The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Henry Cavill steps into the shoes of the real-life inspiration behind James Bond in a captivating World War II escapade that hits all the right notes.
Mark Twain once quipped, “If you don’t fancy the latest Guy Ritchie flick, just bide your time.” And true to form, there’s always another one around the corner. Ritchie, renowned for his snappy ensemble action and crime capers like “Snatch” and “Man From U.N.C.L.E.”, seems to have an endless well of stories featuring tough guys with a penchant for witty banter. With each release, his repertoire resembles a well-oiled machine humming along.
In his latest offering, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” Ritchie delivers a gripping tale of men on a mission, based on the daring exploits of “Operation Postmaster” during WWII. At the helm is Henry Cavill, portraying Gus MarchPhillipps, purportedly the reallife figure who inspired James Bond. Cavill, fresh off his Bondesque role in Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle,” exudes charm and swagger, rubbing shoulders with the likes of “M” (Cary Elwes) and Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox).
Gus assembles a ragtag team, including a cunning explosives expert (Henry Golding), a mastermind schemer (Alex Pettyfer), a steadfast sailor (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), and a jovial yet lethal figure named Andres Lassen (Alan Ritchson). Their mission? To sabotage a German cargo ship carrying vital supplies, a task fraught with danger as it’s unofficial and fraught with peril from both enemy forces and their own countrymen.
Meanwhile, two undercover agents, Mr. Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) and Marjorie Stewart (Eiza González), infiltrate Fernando Po, setting the stage for the audacious raid. As expected in tales of daring deeds, plans go awry, forcing our heroes to think on their feet to salvage the situation.
Ritchie, known for his affinity for British icons like Sherlock Holmes and King Arthur, now adds Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) and a Bond-esque character to his roster. “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” embodies Ritchie’s trademark blend of largerthan-life action and cheeky camaraderie, striking a fine balance between the gravity of war and the thrill of watching charismatic heroes dispatch villains with aplomb.
Cavill, sporting a dashing moustache, revels in his role, while Ritchson embodies the essence of a born action star. The ensemble cast shares a palpable chemistry, making the film a joyous romp amidst the chaos of wartime.
Yet, amidst the action, it’s Christopher Benstead’s evocative score that steals the show, reminiscent of Ennio Morricone’s work, infusing the film with a delightful sense of adventure. Make no mistake, this isn’t a sombre war drama; it’s a rollicking ride that embraces sensationalism while honouring its historical roots.