Layer cake is a great movie, most people miss the hidden meaning, that the higher up you go in society the more corruption you can get away with. “You're born, you take shit. You get out in the world, you take more shit. You climb a little higher, you take less shit. Till one day you're up in the rarefied atmosphere and you've forgotten what shit even looks like.”
There’s a scene where Ronnie tells Francis “Sometimes in order to grow, you need to cut off a little piece of yourself.” That line was said to Tom Hardy by Charles Bronson, the prisoner Hardy would play as. Hardy just got his heart broken by his girlfriend and Bronson gave him that advice to help him move on.
Apparently they were never really earners outside and were more on reputation of fear and power. There were others in London, less well known but had a lot more money and power.
Possibly because of the 90s film where they were both paid £255,000 for the rights and the bodyguard firm Charlie was running. It was useless anyway as they both died in prison (well Reggie was released and spent 3 weeks in a hotel before dying) without any direct family to leave it to.
My mate met Tom Hardy in a motorbike shop in London and had a selfie with him. He said that Tom was was a really nice down to earth guy and were talking about their favourite motorbikes
The Krays were very well known outside the UK. If you were a foreign gangster (US/Italian/Russian mob)and wanted to do any business in the UK, you went to the Krays and gave them a taste.
In the scene where he punches the guy in the face, you'll notice the guy is smoking. This was Reggie's trademark cigarette punch. He offers them a cigarette and when their guard is down, and their jaw is open, they gets punched. Bad day at the Office.
@TrapHouseMafia Ltd No offence, but you must be American, If you weren't then you'd know about the Richardsons. The Krays were hyped up, mainly because they were blackmailing the Government. If you believe that the Krays were bigger than the Richardsons then go ahead, that's fine. I'll bet you don't even know that the both twins were Gay. Reggie just didn't want to be, he was actually interested in the brother of his soon to be wife before he met her and when the brother didn't accept his advances, he decided that the sister would do instead, allegedly. His wife knew he was trying to hide his desire for men, but hey you obviously know more than I do. I'll even bet that you don't know Henry Hill was into young men too. Take care and have a good day, Sir.
@@krt3718 Eddie is about 86 years old. It's a breath of fresh air to find someone who knows what they're talking about mate. Some people chat shit, without knowing anything about the subject in which they are commenting. Have a nice day bud. I'm not an expert but I know enough to know that the Krays did not run London. 👍
Ronnie was committed to a psychiatric institute in real life yes. However, it wasn't the psychiatrist that was threatened by Reggie that got Ronnie released. Since they were twins, Reggie went to visit Ronnie and swap places with him. That's actually how Ronnie got back out in the streets. Reggie on the other hand displayed sanle (normal mental) tendencies to staff, so they released him.
""Who are you,Fanny Craddock? You gonna bake me a cake? Sing me a song while I blow out me fucking candles?" I was rolling on the floor when he said that! Best bar fight scene along with "A Bronx Tale".
Being twins that bond between the two of them is 10 times stronger than the love between other siblings. They say it's like their a half of one person, together they make a whole.
Some twins feel like that, others can be driven apart by a desire to not be similar to each other. Depends on the environment and just who the twins are as people
@@heeeeeem8520 Fraternal twins are the ones that are not identical. Unidentical is not in any dictionary. You are the first person I've ever seen use it.
My favorite part of this movie was when Francis' mother wore black to her wedding with Reggie. Idk if that's authentic but if it was props to her, she wasn't afraid of Reggie at all, and just wanted the best for her daughter. I love fierce mama bears.
As always Michael..... you eloquently offer up your experience as an example of turning from a wrong path in life and living a virtuous one. Much, much more of this is needed in our society.
@@michaelfranzese i cant get enough of your work mr Franzese you could talk about paint drying and make it interesting. It would blow my mind if you could do a video on Martin Cahill aka the general. He was an Irish mob boss. I wish you peace sir
So then we can all agree, the scene where they are negotiating terms of partnership, is as close as you get to a moment in time that actually happened with someone who actually knew their operation. Flawless research, and amazing production
The "torture gang" were the Richardsons from south London; the Kray firm were from the east end of London. If anyone's interested in the subject of the Kray twins, John Pearson's The Profession of Violence is an essential read.
All y’all haven’t been there cuz back in the day Washington DC was basically Baltimore search up Wayne Perry seriously a story straight out of The Wire.
Alfie was super cool in the blinders, I love how he just never shows fear, not when Tommy supposedly put the grenade under the barrel, not against the Russians, not against the Italians, he's Alfie and that's that, superb character and played flawlessly by TH.
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in London. Shoreditch is a great area. I grew up where the Krays did so its an honour hearing you talk about them and the East End
@@unnamedchannel1237 This isn’t a thriller. It’s a film depicting the life of Ronnie and Reggie Kray (The most renowned British gangsters to ever exist).
"The Torture Gang" were only really dubbed that by the press, they were actually known as The Richardsons, also led by some brothers, and were based in South London. The infamous "Mad" Frankie Fraser was one of their enforcers and was known to resort to various torture methods, such a removing finger nails with pliers.
Great movie. Tom Hardy is absolutely unbeliveable actor. And the lovestory and the relationship of the brothers is really very sensitive and beautiful, just tragic.
So pleased you had a good experience in London, I walked past the Blind Beggar pub (where Ronnie shot George) almost everyday for university and often saw the "Gangster Tour Bus" and other tour groups outside learning about the history of the Krays. With them and Jack the Ripper, the area has a lot of fascinating and frightening history.
