Review of Rise of the Footsoldier (2007) by Kevin P — 21 Mar 2008

Now unlike Hollywood, UK don't churn out many films one after the other but when we do, we churn out corkers that are better than most hollywood faked action movies. This is one of those corkers. Rise of the foot soldier is bloody brilliant as its not only based on a real story but feels very realistic too. The violentce ain't popcorn related like most Hollywood films are, it's gritty, brutal and bloody. Top performances for all the cast like Craig Fairbrass and Billy Murray in particular. Rise is one of Craig best performances which doesn't pull punches but lands them with great power. A couple of times I did wince as the violence is sometimes very extreme but it adds to the story. Being from london myself and also having friend in Essex, I myself came from the background and I have some mates who are like some of the characters depicted in this film. It so good to see a film of this caliber come into cinemas and DVD and be so widely regarded as a gold star movie. There is a lot of extreme language in this too but if you're from London, you use it all the time anyway. Billy Murray (not Bill Murray as in "ghostbusters") lastly seen in Eastenders and The Bill brings a really sinister side and malice to his character which proves that he is a master in his field when it comes to vengance and revenge.

All I can say is it is a facking blinder of a film and people who loves films like Rollin with the Nines, The Business, The football factory then you have got to see this, it will literally blow you away.