Rise of the Footsoldier ** (2007, Ricci Harnett, Terry Stone, Craig Fairbrass, Roland Manookian) – Classic Movie Review 3268

Co-writer/director Julian Gilbey‘s British gangster drama is, as expected, incredibly violent and foul-mouthed. It is based on a shocking true story – the real-life Rettendon Range Rover murders. It follows the career of Essex football thug Carlton Leach (Ricci Harnett), who turns to drug dealing and becomes a gangland hatchet man, culminating in a bloodbath.

Admittedly this is repellent stuff done with sadistic gusto and numbing realism, but the acting and direction are powerful. It also features Terry Stone as Tony Tucker, Craig Fairbrass as Pat Tate, Roland Manookian as Craig Rolfe and Coralie Rose as Denny.

Julian Gilbey writes the screenplay with Will Gilbey.

A sequel, Rise of the Footsoldier Part II, followed belatedly in 2015.

http://derekwinnert.com/rise-of-the-footsoldier-ii-%C2%BD-2015-ricci-harnett-luke-mably-movie-review/

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3268

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