That was Frankie Fraser doing the bus tour, I was on it years ago! We checked out all the landmarks and had a pint and a ploughmans in the Blind Beggar. Fraser was a great story teller and actually a real gentleman.
@@TheScouseassassin I love it when criminals go legit with their old skills. Like a highly skilled pickpocket turning his thievery in an act. I heard of one so good he coukd steal your watch from your wrist and the tie off your neck while talking to you.
I love the way you talk about your father and your love for him, no matter who he was or what he did. I feel the same way about my dad, he was murdered when I was just 17 years old. He was, to others a "Bad Man", but to me he will always just be my dad and I will never stop loving him. Family...it's whats important in life and especially where we live here in Chicago, in our neighborhood, everybody knows everybody, so everyone knew our family but to this day they speak of my father with respect, and I see you do the same with your father and your brother...Familia...is everything. I respect you for that.
The greasy spoon diner where the twins have breakfast is Pellicci, owned by an Italian family in London, and still operates with largely the original fixtures and decor.
The fact that Ron was so openly gay in the '60s and a gangster is WILD! It tells you everything you need to know about how scary of a man he was. Both brothers were very competent boxers and had no problem with violence. They were big for the time as well.
He wasn't openly gay, no one knew at the time. George Cornell never called him a fat poof either because that word didn't exist at the time, it was unthinkable in that walk of life in those days that some one could be gay. Plus Ronnie Kray was a paedophile with his mate lord Boothby so deviance and secrecy was important to him.
Another great Tom hardy movie u could review is Lawless. It takes place during the prohibition era and he’s somewhat of gangster in that movie since his business is illegal but he’s actually a good guy. Very great film and everybody in the cast did phenomenal.
Hey Michael! I’m starting to enjoy Mondays a bit for the first time in my life. Lol. I started following you on IG. Great job! God Bless and Support from The Bronx! 💯🙏🇺🇸
My dad was born in the east end during the era of the Krays and the Richardsons (the film calls them the torture gang). The Richardsons were not stopped by the Krays, they got broke up by the police a year or two before the Krays got broken up. The shooting of George is what started the beginning of the end for the Krays. The methods the Richardsons used was what ended it for them, (cutting peoples toes off with bolt cutters, and nailing people to the floor for example)
Your journey is truly amazing Mr. Franzese. You always drop amazing knowledge and wisdom. God bless you and your loved ones. Keep the awesome content coming!
No country for old men, Michael, as an therapist, more then ex-mobster! That would be great, go figure Anton Chigurhs mind, even as an ex mobster, with a lot of people he met! CRAZY GOOD movie.
So happy to hear you dug this! I saw and loved this when it first came out, and I think it's been very underrated. Hopefully your kudos will send some much-deserved attention this film's way.
The scene where Ronnie walks Frances to her car was filmed at the same apartment block where they actually lived in the 1960s. Earlier in the video, you show the twins at the same location. 2:35
Том шикарный мужчина и неповторимый британский актер . В любой роли бесподобен. Его героев можно ненавидеть , презирать, жалеть, любить. Но никогда зритель не останется равнодушным. Спасибо за эмоции талантливый мистер Харди ❤❤❤
It seems like there's some Alfie in the Kray brothers and vice versa. I think Hardy just really likes playing around with accents. And he's entertaining with them.
The interesting thing about peaky blinders is they were mentioned in a book called "Britain's godfather ".They were known as the Brummagen mob by Derby Sabini and his Clerkenwell lot,which was known as little Italy at the time.
So this is the first video of yours I've seen, but it definitely won't be the last. You speak very frankly and openly about your life experience, it's a valuable perspective worthy of massive respect. Having a conversation with you must be a philosophical trip! I'll check out your book when I get the chance. Appreciate what you do!
Also, the place where Ronnie killed George Cornell is a pub called The Blind Beggar. It’s in Bethnal Green in east London where the twins was born and is still there. You can go there and have a beer.
I liked Legend and The Krays with The Kemp brothers that was made in1991 that one is pretty good. The story was that Reggie was in love with Frances brother first but he rejected him and he started liking Frances but the movies never talked about that and it was also said that Ronnie didn't like Frances.
I felt bad for Francis. I thought to myself, "If only she had never met Kray". Michael, we too have had our struggles with family. My oldest daughter has done some things which were very hurtful to us. But we love her. I saw a video not too long ago where your mother was being interviewed with Joe Columbo's sister and some other women. She was a beautiful lady Michael. I feel for you because you have spoken about her rough life.
I was literally reading about the Krays just a week ago and was wondering about your perspective on them 😂 since it has been told that the Krays were the reason why the Cosa Nostra didn't dare to set up shop in Britain.
I have no idea how they made it look like Tom hardy was fighting himself during the Ronnie vs Reggie club fight, lol….but whoever filmed that was a genius.
I see why God has touched your heart. I'm sure your ministry is changing lives for the better. God blessed you for good reason. Oh yeah, Great review too!! Thanks
Boardwalk Empire is a great series to watch and understand the context of the beginnings of organized crime and the times in general. Naturally there is artistic license, but some key players and events were real. Well done period piece.
London is my hometown, I've been State side since 99, but these 2 are absolute legends. My favorite story about the krays is when they switched places from the mental hospital. They weren't stupid just short tempered.
Feel like the music intro could be turned into a great rap beat. Michael i dont believe you are a big fan of rap i imagine lol. But I just thought of an intro couple bar intro. You should have a classic rapper make a song to it involving you and the mob!? Not me tho lol god bless
This is literally one of my all time favourite films! along with Capone. Because having my favourite actor, playing my favourite gangsters was something I wanted. Plus Tom could pull off above these characters.
