Krays: Code of Silence

Krays: Code of Silence (2021) 101 Films

New films based on the lives of the notorious Kray twins have been coming thick and fast in recent years, but this one is markedly different. ‘Code of Silence’ tells the story of their downfall from the point of view of the forces of law and order. Directed with imaginative flair by Ben Mole, it’s a speed ride with plenty of shocks and jolts along the way.

Stephen Moyer (Priest, The Hatton Garden Job) plays Detective Leonard ‘Nipper’ Read, an intense, driven policeman with a burning hatred of the lawlessness of London’s 60’s underworld in general, and the Krays in particular. Ronan Summers (Arthur and Merlin; Knights of Camelot) has the unenviable task of portraying both the faux-sophisticated Ronnie and the brutal, psychopathic Reggie, here, essentially a pair of bit players in the drama of their own lives.

Taking place largely in the deserted warehouse Read uses as his secret headquarters, obviating the need for endless changes of scene and stopping the film becoming merely a period piece, the atmosphere is cold and claustrophobic from the start. Having had two self-willed, rule breaking out of town officers imposed on him by his remote, party-going boss, Read immediately gets them reading the copious files on the Kray gang’s crimes and misdemeanours, whilst he scans his evidence board like a hawk.

The necessity for secrecy is of course obvious; the Krays must not know the police are onto them, and the rank and file of the force must not know, either. Riddled with officers on the take, Read has to pull off the detection job of a lifetime with just two ‘untouchables’ for help.

Read’s line of attack is simple and direct; find a disgruntled ex-member of the Kray gang; work on him. Such potential witnesses for the prosecution are a little thin on the ground, but having found their man, Read begins to build up a detailed picture of the Krays’ web of corruption, and just how fragile their grip on London’s underworld really is.

Anyone expecting a shoot ‘em up with superior tailoring is in for a shock. Period detailing and flying bullets are kept to the barest minimum, replaced with the merest hint of 60’s style and a sense of chilly confinement for police and villains alike. Read’s tough, loveless childhood is presented as a foil to those who excuse the crimes of vicious thugs pleading their unfortunate upbringing as a major influence. Ronan Summers’ double portrait of the sweaty, unpredictable Krays rarely shows the menace they surely had. The police are by no means angelic, particularly when extracting information from bystanders like the terrified barmaid of the Blind Beggar (Ella Peel) or surreptitiously recording or broadcasting statements.

The true story of the Krays is well known, the glamorized version even more widely broadcast, but the police story is often sidelined. Take a look at the flipside of history, for a change.

Scenester

21/12/21

Out on Digital and DVD 27/12/21

Buy here: https://www.101-films.com/film/272/krays-code-of-silence

Trailer link https://youtu.be/BwNH-o5x1Xo