About the film (courtesy of Lionsgate):
Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, This is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.
Guy Ritchie’s films are hit-or-miss for me, personally. Snatch (2000) is my very favorite of all of his features. While King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) was my least enjoyable experience, mostly because it felt as though he tried to out “Guy Ritchie” himself. He’s been on an upswing since, as his last few films have been pretty good. This bodes well for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, but also leaves us open for potential disappointment. So, where does this one fall on the Ritchie Richter scale of cinematic satisfaction?
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a high-octane, irreverent WWII action romp with a huge cover fire comedy. See what I did there? This film throws probably took some major liberties on the historical accuracy while embellishing, but it delivers a wildly entertaining story of a secret unit tasked with turning the tide against the Nazis through outrageous schemes and unconventional tactics.
Henry Cavill leads the charge as the roguish Lt. Colonel Gus March-Phillipps, a man who seems as capable of downing pints as he is outsmarting the enemy while making witty quips and stealing jackets (that last part will make sense once you see this film). He is the glue that binds the stellar cast of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare that sees solid performances from top to bottom.
Also starring are Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Henry Golding (hardly recognizable), Cary Elwes, Babs Olusanmokun, Eiza González and Rory Kinnear as Winston Churchill. I’m mentioning Kinnear’s role because you will not recognize him at all. A special mention goes to Heinrich Luhr as the menacing and villainous high ranking Nazi.
Ritchie’s signature flair is evident in every frame, with action sequences that explode with a mix of stylized mayhem and cheeky humor. From shootouts to daring infiltrations to fireworks, the camera work is dynamic and kinetic. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare revels in its own absurdity, gleefully sacrificing realism for pure adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Expect explosions, disguises, gadgets, and a healthy dose of witty banter amidst the firefights.
What sets The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare apart is the sheer joy it exudes. This isn’t your standard WWII drama, though it does remind me a lot of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds (2009), it’s a gleeful celebration of outlandish heroism amidst the chaos of war. The plot may take some fantastical liberties, but its heart remains rooted in the underdog spirit of resistance. The film winks at the audience, inviting you to suspend disbelief and simply embrace the exuberant thrill-ride.
If you’re looking for a film that delivers pure, unadulterated fun with a stellar cast, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is an absolute blast. It’s a testament to Ritchie’s ability to blend action, comedy, and a dash of spy-thriller style, all rolled into a delightfully audacious package. So grab your popcorn, strap yourself in, and get ready for a gloriously over-the-top adventure that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Only in theaters starting Friday, April 19th with early showtimes Thursday evening.
