Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II

Synopsis

Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II continues the gritty saga of British criminality and gang warfare with an intense focus on the ruthless world of organized crime. Picking up from the events of the first film, we rejoin the story of the notorious mobster Pat Tate, portrayed by Ricci Harnett, as he battles rival gangs and navigates the treacherous landscape of the Essex underworld. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, the film dives deep into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lost promises of a violent lifestyle. Tate’s quest for power and respect leads him down a dangerous path filled with bloodshed and deception. As allegiances are tested and bodies pile up, viewers are taken on a harrowing journey that portrays the ruthless nature of crime and the costs of ambition. With gritty cinematography and a pulsating soundtrack, Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II explores the darker side of human nature while capturing the grim realities of life on the edge.

Cast

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  Ricci Harnett

  Carlton Leach

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  Luke Mably

  Shawn

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  Coralie Rose

  Denny

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  Steven Berkoff

  Dr. Flint

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  Craig Fairbrass

  Pat Tate (Flashback)

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  Mark Preston

  Hans Vanderbilt / Dutch Customs Officer

Reviews

Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. With an IMDb rating of 5.4/10, the film has polarized viewers, particularly among fans of the original. The Independent commented, "While the film attempts to build on the narrative of its predecessor, it often gets lost in excessive violence and cliched gangster tropes." However, some reviews did acknowledge the film's gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld. A review from The Film Stage noted, "Ricci Harnett delivers a compelling performance as Pat Tate, capturing the character's complexities and iron-fisted nature." On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a modest score, reflecting that while the film resonates with certain audiences, it lacks the narrative depth found in higher-rated crime dramas. Many viewers appreciate the film's authenticity and the homage it pays to the 90s crime scene but criticized it for potential over-reliance on brutal action scenes rather than character development. As stated on Metacritic, "The film is an adrenaline-pumping ride, yet it struggles to find its footing amidst a formulaic plot."