2007 · 1h 59m
Rise of the Footsoldier follows the inexorable rise of Carlton Leach from one of the most feared generals of the football terraces to becoming a member of a notorious gang of criminals who rampaged their way through London and Essex in the late eighties and early nineties.
Directed by Julian Gilbey
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r96sk
Better than expected, if still not good. Based on a true story, 'Rise of the Footsoldier' is your standard London-ish gangster film - literally, given the cast. It does everything you'd predict and then some. However, it does come out more watchable than I thought it would. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it or that it's that good, but it makes for an OK watch. The casting is as obvious as possible. It features the likes of Terry Stone, Roland Manookian, Neil Maskell, Billy Murray, Kierston Wareing and Frank Harper - none of which are surprising to see, I'm more shocked Danny Dyer didn't appear. Ricci Harnett plays the lead role, he's alright. One negative, though, about this 2007 film is Harnett's Carlton, who isn't likeable whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, the characters in these sorta films are always bad people but with ones like 'Green Street Hooligans' or 'The Football Factory', there is at least a small reason to 'care' for the main character. I never did for Carlton, even at the end when it wants you to. Other negatives include the pacing, dialogue and overall story really. I will say it isn't anything that bored or irritated me, but there isn't much - if anything - that I liked either. With that said, I'm still planning to watch the three sequels.
