Legend

Based on a true story, Legend charts the life story of the Kray twins, a notorious pair of gangsters perpetrating organized crime in the East End of London in the 50s and 60s. The film places a focus on Reggie Kray as he deals with his relationships with his wife and his more psychotic brother Ronnie.

The core of the film is propelled by a truly astonishing performance by Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road, Warrior), who plays a dual role as both of the Kray twins. It remains completely convincing thanks to Hardy’s ability to adopt both the mannerisms and the style of speech that each brother possesses, and as such some of the more heated scenes featuring both of the brothers feel as real and gripping as if two different actors were on the screen. The film is rounded out by solid performances from Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), playing the wife of Reggie, and from Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) as Nipper Read, the detective in charge of taking the twins down. The Academy Award winning Brian Helgeland provides a confident base as director and writer for Hardy to work his magic. A film set in an authentic 1960s London, but with a distinctly modern portrayal of its complex central characters, Legend is sure to thrill anyone who wants to see both sides of the Kray Twins’ story.

Jake Sommers