Review by Jon Donnis
"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is a rollicking adventure that gleefully blends historical fiction with action-packed comedy, delivering a high-octane romp through WWII-era espionage. Directed and co-written by Guy Ritchie, the film takes liberal liberties with historical events, crafting a wildly entertaining narrative centered around the creation of the first special forces unit under Winston Churchill's clandestine directive.
Based on the book "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: The Mavericks Who Plotted Hitler's Downfall, Giving Birth to Modern-Day Black Ops" by Damien Lewis - Read that at https://amzn.to/3UnyC1b
Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Europe in 1941, the film plunges viewers into a world of daring sabotage missions and unconventional warfare. The plot follows Brigadier Colin Gubbins (Cary Elwes) as he orchestrates Operation Postmaster, a top-secret mission to disrupt Nazi U-Boat operations. With a motley crew of rogues and misfits at his disposal, including the charismatic Gus March-Phillips (played with charm and wit by Henry Cavill), the stage is set for a daring escapade filled with humor, suspense, and explosive action.
One of the film's strongest assets is its stellar cast, who inject the proceedings with charisma and chemistry. Henry Cavill shines as the roguish Gus, delivering a performance that balances comedic timing with genuine heroism. Eiza González sizzles as the seductive Marjorie Stewart, while Alan Ritchson steals scenes as the enigmatic Anders Lassen. The ensemble cast brings a lively energy to the film, making each character memorable in their own right.
Ritchie's signature style is on full display, with kinetic camerawork, rapid-fire editing, and sharp dialogue infusing the film with a sense of dynamism. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, blending slapstick humor with thrilling suspense. Christopher Benstead's jazzy score adds another layer of excitement, creating a lively atmosphere that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While the narrative is engaging and fast-paced, it does follow a somewhat predictable trajectory, and character development takes a backseat to the frenetic pace of the plot. Some viewers may find the historical inaccuracies distracting, but for those willing to suspend disbelief, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" offers a delightfully absurd take on wartime heroics.
In summary, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is a thoroughly entertaining ride that blends humour, action, and historical intrigue into a cinematic cocktail that goes down smooth. While it may not be the most faithful portrayal of WWII history, it more than makes up for it with its infectious energy and irreverent spirit. For fans of Guy Ritchie's signature style and audiences looking for a good time at the movies, this film delivers in spades.
I score "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" a solid 8 out of 10.
In cinemas now!
