Synopsis
The third film abandons Carlton Leach entirely to focus on Pat Tate (Craig Fairbrass), the breakout character from the original. The story traces Tate’s rise from Marbella in 1988 through his late-eighties drug dealing operation, his betrayal at the hands of an older crime boss (Mr Harris, played by Larry Lamb), and his subsequent stint in prison.
Inside, Tate establishes himself as top dog by crippling, maiming or killing anyone who crosses him. By the time he gets out, he’s a fully-formed monster – drug-fuelled, paranoid, and ready to reclaim his turf with extreme prejudice.
The film features Tony Tucker (Terry Stone) and Craig Rolfe (Roland Manookian) in supporting roles, setting up the trio’s later partnership that would lead to Rettendon.
Production notes
Directed by Zackary Adler from a script by Will Gilbey (returning from the first film). This is widely considered the moment the franchise found its second wind: by leaning into Fairbrass’s larger-than-life Pat Tate, the film effectively became its own thing rather than a sequel to the original.
Trivia
- Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders) plays drug baron Mr Harris.
- Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays appears as Mad Dog.
- Paddy Doherty (My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding) has a cameo.
- Released internationally under the title Rise of the Footsoldier: The Pat Tate Story.
- Craig Fairbrass was 53 when filming a character meant to be in his early thirties; fans and critics alike good-naturedly noted that everyone in the prequels looks considerably older than the chronology should allow.