About the film (courtesy of MGM Studios):
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant follows US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed goes to Herculean lengths to save Kinley’s life. When Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he must repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down first.
I am not a fan of directors having their name featured before titles of their movies, after all, that’s why we have credits in the beginning and at the end of movies. In this case, while still not being a fan of the usually vain process, I suppose one COULD argue that this was done to assist in quickly differentiating in the many titles with the same name…but still not a fan. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, at least based on the previews released, does not appear to be a typical Guy Ritchie film. Take that however you want to for your interpretations.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant takes place in this modern era, starting in March of 2023, to be exact. This story covers many of the larger more threatening obstacles faced by outsiders who found themselves in areas of Afghanistan that were heavily patrolled by the Taliban. Obviously, US soldiers’ safety was in peril every moment of every day. But being in a land that was not native to them by language and a cultural divide, the United States relied heavily on interpreters to assist in many different ways. The problem is that these interpreters, and their families, were seen as traitors to the Taliban. As such, many feared for their lives and those that they loved.
Guy Ritchie does an admirable capturing the humanity, suffering, fear and absolute bravery exhibited by so many different people in various walks of life during this violent and uncertain time. Jake Gyllenhaal, who has given some moving performances over the years, looks to be back on track with another effort that should garner some strong praise in his latest. His costar, Dar Salim, seems to be more than up to the task to match Gyllenhaal’s gutsy performance, and at times, surpasses him in a very convincing effort of his own.
At 123 minutes, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant feels a bit extended as you sit through, but not to the point were you really feel as though it drags. Maybe cutting back on a few of the flashbacks might have helped with the pacing, thankfully though, it doesn’t ruin the overall experience. I wasn’t crazy about the inconsistent decisions when it came to displaying subtitles. I imagine that some of the times that they weren’t shown was because we, as the audience, were left feel the same as the actors in the movie were in waiting and relying on what the interpreters had to say. This method did allow for a bit more of an empathetic experience. I just feel as though they flat out missed a time or two.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant is one of those movies that will hook you in if you allow it to and the story is engaging with layers of emotion along with some pretty solid acting to bring it all together. Despite having his name attached to the actual title, ironically this is probably one of his least Guy Ritchie trademark type of movies that I can recall him doing. I do wonder if it’ll help or hurt the box office numbers. What I will say is that I feel it’s definitely worth a watch regardless of how you feel about what he’s previously done.
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant will be in theaters everywhere starting Friday, April 21 with early showings on Thursday evening. And remember, this is Rated R for violence and strong language throughout, so no little soldiers, please.