The hardest hitting line in the movie is when Ronnie asks Reggie ‘what you do that for?’ When Reggie stabs Jack the Hat a 100 times. ‘Because I can’t kill you’ says Reggie.
Great review there Michael. I watched the film yesterday and found the relationship between the twins very interesting. I'm from a family of two sets of twins, I have a twin sister and two of my brothers are twins. I could really relate to what you were saying about the importance of family through anything and everything. Thanks for the video
My grandfather worked at the Double R club that was owned by Reggie and his older brother Charlie. He told me when Ronnie was released from prison he brough a dwarf riding a donkey into the place. Nobody really knows why XD
Your and my grandfather might have know each other, or at least seen each other, as my grandfather worked for the Krays. He was involved with a murder that ended up getting his sister killed in retaliation and it was in the newspapers at the time.
The scene where reggie stabs jack the hat to death in front off a room off ppl was brutal so I’m surprised u didn’t mention it coz it’s 1 off the best scenes IMO reggie says to Ronnie he would kill him if he wasn’t his brother! Ronnies madness cost them in the end. Great film great review 💚
The identical twin thing I recognise from my own father, Derek, who had an identical twin brother, Delwyn. The krays as twins and my old man and his twin have so many similarities that i always assumed its a comment thing. My old man was more calm, level headed and reserved than his twin brother. The two of them could and regularly did have physical fights and punch lumps out of each other and yet the sibling bond I saw was much stronger than average brothers. Both of them worked in the same yard for 20 years together and I myself did so with them for a short time. It was quite funny to hear the owner of the yard tell me that if he wants to have Delwyn do something on the yard that he would go ask my dad Derek to ask Delwyn because Delwyn didn't like to be told to do something and did not listen. So the boss would ask my old man to ask him cause he would do it if it was his brother that was asking him. The.yard owner knew if he sacked my dad's brother my old man would leave too so couldn't because the job was a skilled one which youd have to train new employees to do. I heard many very funny stories from other people which my old man confirmed and one quick one that I remember my old man telling me that I found funny (as did he) was a nite that both of them were arrested and my old man being pretty drunk puched a police officer who was trying to stop him and Delwyn in the street and cop hit his panic button. I don't know if US police have these but here in UK police basically have a small button on their radio that if pressed signals to every other cop within a 10 mile or so radius to immediately drop whatever they are doing and respond to that because it is only used to notify all other cops that a colleague of theirs is in serious trouble and need help. When they do press it you will literally see blue lights come from all directions. So, anyway, button is pressed and both my old man and Delwhy are arrested and held overnight in different police stations. Next day both are bailed and my dad goes home where Delwyn is waiting. Delwyn has fresh black eye, split lip, lumps on head etc and my old man asked what the hell happened to him. He said " I was fast asleep and at 3am the cell door opens and five of them came in the cell and beat shit out of me! Bastard, you punched the copper and they thought I was you!" My old man thought that was hilarious, I did too when he was telling me.
Hey Michael. If you read this, would you consider doing a video on the collateral damage this life causes...i.e. the things the wife and kids deal with, the way family turns on family, how do families survive when their father/husband is away doing serious time, etc.??
I never met a guy yet who served his whole six hundred years sentence. No. Thirty or forty is usually enough to break a man. Michael, I'm glad you had a good time in London, makes me proud to be English.
It’s amazing: this sounds exactly like what you’d imagine an (former) Italian mobster describing a movie would sound like. And that’s a compliment Mr. F 👍
The movie just shows how good tom hardy is as a actor.
Yes! He actually scared me in the clips of the crazy brother.
@@noodlefringe1802 lock stock and 2 smoking barrels
Also rock and roller hes good in
He one of my favorite actors
Fuck that.. actors. Go make a movie
This is real life things you get me ?
You should review "Layer cake" it's one of the most underrated movies.
Layer cake is a great movie, most people miss the hidden meaning, that the higher up you go in society the more corruption you can get away with.
“You're born, you take shit. You get out in the world, you take more shit. You climb a little higher, you take less shit. Till one day you're up in the rarefied atmosphere and you've forgotten what shit even looks like.”
Great film.
The richardsons
Michael he did 3years over 30
Once again that sentence is used for everything so in this scenario its gonna be used for every movie this guy ain't watched...
There’s a scene where Ronnie tells Francis “Sometimes in order to grow, you need to cut off a little piece of yourself.” That line was said to Tom Hardy by Charles Bronson, the prisoner Hardy would play as. Hardy just got his heart broken by his girlfriend and Bronson gave him that advice to help him move on.
I don't get it?
@@bennym5244 Thats amazing. I listened to this interview yesterday and watched Legend a few days ago and i remember Ronnie said this!!
It's hardly brilliant or unusual advice is it and if you think it is then you haven't had much education 😂
@@dondamon4669 you managed to completely miss the point dude lol
Yeah it’s on RUclips you see a young Tom talking about Bronson calling him up
The krays actually made more money in prison than they did outside, shows how much power they must have had.
Apparently they were never really earners outside and were more on reputation of fear and power. There were others in London, less well known but had a lot more money and power.
It’s usually how it goes. AT LEAST with the high level guys. Boss’ make more money in prison.
Krays were more about putting the boot in
Possibly because of the 90s film where they were both paid £255,000 for the rights and the bodyguard firm Charlie was running. It was useless anyway as they both died in prison (well Reggie was released and spent 3 weeks in a hotel before dying) without any direct family to leave it to.
Yh that's cos they were flogging stories in prison
Basically, any movie Tom Hardy is in you can expect a stellar performance. Great review Michael!
