Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II (2015)

Introduction
"Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II" is a 2015 British crime movie directed by Ricci Harnett. Working as a follow up to the 2007 movie "Rise of the Footsoldier", it revisits the violent and turbulent life of well-known Essex gangster Carlton Leach. The movie is more of a biographical police procedural, focusing greatly on the life of Carlton Leach rather than his criminal activities, and offers an intangible, insightful exploration of the gangster's life.

Plot Synopsis
"Rise of the Footsoldier Part II" picks up where the very first installment left off, in the consequences of the notorious Rettendon murders. This event was a turning point in Leach's life, as it led to the ruthless killing of his buddies in 1995. By 2000, Leach discovers himself the last male standing. As he comes to grips with sensations of loss, fear starts to set in, and he ends up being consumed with revenge.

Shattered by the murders, Leach's life spirals downward. He alienates his family and abandons his wife and children, soaking himself deeper into the world of criminal activity. Meanwhile, he ends up being paranoid, presuming that he is next on the hit list, leading him to face an old enemy called the Turkish gang.

Character Analysis
With the sole focus on Leach, as portrayed by the director himself, Ricci Harnett, "Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II" presents a rich character picture of the well-known hooligan-turned-gangster. It looks into the complexity of his relationships, his torment following his good friends' murder, and his descent into violence and chaos. Harnett's representation of Leach is intense and controls the screen, demonstrating his character's callous ferocity integrated with reflective introspection.

Thematic Elements
The motion picture is brooding and climatic, offering an examination of power, loss, and betrayal. It illustrates how the drug-fueled party way of life, polluted with sporadic violence, results in ultimate disaster. The film's narrative buttresses Leach's personal failure and the disastrous effects of his way of life choices.

Critical Reception
While "Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II" depicts Leach's point of view with intensity, the movie got combined evaluations. Critics explained that in spite of its gritty realism and traumatic violence, the narrow focus on Leach made the narrative repeated at times. Nonetheless, Ricci Harnett's intense and gritty portrayal of the lead character was mostly valued.

Conclusion
Engrossing yet mournful, "Rise of the Footsoldier: Part II" uses a complex and layered portrayal of Carlton Leach's down spiral after the ruthless killing of his pals. With Ricci Harnett leading in both instructions and acting, the movie offers an intimate glance into Leach's fear, fixation with revenge, and the destruction of his individual life. However, the film's narrow concentrate on Leach makes the narrative somewhat restricted in scope and repetitious at times. In spite of its defects, it's a noteworthy entry in its category, specifically for those interested in crime dramas retelling real-life stories.

Top Cast