Who has seen the film The Krays featuring the Kemp Brothers? What do people think of it?

I think it could of been alot better but the film is great and I watch it rather often.

Yeah it's a pretty cool film. First saw it when I was about ten and had nighmares about Chelsea Smiles for weeks later I knew there was a reason that my parents forbade me to watch it! Should have listened really.

Definitely a superior film. Inspired casting with Billie Whitlaw. The Kemps were excellent, too. Nice and atmospheric.

Kemp brothers? sorry for my ignorance but who are they?

GoodFella

They formed the band Spandau Ballet with hits in the 80s such as Gold and True. Not my cuppa tea but they were pretty successful. Martin Kemp also starred in Eastenders for a few years and was much loved. I think Gary Kemp produces music now, as far as I know.

Yeah the Chelsea smile scene was horrible. Normally I am not affected by violence in a film especially mob films, but getting your mouth opened with a sword, not a interesting proposition.

I loved the way the Kemps played their parts. Their love for their mothers one minute, then their appetite for destruction. The murder scenes were brilliant, where Cornell was killed and the other geezer.

My favourite part is where Reg screams "Say Thankyou", when they had that man pinned down on the snooker table with a sword.

On a side-note, has anyone seen the new ITV drama called "The Family" with Martin Kemp? It's supposedly like a british version of the Sopranos. I think it's a bit shit though so far, I thought it would be cool but have been very disappointed.

I have seen a wee bit of it. It has let me down a bit. It just isn't interesting, nothing really happens in what I've seen. Just think of the potential. They should of just done a TV spin off on the Krays.

If Martin Kemp wasn't in it I wouldn't watch it next monday. He is a great actor, and I a few years back he had a brain tumour, and he has made a complete recovery. He is an inspirational guy, honest and a great acotr. I loved him as Steve in Eastenders, I haven't watched an episode since he left.

The Family is pitiful, really. It is trying so much to be like The Sopranos, but sadly has balls the size of garden peas. I watched the first episode, and none since. If it airs in America, don't watch it--it'll only make us Brits look crap at making TV shows.

as for The Krays, I taped it the other week off Tv, and have yet to watch it.

Mick

Wonder if he'd be honest if you asked him if he uses hair dye. :p

Mick

That reminds me, did the theme tune ring any bells to you? A little too similar to the Godfather theme for my liking.

The tune sounded very similar to me, but I thought it was more like the Krays music. That was good music.

Check this link out: http://www.thekrays.co.uk/kray1.html

Thanks that link was a good recommendation.

Finally got round to watching it tonight. I'm disappointed.

It captures the time and working class feel brilliantly, but it's a grim albeit glorified piece of film with no set narrative and poor directorial touches. I'm not a fan of the Kemps either.

5/10
*

Mick

Apparently they're making another film about the Krays, with Ray Winstone playing both twins.

Rumour has it that the new film will be a lot closer to the truth about the twins, as the first film had to be very careful how it presented them with them both still being alive at the time. You don't take liber'ies with the twins.....riiiigght???

I thought the krays the movie was great. When I first heard who was acting in it I had my doubts, But when I watched it I was suprised how good it was.

Donna

Hey Donna! Nice to see a Geordie Lass on here! Welcome gal!

Mick

I just watched this movie the other night and thought it was pretty good! I missed the beginning though so I'm going to look for it on DVD. From what I did see though I thought the Kemps were actually really good and put in good performances. I got caught up in the characters which is always a good sign!

Well, from a US viewpoint, UK organized crime is rather underrrepresented here. I'd urge you to read Jake Arnott's novels, "The Long Firm" and "He Kills Coppers," which provide the feel that Mick wrote about even better than "The Krays."

I have read Arnott's books Turnbull & i agree they are very good.
The problem with UK O.C. is that the Krays are far & away the most infamous & therefore get done to death
I have lost count of the books i have read "about" them & a lot of them are quite poor...
You just tend to steer clear after a while!

The movie was good though.....however Spandau Ballet were utter garbage