He would do a great james bond
My mate met Tom Hardy in a motorbike shop in London and had a selfie with him. He said that Tom was was a really nice down to earth guy and were talking about their favourite motorbikes
@@smith2781 Tom Hardy is one of my favorite actors. I would love to meet him in person. He's seems quirky like me LOL.
@Mickey Mouse You must be high
Yeah Tom Hardy is fantastic.
As an American, you understood the Kray twins story well. Great commentary.
The Krays were very well known outside the UK. If you were a foreign gangster (US/Italian/Russian mob)and wanted to do any business in the UK, you went to the Krays and gave them a taste.
The Krays were the dogs bollocks 💪🏾
@@rottieshepcalibre9156 wtf is bollocks
NOT ! He can't even get the name of the south London gang right. They were the Richardson gang, not the "torture gang"
@@den264 am sorry but uk crime lords are nothing compare to the us man you ever heard of john gotti or lucky Luciano
In the scene where he punches the guy in the face, you'll notice the guy is smoking. This was Reggie's trademark cigarette punch. He offers them a cigarette and when their guard is down, and their jaw is open, they gets punched. Bad day at the Office.
That’s weak.
Alot of ppl did that in the day..bit of a shitbag sukka move
That's why towards the end of the movie when he offered the guy a cigarette again the man refuses.
Great movie.
Easier to break the jaw if it’s open
The jaw breaker
The 'Torture Gang' are actually the real life 'Richardsons' and they covered most of South London whilst the Krays were East London
They do a better pie and mash in Bethnal Green then they do in the south
@TrapHouseMafia Ltd East, North and west Bethnal Green. The Richardsons were a level above, allegedly.
@TrapHouseMafia Ltd No offence, but you must be American, If you weren't then you'd know about the Richardsons. The Krays were hyped up, mainly because they were blackmailing the Government. If you believe that the Krays were bigger than the Richardsons then go ahead, that's fine. I'll bet you don't even know that the both twins were Gay. Reggie just didn't want to be, he was actually interested in the brother of his soon to be wife before he met her and when the brother didn't accept his advances, he decided that the sister would do instead, allegedly. His wife knew he was trying to hide his desire for men, but hey you obviously know more than I do. I'll even bet that you don't know Henry Hill was into young men too. Take care and have a good day, Sir.
I think the richardson's were not mentioned in the film because they are still alive.
@@krt3718 Eddie is about 86 years old. It's a breath of fresh air to find someone who knows what they're talking about mate. Some people chat shit, without knowing anything about the subject in which they are commenting. Have a nice day bud. I'm not an expert but I know enough to know that the Krays did not run London. 👍
Ronnie was committed to a psychiatric institute in real life yes. However, it wasn't the psychiatrist that was threatened by Reggie that got Ronnie released. Since they were twins, Reggie went to visit Ronnie and swap places with him. That's actually how Ronnie got back out in the streets. Reggie on the other hand displayed sanle (normal mental) tendencies to staff, so they released him.
Never happened
They don’t even look alike
""Who are you,Fanny Craddock? You gonna bake me a cake? Sing me a song while I blow out me fucking candles?" I was rolling on the floor when he said that! Best bar fight scene along with "A Bronx Tale".
I come here for a shoot out
"W*NKERS"
@@trancejunky93no3heroin5 like a western.
@@trancejunky93no3heroin5 like a western
Nows yous can’t leave, wankers.
No coffee and doughnuts in 1960s London,its cups of tea all round.
Bloody right 🇬🇧
It's tea and biscuits, tea and biscuits
Being twins that bond between the two of them is 10 times stronger than the love between other siblings. They say it's like their a half of one person, together they make a whole.
Some twins feel like that, others can be driven apart by a desire to not be similar to each other. Depends on the environment and just who the twins are as people
I would be willing to guess identical twins feel this more than unidentical
@@heeeeeem8520Unidentical? You just made a new word!😂
@@KevinGonzales-zv9xb what’s the word 😂
@@heeeeeem8520 Fraternal twins are the ones that are not identical. Unidentical is not in any dictionary. You are the first person I've ever seen use it.
Ronnie Kray ended up spending time in broadmoor hospital with Charles Bronson. I wish they had filmed a scene of that as Tom Hardy played Bronson too
That would have been beyond awesome 🤣🤣🤣
Q
Brilliant 😂😂😂
The film Bronson is Tom hardy but ye a scene with him an Ronnie would be great
My brother is in Charles Bronsons book called Legends my bro is called Gary Ward.
My favorite part of Monday’s are having dinner after work and having a “sit down” with Mr Franzese. Appreciate your effort to do these videos🤙
@@michaelfranzese Michael lets here a story about Nicky Scarfo and Phil Leonetti
Right. Who needs cable😁
Tom Hardy is going to be one of the greatest actors of our time.
In my opinion he’s been one of them for a long time
😂 plays the same characters over and over
@@dondamon4669He's like Robert Deniro.
He's great at playing himself. He's not a good method actor.
My favorite part of this movie was when Francis' mother wore black to her wedding with Reggie. Idk if that's authentic but if it was props to her, she wasn't afraid of Reggie at all, and just wanted the best for her daughter. I love fierce mama bears.
It was based on real life. Ronnie went mad. Francis mother was gutted she was marrying a gangster and came dressed in mourning to her wedding.
😬 cringe - also Frances not Francis (i for him e for her).
No such thing as Mama Bears in London .... Francis's mum was a tough East End mum.
