The Krays
Seen it?1990 | 119 min | Drama, Crime, History
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and history buffs. If you loved Scarface or The Long Good Friday, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray are raised in east London, under the influence of their hateful but doting mother Violet. As they grow up, Ronnie's violent nature takes over, and Reggie follows his brother's lead. The two become notorious crime lords who rule over the East End club scene. But at the height of their power, the brothers veer into different lives, giving the older crime bosses a chance to reclaim what the Krays took from them.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$62 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 82K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Medak
- Gary KempRonald Kray
- Martin KempReggie Kray
- Billie WhitelawViolet Kray
- Tom BellJack 'The Hat' McVitie
- Susan FleetwoodRose
- Charlotte CornwellMay
- Kate HardieFrances
- Avis BunnageHelen
- Alfred LynchCharlie Kray Snr
- Gary LoveSteve