Perfect cast and a good story

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Expected more

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I'm not sure what most of the other reviewers watched, but it must've been a different film to the one i saw. Either that or they were sniffing the same stuff as the main character did for most of the film! This was one of the worst films i have ever seen. Everything about it was garbage. Avoid like the plague.

Considering this is Ricci Harnetts directional debut i think it is an excellent effort.The dark undertones that became the fabric of Carlton Leaches life were brought to the fore with my particular favourite scene being the meeting with Norton played excellently by Jasper Britton with the intimidation from Britton and the fear from Harnett just oozing out of the scene.Carlton Leach led a dark and often dangerous life and i believe no better person than Harnett could have been chosen to portray him with his brooding swagger and attitude when playing the part.The DVD package itself is basic but well equipped with extras such as directors commentary and the making of.Leach himself making a cameo was a nice touch but purists in that world might like to have seen a few more notables such as Bill Gardner putting in an appearance.But all in all a very good title where i hope Mr Harnett is considering a ROTFS 3.

The original Rise was told from Carlton Leach's perspective, 'Rise II' doesn't appear to have had a lot of input from Carlton himself as far as story goes it's pretty thin on plot. The acting varies wildly from good (surprisingly, Craig Fairbrass and solid as per from Ricci Harnett) to downright awful - Steven Berkoff, his days have been numbered for some time. Terry Stone is forgiven as although normally the worst of the worst, his performance as Tony Tucker in the original 'Rise', even with the laughable wig, was outstanding. Here he is seen in flashback and it's just about okay. As I mentioned, the plot is thin but at least most of the actors tried to make the best of what they had to work with, in the end it's a by-the- numbers film that barely keeps you interested and then only really by Fairbrass and Harnett. I didn't fall asleep so it must of had something.

(I've not gone into great detail about the plot, but some of the story is outlined below.) The first part of RotF was ultimately the story of the Rettendon Murders in the mid-90's as it unfolded around the life of young football hooligan, and later gangster, Carlton Leach, played masterfully by Ricci Harnett. RotF Pt.II is how Leach tries to come to terms with being the survivor of the gang, his ensuing drug addiction, divorce, criminal activities and part-redemption. Well, personally, I found this second movie to be even more absorbing than the first one. The character portrayals were so well-done I had to remind myself I was watching actors at times. Carlton's and Shawn's parts were played stunningly and their minimal dialogue was delivered straight as a bullet. If you're at all interested in English gangland activity, I can't recommend this and the first installment highly-enough. Full marks to Ricci Harnett for directing PtII, as well. Guy Richie he most certainly ain't.