That would be Frances, Francis is a man's name while Frances is female
I seen that movie five times I love it it was also hilarious did the the oldest brother have a children
As always Michael..... you eloquently offer up your experience as an example of turning from a wrong path in life and living a virtuous one. Much, much more of this is needed in our society.
@@michaelfranzese It would be amazing to see a sit down with yourself and one of the old time London guys like Bobby Cummines or David Courtney
@@michaelfranzese i cant get enough of your work mr Franzese you could talk about paint drying and make it interesting. It would blow my mind if you could do a video on Martin Cahill aka the general. He was an Irish mob boss. I wish you peace sir
So then we can all agree, the scene where they are negotiating terms of partnership, is as close as you get to a moment in time that actually happened with someone who actually knew their operation. Flawless research, and amazing production
"A shootout is a fucking shootout!.....like a western....wankers!!
Best scene of the movie :D
Comedy
He was so offended lol, proper shootout.
You should review "City of God". A film that showcases organized crimes in Brazil during the 70s.
Wow that would be intriguing not a lot know about that movie and from what I hear it's also based on a true story
Yes City of God
@@DocKaosBeats City of God is a must, one of the best movies .
Couple of savage scenes. Tragic story. Great movie.
Brilliant movie!
Mr. Palminteri - the look on his face at Ronnie. Priceless. beyond art. what a catch moment.
The "torture gang" were the Richardsons from south London; the Kray firm were from the east end of London. If anyone's interested in the subject of the Kray twins, John Pearson's The Profession of Violence is an essential read.
Yes, it's the best book on the subject. Plenty of poor ones around.
Mate everything they did as seen here is 100% focking true
The Richardsons were very serious guys. From what I've heard they were bigger than the Krays even at their high point.
@@4FYTfa8EjYHNXjChe8xs7xmC5pNEtz And they were fockin sadistic
I agree...but legend certainly wasn't based on the most important parts of it
I noticed that there is no Mafia family in Washington DC...there must not be any more room for criminals....
@Oh No well yeah...exactly what the dude above just said. The government wanted no competition from their own umm...line of work
Pelosi is from Mafia stock
😂😂
The Dems control all crime in D.C.
All y’all haven’t been there cuz back in the day Washington DC was basically Baltimore search up Wayne Perry seriously a story straight out of The Wire.
I personally think Tom Hardy did a fine job on the show Peaky Blinders, and in this movie as well. Thanks for the review Michael.
Alfie was super cool in the blinders, I love how he just never shows fear, not when Tommy supposedly put the grenade under the barrel, not against the Russians, not against the Italians, he's Alfie and that's that, superb character and played flawlessly by TH.
WE'RE READY FOR ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA
Hell Yeah!
Good call.
I suggested that one a few weeks ago. So far nothing.
YES IM READY
@@viterf9227 Noodles!
@@onetwo12onetwo526 Noodles, I slipped.
I'm glad you enjoyed your stay in London. Shoreditch is a great area. I grew up where the Krays did so its an honour hearing you talk about them and the East End
I saw the movie about them from 1990 called The Krays staring Gary and Martin Kemp from the 80s group Spandau Ballet and it was really good as well.
Yes, that film creeped me out a bit, I think because their mum was so delusional about them.
Absolutely loving the content Michael. Thrilled that I found your channel.
I thought he review mob movies not thrillers ?
@@unnamedchannel1237 This isn’t a thriller. It’s a film depicting the life of Ronnie and Reggie Kray (The most renowned British gangsters to ever exist).
"The Torture Gang" were only really dubbed that by the press, they were actually known as The Richardsons, also led by some brothers, and were based in South London. The infamous "Mad" Frankie Fraser was one of their enforcers and was known to resort to various torture methods, such a removing finger nails with pliers.
I was their lead enforcer. That's mostly correct
@@stanleymasterson1135 indeed
Fraser was an enforcer for The Richardson’s, Billy Hill and The Krays, he was a freelancer
@VETRAIN CHOO CHOO what is it called?
They probs went further than removing finger nails lol
Great movie. Tom Hardy is absolutely unbeliveable actor. And the lovestory and the relationship of the brothers is really very sensitive and beautiful, just tragic.
So pleased you had a good experience in London, I walked past the Blind Beggar pub (where Ronnie shot George) almost everyday for university and often saw the "Gangster Tour Bus" and other tour groups outside learning about the history of the Krays. With them and Jack the Ripper, the area has a lot of fascinating and frightening history.
The new owner has ruined it far too pretentious and snobby
@@brianmunich553 That’s a pity, the Blind Beggar was a fine pub (contrary to its seedy notoriety) where everyone could feel welcome.
That was Frankie Fraser doing the bus tour, I was on it years ago! We checked out all the landmarks and had a pint and a ploughmans in the Blind Beggar. Fraser was a great story teller and actually a real gentleman.
@@TheScouseassassin I love it when criminals go legit with their old skills. Like a highly skilled pickpocket turning his thievery in an act. I heard of one so good he coukd steal your watch from your wrist and the tie off your neck while talking to you.
Blind Beggar’s basically just a uni bar now
"I gave Reggie the hammer he used in that fight!" --Gianni Russo
😂
😂😂😂
"aint that somethin"
This comment was a reach sorry lol
😂😂😂
I love the way you talk about your father and your love for him, no matter who he was or what he did. I feel the same way about my dad, he was murdered when I was just 17 years old. He was, to others a "Bad Man", but to me he will always just be my dad and I will never stop loving him. Family...it's whats important in life and especially where we live here in Chicago, in our neighborhood, everybody knows everybody, so everyone knew our family but to this day they speak of my father with respect, and I see you do the same with your father and your brother...Familia...is everything. I respect you for that.
