By: Kimberly Grant
You’re going to love this!
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will be in theaters on April 19.
Ungentle Story
Writers Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel, and Guy Ritchie (who also directed) have spun a tale that’s based on a true story. Picture it. It’s 1942 and the world is in the thick of war. Britain has been the victim of ongoing assaults by the Nazis of Germany and none of their by-the-book tactics have worked. UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill (played by an almost unrecognizable Rory Kinnear) works with Brigadier Gubbins “M” (Cary Elwes) to recruit a small group of soldiers to do the impossible behind enemy lines.
The hope for this mission, titled “Operation Post Supply Master”, calls for this small group of men (and woman) who do ungentlemanly things. At this time, the German U-boats have been stopping supplies from going into Britain. Meanwhile, the British want to strike back at the Nazis where it hurts, while enticing the United States to enter the war. The operation is for the group to blow up a German supply U-boat to stop the Germans from getting their supplies.
Come For The Action, Stay For The Group
This film has Ritchie’s stamp all over it. He is the same man that brought us great action comedies like Sherlock Holmes (starring Robert Downey, Jr and Jude Law) and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer before we knew he was a creep). Ritchie has a gift of giving audiences big action with a comedic undertone that makes a dark film feel light. It’s impressive.
Cavill is back in all of his muscled glory as a smiling, real-life Major Gus March-Phillips. Gus is fresh out of prison for military crimes and has a penchant for taking what he wants (with some permission). Gus is the winking ringleader of a rag-tag group of people who hate Nazis and are willing to do ungentlemanly things to them.
Alan Ritchson plays against type as Anders Lassen, a Danish, sweet natured brute with the body of a bodybuilder, the heart of a teddy bear, and a violent quest for vengeance. He’s also scary good with a cross bow. I’m not a big Ritchson fan, but I really like Anders. Next is Eiza Gonzalez as Marjorie Stewart, she’s the female of the group who puts herself in the most danger and is a badass in killer outfits. Henry Golding plays Freddy Alvarez who likes to blow things up with a kind smile. In other words, he’s one of the scariest characters in the film.
Babs Olusanmokun plays nightclub owner and man about town Richard Heron. Richard is a broker in West Africa who is sympathetic to the British cause, speaks multiple languages and proves to be the utmost gentleman.
Alex Pettyfer is Geoffrey Appleyard, a great mastermind who is captured by the Nazis who fear him. Hero Fiennes Tiffin (nephew of Ralph and Joseph Fiennes) plays Henry Hayes, Gus’ apprentice who’s along for the ride to kill Nazis. Freddie Fox plays the great author Ian Fleming. And, Danny Sapani plays Kambili “KB” Kalu, the Prince of Fernando Po (an island off the coast of West Africa). KB helps the group turn the tide in their mission and lights up the screen.
This group of actors make a up a great cast. They play well off of each other and their chemistry makes for a more entertaining film. The cast alone makes this movie a must-watch.
Then Stay For The History
Before The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, I had not realized that Africa was a part of World War II. My American History education focused more on Germany and Italy being against the US, French, and Russia during the war. West Africa was occupied by the French, then taken as a Nazi and Spaniard territory; except the Gold Coast and Nigeria. The Nazis and the Spaniards had military bases in the region and mixed with the locals. Seeing that in the film made me look up some history of the second world war, which I encourage everyone to do. As I’ve said before, those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.
Moving on to another interesting fact: Ian Fleming, who wrote the James Bond novels, was not only in the British military and intelligence. It’s believed that James Bond was based on Gus. Now, I’m going to put this out there, because why not? What if the next James Bond was Henry Cavill? We know he can do it.
Another Success For Guy Ritchie
Ritchie is one of those writer/directors, whose talents get better with age. He has, yet again, produced a film that is equal parts action, comedy, and memorable characters. That is thanks in part to a stellar roster of actors. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, but I learned from it, too.
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You can read more reviews by Kimberly Grant via her Entertainment Blog.
