A good film but not what I and others were expecting

Rating: 7/10 (10 September 2015)

Tom Hardy is his usual brilliant self in his portrayal of the Krays, especially that of Ronnie and his paranoid take on life. However, the trailer and the plot line for the film are very misleading. This is not a story about the notorious Kray twins and how they rose to the high ranks of criminals and 'ruled London' so to speak but more about Reggie and Frances Shea and the short time they spent together. My mistake was probably that I didn't read the book beforehand so if you have, you will get exactly what you are expecting. But, if like me, you are someone who loves the psychology behind criminal minds and are expecting a bigger, deeper insight into the minds and worlds of the Krays, you will be disappointed.
That being said, the acting was superb. Hardy, as usual, got it spot on. He managed to separate the two roles and shone, more so as Ronnie Kray. Bravo for that. A mention for Taron Egerton too who really did himself proud as Mad Teddy, he was hilarious throughout his role and Emily Browning was especially beautiful as Frances Shea.
Overall, a very watchable film but maybe next time Brian should not mislead his audience. To quote Ronnie in the film, 'I wanted a shoot out, like a Western'...but it just didn't quite deliver.