I thoroughly enjoyed Guy Ritchie’s latest cinematic venture, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Of course, I am incredibly biased, as I am a huge fan of his work and style in general, and this movie brought all the feels.
I am also a sucker when it comes to movies based on a true life story. But on the off chance you need some convincing, I am more than happy to oblige!
The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a thrilling wartime action film that delves into the secret operations of a covert British unit during World War I. The film is inspired by real events and is based on recently declassified files of the British War Department, offering a riveting portrayal of the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the war.
Grab your popcorn and favourite blanky, and let’s get to it!
Movie Highlights
The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare is not your typical run-of-the-mill and incredibly traumatic wartime movie, it is a spy action comedy. And when we say spy action, action-packed it is indeed. Starring actors like Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson and Til Schweiger, one should expect nothing less.
The film kicks off with a high-octane sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the movie (both action and comedy-wise). From there, viewers are taken on a roller-coaster ride through various missions that highlight the ingenuity and bravery of the unit.
Henry Cavill portrays the leader of the secret unit, Gus March-Phillips, a character who is a blend of stoic determination and raw courage. The real Gus March-Philips sadly passed away at the young age of 34, but he did not waste any time to place his mark on the world. He was the founder of the British Army’s No. 62 Commando (also known as Small Scale Raiding Force or SSRF), he was one of the forerunners of the Special Air Service (SAS), and he was the inspiration for the character of James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novels.
Full circle back to the movie, the film and its meticulously choreographed action scenes and characters maintain a relentless pace that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
In addition to the action, Ritchie weaves in moments of levity and wit, of course, a trademark of his filmmaking style, creating what we could call “lighter moments” to provide you with a breathing moment and to unclench your fists from the living room’s couch.
Action aside (I know it is tough if you are a Guy Richie fanatic), but if you are an avid admirer of dry humour and wit, then this movie’s dialogue is right up your alley.
Now that we have covered the cast, the acting, and the script, let’s cover the costumes … they were stunning and transported me to the 1940s. The attention to detail did make this movie a visual treat.
Comparing The Film To The Real Story
If you love true-life dramas and are anything like me, I know you are probably thinking: “ok, so how much of this is factual and true, and how many liberties were taken?”
And to that, I shall answer, great question!
As with any phenomenal book or movie, changes will be made for dramatic effect. And whilst The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare is rooted in historical events, creative liberties have been taken to enhance the narrative for cinematic purposes.
The real Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare, formally known as the Special Operations Executive (SOE), was established by Winston Churchill in 1940, and its mission was to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe and to support local resistance movements.
But one of the key differences between the film and reality is the incredible dramatisation of missions and characters, and the film amplifies certain events for dramatic effect.
SPOILER ALERT AHEAD!
While the SOE did undertake numerous daring missions, The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare infuses these operations with heightened stakes and grandiose set pieces that, while thrilling, may not be entirely historically accurate. In the movie, the plan was to explode and thus sink the Italian supply ship, Duchessa d’Aosta, however they changed their minds due to the ship being double-panelled and opted to steal it instead.
In reality, the plan was to steal the ship all along. But cinematic effect aside, it does not change the significant impact the mission had on the war effort.
Another area where the film diverges from reality is its characters. The members of the team like Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) and Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) are based on real people. Other characters, like Nazi leader Heinrich Luhr (Til Schweiger), are fictional.
Despite these differences, the film remains respectful of the legacy of the SOE. It highlights the ingenuity and unconventional tactics employed by the operatives, such as the use of guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and psychological operations.
The film also sheds light on the significant contributions of female operatives, a crucial aspect of the SOE that is often overlooked in historical accounts.
Women And Wartime
It is important to note that not only men were superheroes during the war, but so were many many many women! And Guy Richie’s film beautifully portrays the heroic actions of Margorie Stwere (portrayed by Eiza González), who, in real life, ended up marrying Gus March-Phillips!
Born in 1912 in Kensington, London, Marjorie Stewart was one of multiple female spies who willingly went behind enemy lines, and Guy Richie’s movie wanted to respect and honour her legacy.
Rotten Tomato Reviews
Rotten Tomato gave this movie a score of 69%, whilst the audience (probably myself included) gave it a score of 93%!
At the end of the day, the takeaway is that those who watched it enjoyed it, and thus according to my book, it is WELL worth the watch.
Let’s Reel It In
The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare is a compelling addition to the war film genre, offering a blend of action, sharp wit, and historical intrigue.
Guy Ritchie’s direction, combined with strong performances from the cast, ensures that the film is entertaining and thought-provoking. While it does take numerous creative liberties with the real story, it remains a fitting tribute to the brave men and women of the SOE who played a vital role in WWll.
For audiences seeking a thrilling wartime adventure that also pays homage to real-life heroes, this movie is it. It entertains, inspires and reminds us of the extraordinary courage and ingenuity displayed by those who fought in the shadows during one of history’s darkest times.