The greasy spoon diner where the twins have breakfast is Pellicci, owned by an Italian family in London, and still operates with largely the original fixtures and decor.
I want to go to it if this pandemic ever ends...
Cool
@@ryanbales8116 Me too. I want to go on the Krays bus tour.
@@ryanbales8116 They do take out, not the same of course! E.Pellicci, Bethnal Green, best fry up in London.
Used to go weekly , lovely place and people, I've been to the bar where the guy got shot too , bullet hole is still there last time I went
The fact that Ron was so openly gay in the '60s and a gangster is WILD! It tells you everything you need to know about how scary of a man he was. Both brothers were very competent boxers and had no problem with violence. They were big for the time as well.
He wasn't openly gay, no one knew at the time. George Cornell never called him a fat poof either because that word didn't exist at the time, it was unthinkable in that walk of life in those days that some one could be gay. Plus Ronnie Kray was a paedophile with his mate lord Boothby so deviance and secrecy was important to him.
Very interested to see what you know about the london guys. Forgot today was monday,was having a bad day and now its getting a bit better
Another great Tom hardy movie u could review is Lawless. It takes place during the prohibition era and he’s somewhat of gangster in that movie since his business is illegal but he’s actually a good guy. Very great film and everybody in the cast did phenomenal.
Bronson was a master piece
The real villain is a lawman played by Guy Pearce minus eyebrows, plus it's the '30s and he doesn't wear a hat so again he's a freak.
Lawless is great
Loved Lawless Chris great movie !
Great movie..hardy was terrific!!
Another great review Michael, thank you. Have you watched Sexy Beast? Great performances by Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane
Addressees
Good shout, would love to see his take on it
The Kemp brothers might not match up to Tom Hardy’s acting skills but the original Krays film is also a fine piece of work.
You should review "Once upon a time in america" from Sergio Leone!
One of the Greatest 👍🏻
That was a crazy long movie I always whistle that flute song they played in that movie constantly lol
but only the uncut version
@@thewkovacs316 Agreed
@@thewkovacs316 Only way to watch it. One of my all-time favorite movies from one of the great Sergio Leone.
Hey Michael! I’m starting to enjoy Mondays a bit for the first time in my life. Lol. I started following you on IG. Great job! God Bless and Support from The Bronx! 💯🙏🇺🇸
@@michaelfranzese Always Mike!! 💯🙏
My dad was born in the east end during the era of the Krays and the Richardsons (the film calls them the torture gang). The Richardsons were not stopped by the Krays, they got broke up by the police a year or two before the Krays got broken up. The shooting of George is what started the beginning of the end for the Krays. The methods the Richardsons used was what ended it for them, (cutting peoples toes off with bolt cutters, and nailing people to the floor for example)
I was so sad I didn't think there was going to be a movie Monday review today, then I get the notification definitely made my day
Hope you’re doing well Mike! I just lost my grandfather due to Covid, your videos have helped to keep my head high. Thank you and god bless! 🙏🏻
🙏🏿
🙏🏼🙏🏼
I'm sorry about your grandfather. Covid is an absolute nightmare.
Your journey is truly amazing Mr. Franzese. You always drop amazing knowledge and wisdom. God bless you and your loved ones. Keep the awesome content coming!
- No Country For Old Men
- Fargo (1996)
- (Coen Brothers) 💯✌️
Miller's Crossing
Those are great films but not mob films.
No country, 100%
@@Ryoufriggingserious no country for old men i would say might qualify under the organized crime umbrella
No country for old men, Michael, as an therapist, more then ex-mobster! That would be great, go figure Anton Chigurhs mind, even as an ex mobster, with a lot of people he met! CRAZY GOOD movie.
So happy to hear you dug this! I saw and loved this when it first came out, and I think it's been very underrated. Hopefully your kudos will send some much-deserved attention this film's way.
Strange thing is, Tom Hardy fought an addiction before finding his peace and his height as an actor.
His mother being a casting agent helped too I'd expect.
😂 he done drugs once or twice
Being from London it was great to hear Mr. Franzese’s comments on the movie and the Kray Twins. A compulsive listen 👍🏻
Only discovered your channel a week or so ago and I'm really enjoying it! Thanks for helping me get through lockdown, best wishes from England mate!
The scene where Ronnie walks Frances to her car was filmed at the same apartment block where they actually lived in the 1960s. Earlier in the video, you show the twins at the same location. 2:35
Cedra Court
Mr Franzese, I recommend 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' to review. Loving Mob movie Mondays!
@Visionland Music Also, don't forget "Snatch"! (If you liked it, that is!)
Okay moy son
Том шикарный мужчина и неповторимый британский актер . В любой роли бесподобен. Его героев можно ненавидеть , презирать, жалеть, любить. Но никогда зритель не останется равнодушным. Спасибо за эмоции талантливый мистер Харди ❤❤❤
Talk about heavy accents Peaky Blinders has it, Tom Hardy's in that too. I heard your audio book Blood Covenant this weekend, good stuff.
Yeah ita the good ahit I might just buy yhr book for the fact I can and just to low-key flex it to mates who also enjoy Mikeys videos
It seems like there's some Alfie in the Kray brothers and vice versa.
I think Hardy just really likes playing around with accents. And he's entertaining with them.
I love that show Peaky Blinders great show
Went to buy the hardcover of Blood Covenant this morning, and it's out of print.
A good problem to have.
The interesting thing about peaky blinders is they were mentioned in a book called "Britain's godfather ".They were known as the Brummagen mob by Derby Sabini and his Clerkenwell lot,which was known as little Italy at the time.
