Legend (2015)

Like many others here, I share the opinion on Hardy's performance: It was great. He played the two characters so differently, I didn't even see the same actor in them. Even though Hardy plays both of the main characters, I could distinguish them in every second of the movie. The props were great too. I am sucker for old cars and the 60s in general, so that was great, really.But the other things that play into a good movie, for example a compelling plot(!) was not really there. I got so bored at times, at the dialogue, at things repeating themselves, etc. There were one or two scenes in the movie that I really enjoyed, but most of the time I just sat there, waiting for something to happen. After one hour, I thought the movie should be over soon - only to find out I hadn't even watched half of the movie. I stuck through it nonetheless, because I thought something gamechaning or super amazing would happen, something I couldn't predict or anything like that, but nothing happened.All in all I would say that you could watch this film if you are into mafia-gangster-movies, into the 60s and cool cars, or into a really good acting performance, but you don't have to. It's not a Must-see. It's a Could-watch-if-bored.

Have done what I do on the rare occasion I don't care about plot twists and such and read some reviews on IMDB whilst about 75% through the movie. Am assuming that those giving the movie bad reviews with regards to accuracy or claiming the film glorifies mobsters are either American or clueless snowflakes bought up in the world after Python, Morecombe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Derek and Clive and such, all whose whole thing was based on tongue firmly planted in cheek.SPOILER ALERTFFS people, this film is pure satire, and it's genius! The reason I paused it to post this was that an example of the satirical nature is when Ron is about to carry out his hit at The Blind Beggar, he asked his sidekick "How do I look?" to which he gets his desired reply, "F*cking deadly!" Priceless.And when it comes to glorifying mobsters, the way Reggie behaves against those who cross him, even when it's unintentional, shows his true nature. So it is made perfectly clear he's as bad as his twin despite the BS he gives his girl. (Who is lovely by the way.)The film dives in, so those complaining it doesn't go into depth about the history fo the characters should read a book, where there is space. This isn't a biography, it's entertainment, and on that front, it's working for me.I'll continue my review after the remaining 25%.

I finally watched "Legend" in the hope that it might equal "The Krays" (1990) which is a very fine film. Unfortunately it falls far short of that lofty goal. Tom Hardy is excellent in his dual role which is, of course, a marvel of modern film technology. Both Krays appearing in the same scene, both facing the camera, played by one actor in seamless perfection is technically impressive.However, the story telling is a.) uneven, b.) incredibly slow and boring at times, and c.) not nearly as insightful as "the Krays" and lacking the visceral impact of that powerful movie. Just reciting a series of historical facts and asking your lead actor to put some emotion in them, doesn't add up to good movie making. A lot of talent was wasted in the process, especially Tara Fitzgerald and Taron Egerton who were reduced to wallpaper roles. Emily Browning's impressive efforts in portraying poor love struck Frances are above par but they pale in comparison with those of Kate Hardie who played that role in the 1990 version.I would have rated this movie higher than the 4 I gave it, if it were not for the odd stretches of prolonged dull scenes of, well, nothing. The 1990 original is much better on many levels.

I really enjoyed Legend towards the beginning — lots of great local color & interesting characters & the fight at the Pig & Whistle is one of the jolliest I've ever seen. Only Ronnie Kray could have been maniacal enough to convince a whole bar full of hard cases intent on serious mischief that: a) he'd brought along two pistols to what he reckoned to be a shootout, b) he'd get so infuriated that the other side was armed with nothing more than iron pipes & the like & c) he'd forget about his twin brother & stalk off in sheer indignation.It was far less enjoyable, tho no less brilliant, later on when it all turned dark & nasty. I'm sure it must have felt much like that to the Krays too, watching their lives spin out of control.Tom Hardy did a brilliant job portraying both twins; I had to keep reminding myself this was the same actor, all the while marveling at his versatility. His characterization of violently schizoid Ronnie was admirably nuanced. Making him hateful would have been so so easy, but half the time Hardy had you feeling sorry for the poor daft bugger. Brilliant. The very best of the Kray films, I calls it.