You and I both know the crime-biopic sequel is a tricky beast — the first movie sets expectations, and then the follow-up has to either expand or deepen the world without feeling redundant. That’s the tightrope Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II (2015) attempts to walk.
Title / Year / Director / Genre: Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II (aka Reign of the General) was released in 2015, directed and written by Ricci Harnett.
Genre: British crime drama / gangster biopic
The film continues the story of real-life hard man Carlton Leach, picking up after the infamous “Rettendon murders.” Now haunted by guilt, addiction, and paranoia, Carlton’s once-powerful reputation crumbles as he tries to find meaning and redemption in the ruins of his life.
If you liked the first Footsoldier and expected another wild ride of Essex-style crime and violence, this sequel goes deeper — not just fists and guns, but what happens to a man when the glory fades.
Storyline & Plot
In this chapter, Carlton Leach isn’t the unstoppable gangster anymore — he’s broken, spiraling, and hunted by his own mind. After losing his closest friends in the Range Rover murders, he struggles with PTSD, drug addiction, and rage.
The film follows his attempts to keep control of his criminal network while battling depression and paranoia. Relationships with old friends sour, trust disappears, and every deal feels like a setup. The tension builds around whether Carlton can pull himself back together — or destroy everything left around him.
The story is mostly linear but told through gritty, emotional fragments that mirror Carlton’s mental collapse. It’s not a film packed with constant action; it’s dialogue-heavy, moody, and psychological. The violence hits hard when it arrives, but the real punch is emotional — the sense of watching a once-feared man lose his grip on reality.
For me, the story felt uneven but raw. You can tell Ricci Harnett wanted to explore what comes after the crime life, not just the flashy rise. Some scenes drag, but others hit deep, showing the emotional wreckage most gangster films ignore.
Characters & Cast
Carlton Leach (Ricci Harnett) — The core of the movie. Harnett gives a gritty, vulnerable performance, showing a man drowning in guilt. You can see the cracks forming behind his eyes — the rage, regret, and loneliness.
Shawn (Luke Mably) — Carlton’s right-hand man and sometimes conscience. Mably adds intensity and unpredictability, with moments of calm menace that outshine the script.
Dr. Flint (Steven Berkoff) — A therapist or mentor figure who represents the voice of truth. Berkoff’s brief role leaves a mark — every line drips with judgment and dark wisdom.
Denny (Coralie Rose) — The woman who tries to save Carlton from himself. She’s gentle but tough, the emotional balance to his chaos.
The rest of the cast play believable Essex lads and underworld types — rough, loyal, and dangerous. No one feels too polished, which works perfectly for this grim, street-level story.
Five Most Memorable Scenes (What Exactly Happens)
1. Carlton’s Drug-Fueled Breakdown
Carlton sits alone in a dim flat filled with cocaine, booze, and silence. He stares at photos of his dead friends, mutters angrily, and suddenly explodes — smashing the table, punching the mirror, shouting at ghosts that aren’t there. Blood runs down his arm as he collapses on the floor, whispering apologies to people long gone.
2. Shawn’s “Loyalty” Speech in the Bar
Late at night in a quiet bar, Carlton drinks with Shawn. Tension fills the air. Shawn tells a story about an old record player — “When the music stops, everyone leaves.” He leans forward and says, “That’s loyalty, bruv — you only know who’s real when the music’s gone.” Carlton stares at him, silent, knowing exactly what he means.
3. Dr. Flint’s Office Confrontation (Steven Berkoff)
Carlton storms into Dr. Flint’s office after another violent outburst. The older man stays calm while Carlton rants about respect and power. Berkoff delivers the chilling line: “You’re not running anything, son — you’re running from yourself.” Carlton hurls a chair, then storms out, leaving silence behind him.
4. The Pub Reunion and Betrayal
Carlton meets an old mate in a backstreet pub, trying to reconnect. They joke about the old days until Carlton asks for help collecting a debt. His friend refuses, saying, “You’re toxic, Carl. No one wants your trouble.” Without warning, Carlton smashes a glass across his face, sending blood everywhere. The room freezes as he storms out, shaking with fury and regret.
5. The Final Warehouse Confrontation
In an empty warehouse lit by flickering bulbs, Carlton faces the man he believes betrayed him. Guns are drawn. A tense argument explodes into shouting and chaos. A young man steps forward claiming to be Carlton’s son, stopping everyone in their tracks. For a second, Carlton’s anger melts into confusion — then everything erupts. Shots are fired, lights flash, and the screen cuts to black.
Direction & Style
Ricci Harnett, pulling triple duty as actor, writer, and director, gives the film a personal and gritty edge. The direction feels raw — handheld cameras, dark lighting, and unpolished realism.
Pacing is uneven — some scenes drag, others hit hard — but that chaos fits the story. Harnett clearly wanted to make something more emotional and less glamorous than the first film.
It’s less Lock, Stock flash and more Bronson grit — claustrophobic, angry, and inward-looking. Some might call it messy; others will call it authentic.
Cinematography, Music & Technical Aspects
The camera work is gritty and intimate — a lot of close-ups, shadows, and handheld shots that make you feel trapped inside Carlton’s head. The lighting is dark and moody, reflecting his mental state.
The soundtrack mixes low, rumbling bass with haunting ambient tones that mirror the tension and paranoia. It’s not a soundtrack you hum — it’s one that crawls under your skin.
Technically, the film holds up surprisingly well for its small budget. The editing feels sharp in the violent scenes but drags in the slower ones. Still, that slower pace builds atmosphere, giving the movie its sense of realism.
Audience Appeal
If you enjoy British gangster dramas that are more about the psychology than the shootouts, this is your kind of film.
It’s for fans of movies like Bronson, Sexy Beast, Legend, or A Prayer Before Dawn — the darker, grittier side of British crime cinema.
If you just want fast-paced action and stylish violence, you might find this one too slow or brooding. But if you’re drawn to character studies about men who can’t escape their past, you’ll connect with this story.
Overall Impression
Strengths:
- Deep, emotional look at Carlton’s downfall.
- Strong performances from Harnett, Berkoff, and Mably.
- Dark, realistic tone that captures the Essex crime scene perfectly.
Weaknesses:
- Uneven pacing in the middle.
- Some scenes feel self-indulgent or repetitive.
- A few subplots (like the son reveal) feel underdeveloped.
Still, there’s something honest here — it’s not glamorized crime, it’s the hangover after it. Watching it, you feel the emptiness behind the violence, and that’s what gives it emotional weight.
Verdict / Rating
⭐ 3 out of 5 stars (6/10)
This is a must-watch if you enjoy gritty, emotional British gangster films that explore what happens when the power, money, and mates are all gone — and you’re left facing yourself.