An amazing movie. Tom Hardy is a genius. We need a review of peaky blinders
Great show but just watch the gang parts
shalom Arthur shalom
Michael liked it so there’s a chance
So this is the first video of yours I've seen, but it definitely won't be the last. You speak very frankly and openly about your life experience, it's a valuable perspective worthy of massive respect. Having a conversation with you must be a philosophical trip! I'll check out your book when I get the chance. Appreciate what you do!
I LITTERALLY JUST WATCHED THIS LAST NIGHT NO CAP.
Cap
Base i was watching it while going to sleep😂
LETS ASK HIM TO DO PEAKY BLINDERS!!
Watching a movie without headwear or temporary gold teeth is truly inspiring
@@dongargon763 fr
Once again, just excellent story telling. Michael, your inside info is Spectacular.
Good Vibes 👍
Great review, always enjoy Mr. Franzese's style of storytelling, paints a great picture in one's mind.
Great review, Tom Hardy was perfectly cast, he even resembles them. The Drop, with Hardy and James Gandolfini is also terrific.
As an englishman you did a bloody good job of that mate. Lord Longford was the politician. Played by John sessions who sadly passed away last year .
Sessions was Lord Boothby. Who was as big a crook as they were. 😅thekraytwins.fandom.com/wiki/Lord_Boothby?file=1024px-Lord_Boothby_Allan_Warren.jpg
Thank you for this video mate . All the very best to you . God bless
I just bought.your book last night. I can't wait to read it. Thank you for your great stories.
Also, the place where Ronnie killed George Cornell is a pub called The Blind Beggar. It’s in Bethnal Green in east London where the twins was born and is still there. You can go there and have a beer.
I wouldn’t bother it’s £7.50 a pint
Fun fact, i'm watching this video now at 01:30 in the Netherlands, i'm dutch! Nice Video Mr Franzese. Doing a good job sir
Movie 'Krays' from 1990 is worth a watch as well. Different look and feel to Legend.
@Eventual Visitor 😂 Well Legend was no great shakes either.
Both crap
So bad
Not sure why people are bad mouthing the 1990 flick, thought it was pretty good.
@@philmellor4885 I know the 1990 film is the best one and its highly rated by critics. The soundtrack alone makes it better than "Legend"
Tom Hardy is an excellent actor, just about every movie he does is out of the park. I can't wait till Venom 2 comes out.
Venom was shite mate
Jeez what are you doing here with this kind of preferences...
@@arca376 I agree Venom was terrible but I don’t think it was Tom’s acting that had anything to do with it.
i love your vids, Micheal very interesting life you had keep up the good work hope to come too see you in London big respect from the uk
I liked Legend and The Krays with The Kemp brothers that was made in1991 that one is pretty good. The story was that Reggie was in love with Frances brother first but he rejected him and he started liking Frances but the movies never talked about that and it was also said that Ronnie didn't like Frances.
In England, our equivalent of gianni Russo is Dave Courtney
😂🤣😂🤣😂 true
can you believe that?
👏😅
😂😂😂😂
I would of said ori spado was alike courtney
Another great video. I could listen to you talk all day long. You are a blessed man.
I felt bad for Francis. I thought to myself, "If only she had never met Kray". Michael, we too have had our struggles with family. My oldest daughter has done some things which were very hurtful to us. But we love her. I saw a video not too long ago where your mother was being interviewed with Joe Columbo's sister and some other women. She was a beautiful lady Michael. I feel for you because you have spoken about her rough life.
She was playing with fire and knew it.
As a Brit, I'm so happy you did this one!
Love the fact that Mr Michael franzise has been to London. WOW. your welcome here ANYTIME. God bless all you and the family., Terry London England
Love your videos and stories, they're really interesting to hear. You should come to Scotland sometime.
I was literally reading about the Krays just a week ago and was wondering about your perspective on them 😂 since it has been told that the Krays were the reason why the Cosa Nostra didn't dare to set up shop in Britain.
Sounds like BS. Most likely no money to be had there....and not worth the trouble.
K. T. Lol no money to be made in the uk? You don’t have a clue
@@k.t.1641 The Krays had the goods on politicians.
Wouldn’t have got anywhere near the UK
Cosa Nostra was in Britain. C’mon, eh?
I have no idea how they made it look like Tom hardy was fighting himself during the Ronnie vs Reggie club fight, lol….but whoever filmed that was a genius.
I see why God has touched your heart. I'm sure your ministry is changing lives for the better. God blessed you for good reason. Oh yeah, Great review too!! Thanks
Boardwalk Empire is a great series to watch and understand the context of the beginnings of organized crime and the times in general. Naturally there is artistic license, but some key players and events were real. Well done period piece.
My all time favourite. Got a black n white canvas on my wall. Watched it x6!
Great to hear your commentary, Michael. Have you seen classic UK gangster movies, Get Carter and Performance?
What about Chazz Palminteri role? Is it really Based on Angelo Bruno, boss From philly?
Awsome Mob Movie Monday! Would love to see one for Once Upon a Time in America
London is my hometown, I've been State side since 99, but these 2 are absolute legends.
My favorite story about the krays is when they switched places from the mental hospital. They weren't stupid just short tempered.
Who else loves the intro music to these videos?
My favorite part
Feel like the music intro could be turned into a great rap beat. Michael i dont believe you are a big fan of rap i imagine lol. But I just thought of an intro couple bar intro. You should have a classic rapper make a song to it involving you and the mob!? Not me tho lol god bless
Great Intro Music to every MF video.
@@peteroconnor6394 sorry to say it but rap and hip hop is probably the biggest genre of music today.
