The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Rating 7/10

Quintessentially British filmmaker Guy Ritchie can’t catch a break in his home country. None of his pictures have merited a theatrical release in the UK since 2020’s The Gentlemen. The fact that his last four works have all gone straight to streaming platforms is perplexing. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is set to follow suit on Amazon Prime. Meanwhile, across the pond here in the US, all of his flicks have graced a theater first. Lucky for us because his latest is a rollicking adventure just made for the big screen.

This account is set against the backdrop of World War II, blending thrilling segments with a dash of comedy. The production boasts a charismatic cast led by Henry Cavill (Man of Steel), Alan Ritchson (TV series Reacher), and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and benefits from the seasoned skills of Oscar-nominated producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun: Maverick). The plot is based on Operation Postmaster, a real-life secret operation carried out against the Nazi military during World War II.

A group of unconventional soldiers embarks on a covert mission to neutralize German U-boats. The alternative perspective on the events of WWII is reminiscent of Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. However, Tarantino’s historical revisionism was a creative exploration of true-life events. Guy Ritchie opts for a more superficial approach, focusing primarily on delivering heart-pounding excitement and witty banter rather than delving into nuanced themes.

Nevertheless, Ritchie’s directorial prowess shines through in the film’s fast-paced narrative, peppered with sharp dialogue and action sequences. Christopher Benstead’s rousing score further elevates the auditory experience, intensifying the entertainment value. The infusion of modern flair into the period setting adds a fresh twist to the traditional war film genre.   In the end, we’re told that Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Gus March-Phillipps is an inspiration for Ian Fleming’s fictional Secret Service agent.  The nod to Ian Fleming’s James Bond adds an intriguing layer to the story.  Despite its lack of depth, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare delivers a fun and engaging cinematic tale. It keeps audiences entertained throughout its two-hour runtime, even if it may not leave a lasting impression.

04-19-24