Entertaining and balanced, but not necessarily accurate

Rating: 9/10 (13 September 2015)

Okay, so let's start off with the obvious. Tom Hardy's talent is the main driving force of this movie, his performance as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray is utterly captivating and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who could do better. Hardy captures both character's mannerisms near enough flawlessly from open-mouthed, blunt Ronnie to cool and confident Reggie whilst also representing the interpersonal relationships with each gang member clearly. The film really does portray the gangster violence and the effects it had on Frances Shea (Emily Browning) whilst also providing a few laughs.
One thing that can be said is that Helgeland utilises his cast who nearly all come from comic-drama backgrounds very well which matches his script as I felt there was a good balance between comedy, drama and down-right brutality which is always good to see in a gangster film.
If you don't care too much for the history behind the Krays and want a well constructed piece of entertainment then this is a film you will really enjoy, as I did. Having said this, the film made me go out and research some of the crimes and trouble the Krays got into and, yes, there is a lot missed out. But this film was not advertised as a documentary and I think Helgeland's main target was an international, just-turned 18, audience who will maybe have never heard of the Krays before.
Overall, I am giving it a 9 as it was not perfect and glamoured gangster life a little but you won't want to take your eyes off the screen.