So much has been written and recorded about the Kray twins – Britain’s most infamous gangsters who ruled London in the 1960s – that it’s easy to imagine there’s nothing left.

But you shouldn’t be too hasty in judging this belter of a movie which stars East Sheen’s Tom Hardy as not one but both brothers.

Writer and director Brian Helgeland has found a new voice and a new perspective for this true tale in the hands of Reggie’s rollercoaster relationship with his ‘fragile’ wife, Frances (Emily Browning).

Through her eyes, we see them variously as both East End heroes and awful criminals.

And when the man behind the film has won an Oscar for LA Confidential, one of the sharpist and best thrillers of the last generation, you know you’re in for a stylish ride and a script as polished as Reg’s knuckledusters.

Wandsworth Times:

It is by turns compelling, funny and terrifying while staying true the gangsters’ legend.

Using 100-odd locations around London - including Brockley's Rivoli - certainly helped keep it grounded in the city that’s familiar.

Helgeland has assembled a stonking cast – Christopher Eccleston, David Thewlis and Kingsman lead Taron Egerton all have minor roles – but it is very clearly Hardy’s film.

In his hands Reggie and Ronnie aren’t distinguished just by a pair of glasses and a different jacket nor are they are distinct as Jekyll and Hyde.  They’re more like Hyde and, er, Hyder.

Hardy’s Ronnie Kray is the more straightforward - we’re told early on by a medical professional is ‘off his f*****g rocker’ – and his portrayal is guttural, blank-eyed and very, very dangerous. This is a man who more than anything loves violence.

In fact, he’s so pissed off by an ambush by South London's rival gang The Richardson that he simply storms out, to everyone’s confusion. He further proves his point by returning with hammers.

Wandsworth Times:

But even he’s not that simple. At times it’s hard not to feel for a man – in spite of his trail of carnage - who clearly struggles mentally and desperately needs medical attention.

Hardy’s Reggie is more nuanced. He’s got that veneer of humanity, is seemingly sane and has matinee idol looks but then again this is a man whose ‘business’ is gained through intimidation and casually breaks jaws.

Impressively, seeing both Tom Hardys on screen doesn’t feel as much as a fairground novelty as you would perhaps expect. 

Things get a little unsettling with a voiceover from beyond the grave and just once or twice Ron seems to get a bit too comically twisted but on the whole Legend offers up an authentic, stylish and thoroughly entertaining new take on the Krays’ legend.

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Legend (18) is out Wednesday (September 9).