The Krays: Kill Order

"The Krays: Kill Order" is a riveting independent crime film directed by Christopher Matthews and produced by Jonathan Sothcott. It was released in 2015. The movie furnishes a hard-hitting representation of the darker side of Britain in the mid-20th century, focusing on East End gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, notorious figures in British criminal history.

The Krays twin brothers are played by Simon Cotton (Ronnie Kray) and Kevin Leslie (Reggie Kray), two relatively new faces who dutifully do justice to their grim characters. Their performances skillfully emphasize the ruthless behavior and psychological complexities that underpinned these notorious gangland figures.

As the movie unravels, viewers are plunged into a murky pool of violence, organized crime, and power plays that thrive in the shadows of London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s. The narrative shows the brothers evolving from low-level gangsters to reigning over an organized crime empire, the progression skillfully mapping their ascent in crime-infested London.

Noteworthy is the movie's examination of the brothers' external and internal battles. The story highlights the dichotomy in their relationship; at once, it's brotherly, protective, and tinged with an intense bond of understanding, tempered with a deeply consequential rivalry that foments a bitter power struggle.

"The Krays: Kill Order" uniquely projects the twins’ contrasting personalities—Reggie is the more level-headed and composed figure while Ronnie is depicted as explosive and unpredictable, his mental health issues causing significant strain on their partnership.

In the movie, various events from the brothers' pasts are dug out, offering a rich context to their personality development and criminal ventures. Via this journey into their troubled upbringing and family background, the narrative effectively emphasizes the role of environment and circumstances in the shaping of the destructive Kray empire.

The supporting cast includes other engaging characters who have intricate relationships with the Krays—loyal followers, rivals, and lovers. The subplots surrounding these characters add intriguing layers to the central storyline, making the film more than just a straightforward crime saga. The narrative threads interwoven between these characters not only reveal the depth of connections that enable a criminal empire to function but also expose the grim intricacies and chilling consequences of such a life.

The film’s presentation retains a realistic tone throughout, emphasizing the grimness of the London ghettos and the seemingly regular lives of their infamous inhabitants. The graphic violence is never glamorized but displayed with a stark brutality, a shocking and candid visual language that adds an element of truth to the film.

"The Krays: Kill Order" also successfully engrosses the audience in an era-cohesive atmosphere. The rigid cinematography, period-specific set pieces, tailored costumes, and even the grimy streets effectively transcribe the bleak period of mid-20th century East End London to the screen. The haunting soundtrack complements the visuals efficiently, enhancing the suspense and the unnerving sense of dread that pervades the narrative.

Matthews' directorial choice to flashback periodically to the twins' childhood gives the narrative an engaging structure and provides emotional rationale behind their life choices. It gives the audience a fascinating look into their transformation from ruthless street thugs to feared underworld bosses.

While "The Krays: Kill Order" may not gloss over or glorify the lives of its titular gangsters, it paints a vivid picture of their tumultuous lives, their psychological idiosyncrasies, and their meteoric rise in the underworld. The film effectively delves into the minds of these notorious figures, providing insights into what drives individuals down a path of merciless brutality and crime.

A thrilling watch for admirers of real-life crime dramas, "The Krays: Kill Order" will engage you from start to finish with its gritty storytelling and deft character portrayal. It is not an easy watch given the violent subject matter, but if you're looking for a well-written, authentically-acted, and carefully-directed film that explores the harrowing depths of organized crime, this movie is worth watching.