“Superbly sinister” London-set crime drama lands new UK streaming home

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The crime drama *The Krays*, which tells the story of London’s famous gangsters, is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The 1990 film, praised as “superbly sinister” by IMDb users, stars brothers Gary and Martin Kemp – also known as members of the band Spandau Ballet – as the notorious gangsters Ronald and Reginald Kray.

The film also features strong performances from Billie Whitelaw, Tom Bell, Susan Fleetwood, Charlotte Cornwell, Avis Bunnage, and Alfred Lynch.

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The BBC describes *The Krays* as the story of twin brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray, charting their lives from childhood to adulthood as they became notorious figures in London’s criminal scene during the 1960s.

Even three and a half decades after its release, the movie *The Krays* remains well-regarded, earning an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. *The Spectator* called it an unusual but captivating film.

In a glowing review, Roger Ebert of the *Chicago Sun-Times* praised the film, noting it wasn’t just focused on violence. He explained it delved into the disturbing mindset of identical twins who were thrilled to be seen as well-behaved, even as they engaged in horrific acts.

Viewers on IMDb have praised the actors playing the twins, with one commenting that Gary Kemp, in particular, delivers a brilliantly menacing and threatening performance.

Someone else noted that *The Krays* is a significant film from the 1990s, offering a strong portrayal of various forms of corruption and how they ultimately ruin people’s lives and hopes.

When Gary Kemp found out he’d been cast as Ronnie Kray, he famously went to meet the gangster while Kray was incarcerated at Broadmoor Hospital. As Kemp described to *The Independent*, the meeting was incredibly intense, with Kray staring directly into his eyes.

In a 2024 interview with *The Guardian*, the film’s producer, Ray Burdis, admitted he now wishes certain parts of the movie hadn’t portrayed the brothers in a glamorous light. He explained they weren’t heroes, but rather “cowardly, psychopathic bullies” who frightened people in London’s East End during the 1960s.

Despite the violent history surrounding the Krays, our film focused on a different angle: the strong bond the twins had with their mother. The story centers on them as devoted sons, fighting to protect her – that was the core idea. We weren’t trying to depict the actual events of their lives, but rather explore the legend surrounding them.

The Krays is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-09-14 13:19