
Extras
- Interviews With Cast And Crew
- Interactive Map Of East London
- Legend Of The Krays (13 mins)
- World Premiere
Legend (2015) blu-ray is available now and can be picked up from Amazon for £6 (price correct as of 29.03.22).
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Legend (2015)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: PERFECT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Legend (2015) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may NOT be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Legend blu-ray review, let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page. I’m aiming to review more thrillers soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Legend (2015) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Legend (2015)
Movie description: The story of the Kray twins
Duration: 131 mins
Director(s): Brian Helgeland
Actor(s): Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Colin Morgan, Christopher Eccleston, David Thewlis, Taron Egerton, Chazz Palminteri, Paul Bettany
Genre: Crime, Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
Summary
Tom Hardy really does to a good job in bringing each character to life
Pros
- Tom Hardy’s Performance
- Slick Presentation
- 60’s London Brought To Life
Cons
- Sometimes Strays Into Being Silly
