Rise of the Footsoldier Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A football hooligan gets really good at nightclubs and decides that crime pays, until it doesn’t, violently.

🍿 Rise of the Footsoldier: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Football Hooliganism and Early Crime

Carlton Leach’s journey begins amidst the violent football hooligan scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As a prominent member of the Inner City Firm (ICF), the notorious West Ham United hooligan firm, Carlton thrives on the adrenaline and camaraderie found in organized violence. This sets the stage for his transition into the criminal underworld. Leaving the terraces, Carlton finds work as a nightclub doorman, leveraging his reputation and size to control unruly patrons. This role introduces him to more significant criminal elements, escalating his involvement beyond simple brawls into more organized and lucrative ventures.

The Rave Scene and Escalating Violence

The emergence of the rave scene in the late 1980s presents new opportunities for Carlton and his associates. Recognizing the potential for profit in the burgeoning drug culture, they become involved in dealing ecstasy and providing security for rave events. This marks a significant shift from football hooliganism to serious organized crime. As Carlton ascends in the criminal hierarchy, the violence escalates. He becomes embroiled in turf wars, protection rackets, and increasingly brutal acts of intimidation and retribution. The film depicts the raw and unfiltered nature of the Essex underworld, where loyalty is tested and brutality reigns supreme.

Betrayal and Downfall

The relationships between Carlton, Tony Tucker, and Pat Tate become increasingly strained as paranoia and greed take hold. Their reckless behavior and penchant for extreme violence attract unwanted attention, leading to conflicts with rival gangs and law enforcement. The film culminates in the infamous Rettendon murders, where Tucker, Tate, and Craig Rolfe are brutally killed in a Range Rover. While Carlton avoids the same fate, he witnesses the devastating consequences of their choices, bringing his reign to an end.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carlton Leach (Ricci Harnett): A football hooligan who rises through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the Essex underworld.
• Pat Tate (Craig Fairbrass): A steroid-fueled, violent gangster known for his psychotic and unpredictable behavior.
• Tony Tucker (Terry Stone): A foul-mouthed and ambitious gangster who partners with Leach and Tate in their criminal enterprises.
• Craig Rolfe (Roland Manookian): A wimpy and often unreliable member of the gang, involved in their violent schemes.
• Mickey Steele (Billy Murray): A menacing and experienced criminal who adds a layer of danger to the group’s activities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carlton Leach: “It was the end of an era. But before the murders, the torture, the beatings and the ecstacy… before all of that, there was football.” – Opening monologue setting the stage for his violent life rooted in football hooliganism.
• Carlton Leach: “On those terraces… well, it’s where it all began for me.” – Reflecting on how football hooliganism was the starting point of his criminal trajectory.
• Pat Tate: “I’m gonna fackin’ do ya!” – Typical outburst from the roid-raging Pate Tate.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $355,345

💥 Rise of the Footsoldier Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of British crime films, I found ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’ to be a raw and unforgiving look into a violent world. The film pulls no punches, and some scenes are genuinely disturbing. What really stood out to me was the authentic feel of the characters and the depiction of the rave scene intertwined with criminal activity. The violence, while graphic, felt necessary to tell the story of Carlton Leach and his descent into darkness. A standout experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British gangster films”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
  • “Those who enjoy gritty and violent movies”
  • “Audiences familiar with the Essex Boys and similar films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• obsessedwithfilm.com: “This film has been made with a standard formula in mind, for an audience who prefer violence and ‘ard nut’ slang to an actual storyline. ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’ borrows too much from ‘Football Factory’, leaving out the good bits, demonstrating no moral ramifications of hooligan subculture or establishing empathy with the protagonist. The violence, although brilliantly shot, seems excessive and implausible because no one is around long enough for the audience to form an emotional attachment.
• N/A: “Brutal but gripping British gangster movie! Although extremely brutal in places this movie is one of the best British gangster titles I have seen in years now. The story is gripping and the football firm fighting scenes although perhaps a little over the top with the blood make sorry titles like Green Street and Football Factories seem like a walk in the park.
• N/A: “A British Scorsese. Is he successful? Yes and no. Yes to the fact that he’s made a dark violent thriller but no judging by the amount of comments along the lines of “I watched this movie thinking it was a biopic on Carlton Leach only to find he disappears halfway through” What the film is not is a biopic but if proof is ever needed that crime does not pay then an audience could do a lot worse than watch RISE OF THE FOOT SOLDIER.

Audience Reactions

The film’s brutal depiction of violence was a standout.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s raw and gritty portrayal of the British criminal underworld, finding it both shocking and engaging.

The 80s/90s rave scene depiction got many excited: Those who lived through the rave scene were thrilled that the movie reflected the music from the era.

Overall Consensus: A controversial but compelling British crime film, praised for its brutal realism but criticized for its excessive violence and fragmented storyline.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life story of Carlton Leach, a former football hooligan who became a significant figure in the Essex underworld.”
• “Carlton Leach himself appears in a cameo role in the coach scene at the beginning of the film and in the gym lifting weights.”
• “The German version of the film was cut by approximately 5 minutes to reduce the violence and obtain a lower age rating.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rise of the Footsoldier?

Currently, Rise of the Footsoldier is not widely available on major streaming platforms. To watch, you may need to explore rental or purchase options through platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Check local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rise of the Footsoldier, you might like these similar films:

• Essex Boys (2000): Another film based on the same real-life events, the Rettendon Range Rover Murders.
• The Football Factory (2004): Explores the violent world of football hooliganism in Britain, similar to the beginning of Rise of the Footsoldier.
• Layer Cake (2004): A stylish British gangster film with a focus on drug dealing and criminal enterprise.
• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): Quintessential British crime caper that revitalized the genre.

🛒 Rise of the Footsoldier Related Products

• Rise of the Footsoldier – Blu-ray: Own the uncut version of the film in high definition with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Experience the gritty violence and gripping story in stunning clarity.
• Official ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’ T-Shirt: Show your love for the film with an official T-shirt featuring iconic imagery or memorable quotes. A must-have for die-hard fans.
• Rise of the Footsoldier: The Original Soundtrack: Relive the sounds of the film with the official soundtrack, featuring iconic rave and electronic tracks from the 80s and 90s. Available for digital download.
• Rise of the Footsoldier – The Game (Hypothetical): Step into the brutal world of Carlton Leach in this action-packed open-world game. Rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld, engaging in intense combat and strategic decision-making.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rise of the Footsoldier features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Run Run Run” – performed by The River

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Gritty British Gangster Movies

Love a good gangster flick? This video ranks the top gritty British gangster movies and ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’ makes the cut. It’s always interesting to see where your favorites fall!

Terry Stone in ‘Rise Of A Footsoldier’ (OutTake 1)

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes? Check out this hilarious outtake featuring Terry Stone from ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’! I always find these so entertaining.

Essex Boys Case Suspects – Terry Stone Footsoldier Movie Carlton Leach

Want to hear some real stories behind the movie? This clip features Terry Stone talking about his experiences related to ‘Rise of the Footsoldier’ and it’s a must-listen.

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