I gave Tom the idea of playing both brothers. Really I did... Can you believe it? ~Gianni Russo
This is literally one of my all time favourite films! along with Capone. Because having my favourite actor, playing my favourite gangsters was something I wanted. Plus Tom could pull off above these characters.
You should all watch a long good Friday it’s a gangster film from the 80s in London and it slaps
Yessss. I totally forgot about that.
The ending is the best piece of voiceless acting ever.
You see it all in his face.
@@brianwilson3952 great ending to a film
bob hoskins was a beast in that movie also has a young pierce brosnan in it too
Snatch bangs too
The torture gang was actually called the Richardsons they were just known for torturing people
Yep everything they did are actually horrifying as shown seen there they would also hold mock trials and fockin electrocute the poor bugger
Kangaroo court.
Charlie and Eddie Richardson; I think Eddie is still alive...
The Richardsons were miles ahead of the krays. Clever clever fellas
@@frankabagnale6436 yep,much better money makers,had family in Norfolk too I believe. 🔰
The hardest hitting line in the movie is when Ronnie asks Reggie ‘what you do that for?’ When Reggie stabs Jack the Hat a 100 times.
‘Because I can’t kill you’ says Reggie.
Great review there Michael. I watched the film yesterday and found the relationship between the twins very interesting. I'm from a family of two sets of twins, I have a twin sister and two of my brothers are twins. I could really relate to what you were saying about the importance of family through anything and everything. Thanks for the video
My grandfather worked at the Double R club that was owned by Reggie and his older brother Charlie. He told me when Ronnie was released from prison he brough a dwarf riding a donkey into the place. Nobody really knows why XD
That's quality lol didn't realize he was so mental in real life. Love from Belfast
Your and my grandfather might have know each other, or at least seen each other, as my grandfather worked for the Krays. He was involved with a murder that ended up getting his sister killed in retaliation and it was in the newspapers at the time.
You summed this film up perfectly. I'm from the east end and its great to hear your take on this.
Another good one with Tom Hardy is The Drop. Also with James Gandolfini
Superb movie, Gandolfini's last.
@@TheScouseassassin I thought that romantic movie was the last one he shot
@@dobson. Apparently not...but you're God so you must know 😂
@@dobson. Actually they were both released posthumously, Enough Said in 2013, The Drop in 2014.
@@TheScouseassassin Hmm, didnt know that, Thanks 😅 sometimes even god gets it wrong. (Enough said is a pretty good movie tho ngl)
The scene where reggie stabs jack the hat to death in front off a room off ppl was brutal so I’m surprised u didn’t mention it coz it’s 1 off the best scenes IMO reggie says to Ronnie he would kill him if he wasn’t his brother! Ronnies madness cost them in the end. Great film great review 💚
The identical twin thing I recognise from my own father, Derek, who had an identical twin brother, Delwyn. The krays as twins and my old man and his twin have so many similarities that i always assumed its a comment thing. My old man was more calm, level headed and reserved than his twin brother. The two of them could and regularly did have physical fights and punch lumps out of each other and yet the sibling bond I saw was much stronger than average brothers. Both of them worked in the same yard for 20 years together and I myself did so with them for a short time.
It was quite funny to hear the owner of the yard tell me that if he wants to have Delwyn do something on the yard that he would go ask my dad Derek to ask Delwyn because Delwyn didn't like to be told to do something and did not listen. So the boss would ask my old man to ask him cause he would do it if it was his brother that was asking him.
The.yard owner knew if he sacked my dad's brother my old man would leave too so couldn't because the job was a skilled one which youd have to train new employees to do.
I heard many very funny stories from other people which my old man confirmed and one quick one that I remember my old man telling me that I found funny (as did he) was a nite that both of them were arrested and my old man being pretty drunk puched a police officer who was trying to stop him and Delwyn in the street and cop hit his panic button. I don't know if US police have these but here in UK police basically have a small button on their radio that if pressed signals to every other cop within a 10 mile or so radius to immediately drop whatever they are doing and respond to that because it is only used to notify all other cops that a colleague of theirs is in serious trouble and need help. When they do press it you will literally see blue lights come from all directions.
So, anyway, button is pressed and both my old man and Delwhy are arrested and held overnight in different police stations. Next day both are bailed and my dad goes home where Delwyn is waiting. Delwyn has fresh black eye, split lip, lumps on head etc and my old man asked what the hell happened to him. He said " I was fast asleep and at 3am the cell door opens and five of them came in the cell and beat shit out of me! Bastard, you punched the copper and they thought I was you!"
My old man thought that was hilarious, I did too when he was telling me.
Hey Michael. If you read this, would you consider doing a video on the collateral damage this life causes...i.e. the things the wife and kids deal with, the way family turns on family, how do families survive when their father/husband is away doing serious time, etc.??
Brilliant idea
Great review, how about Mean Streets Michael, Scorsese’s first big mob movie
I never met a guy yet who served his whole six hundred years sentence. No. Thirty or forty is usually enough to break a man. Michael, I'm glad you had a good time in London, makes me proud to be English.
Really enjoy these! You should do the movie “The Iceman” which is about Richard Kuklinski the hitman
I think he covered that already
Yh he was bullshitter
assman was a bullshitter
You're late today. I was having mob movie Monday withdrawal syndrome
Its unreal that a real cosa nostra is so up close, I watched movies when I was a kid about guys like you.
🤣👍
RUclips copyright issues were the cause of delay
🤣
It’s amazing: this sounds exactly like what you’d imagine an (former) Italian mobster describing a movie would sound like. And that’s a compliment Mr. F 👍