The story of Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story
Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story operates as a prequel to the established Rise of the Footsoldier franchise, zooming in on a single, notorious figure—Pat Tate—and his climb through Essex's criminal hierarchy. Rather than continuing the narrative threads of earlier films, this 2017 entry rewinds the clock to show how Tate clawed his way up from the streets to become one of the region's most feared gangsters. The film doesn't shy away from the violence, ambition, and moral compromise that defines his world. What you're getting is a character study wrapped in crime-thriller packaging, one that spends 99 minutes trying to answer the question: how does a man become this? It's a legitimate premise. The execution, though, is where things get complicated.
Behind the making of Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story
Produced by Carnaby International, Lipsync Productions, and Signature Films, Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story arrived in 2017 as part of an already-established franchise that had built a loyal audience for gritty, street-level crime narratives set in British underworld contexts. The production team brought together filmmakers and actors familiar with the tone and terrain of the previous installments, maintaining continuity while pivoting the focus entirely onto Tate's formative years. The film carries a runtime of 99 minutes—lean enough to keep momentum, though some viewers have questioned whether that length is enough to sustain a full narrative arc or whether the story might've worked better as a shorter, more concentrated piece. On IMDb, the film currently holds a rating of 6.3 out of 10, suggesting middling audience reception. No major awards recognition followed its release, and it didn't generate significant box-office buzz in the way franchise tentpoles sometimes do. Still, the production values reflect the care typical of Signature Films' crime output, and the cast was assembled with an eye toward authenticity and presence in morally murky roles.
What makes Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story stand out
Here's the thing about prequels: they're trapped between two masters. You've got to honor what came before while also making the origin story compelling enough to stand on its own—and that's genuinely hard to pull off. Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story attempts this balance with uneven results. What's striking is that the film does contain moments of real tension and craft. There are scenes—scattered throughout the runtime—where the filmmaking clicks, where you feel the paranoia and hunger driving Tate's ambition, where the cinematography and editing align to create genuine dread. The problem, and audience reaction bears this out, is that these peaks are separated by stretches that feel flat, narratively inert. You're watching character beats and criminal transactions unfold without the kind of propulsive momentum that'd make you forget you're watching backstory. I keep coming back to one viewer's assessment: this plot might've functioned better as an anthology piece or even a short film, something concentrated and punchy rather than stretched across a feature runtime. The performances themselves aren't the issue—the actors commit to the material. It's the material itself that doesn't quite justify its own length. When a prequel spends most of its time filling in blanks that audiences didn't necessarily need filled, you're fighting an uphill battle.
Where to stream Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story online
Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story is currently available across major OTT services, and you can check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for real-time availability in your region. Streaming rights for crime dramas like this one shift fairly regularly depending on licensing agreements, so it's worth verifying current platforms before you settle in. Movie OTT tracks availability across multiple streaming services, so you'll know exactly where to find it without hunting through three different apps. The film's 99-minute runtime makes it a manageable evening watch—you're not committing to a sprawling series or a three-hour epic. That brevity is actually one of its strengths from a viewing perspective, even if some felt the story could've used either more depth or less ambition.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story based on a true story?
Yes and no. Pat Tate was a real figure in Essex's criminal underworld, and the Rise of the Footsoldier franchise draws from actual events and figures. However, the film dramatizes and fictionalizes elements of his life for narrative purposes—it's inspired by true crime rather than a strict biographical account.
Q: Do I need to watch the first two Rise of the Footsoldier films before watching this one?
Not necessarily. Since this is a prequel focused on Pat Tate's origins, it works as a standalone entry. That said, familiarity with the franchise will deepen your understanding of how Tate's character fits into the broader world these films explore.
Q: How long is Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story?
The film runs 99 minutes, making it a relatively compact crime thriller. It's long enough to develop character and plot, though some viewers felt the pacing could've been tighter.
Q: What's the IMDb rating for Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story?
The film holds a 6.3 out of 10 on IMDb, reflecting a mixed audience response. Viewers appreciated certain scenes and performances but found the overall narrative uneven.
Q: Where can I watch Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story?
The film is available on major OTT platforms. Use the Where to Watch widget on this page or visit Movie OTT's streaming guide to find current availability in your location.
Final thoughts on Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story
Rise of the Footsoldier 3: The Pat Tate Story isn't a bad film. It's a competent crime drama that knows its genre and commits to its premise. But it's also a film that seems to be searching for a reason to exist beyond franchise obligation. If you're already invested in the Rise of the Footsoldier universe, you'll probably want to see how Tate's story begins. If you're new to the series and looking for a gritty crime thriller, there's enough here to hold your attention for 99 minutes—just don't expect it to blow your mind. It's a solid rental or streaming option for a particular mood, not a must-see.
