“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is close to being a great action film, but unfortunately is held back by a runtime that overstays its welcome with pacing issues. With Guy Ritchie at the helm, it is at the very least an entertaining watch, yet it struggles to leave an impression. Henry Cavil is charming as the leading man, the characters are diverse in personality, and all witty — clever in their representation. There is a glee to seeing the rag-tag group of men unapologetically slaughter Nazis young and old, smiling as they mow down dozens and dozens of them. The subplot sporting X and Y felt meaningful to the plot, eventually overlapping with the main plot for what should have been an exciting ending, yet felt a little anticlimactic. If you are a Guy Ritchie fan, then get out to see this film on the big screen, otherwise, I would wait to see this film on streaming platforms.
Back of the DVD Summary: In the heat of WWII, Britain is on the brink of a Nazi takeover. Desperate to save his country, Winston Churchill, a British Prime Minister, and a group of military officials cook up a rogue mission to eliminate Hitler’s fleet of German U-boats. U-boats that have made any aid impossible to reach Britain. The group of unhinged mavericks and mayhem lovers undertake the secret mission. They aim to both cease Hitler’s stranglehold on the country and hopefully cripple the Nazi fleet.
To begin with a more detailed look, let’s discuss the pros. Watching Alan Ritchson’s Lander-character viciously stabbing Nazis, repeatedly and laughing while he does it never gets old. On the same note, watching him kill people with a bow and arrow with such strength never gets old.. The casual brutality of his character makes him fun to watch.
Next item of merit: the music is outstanding, it drips with heavy spaghetti western influence and makes each shot of the landscape feel more vibrant and epic in scope. The runtime would have worn me out sooner had the music not been such a delight to listen to. I will be seeking out the soundtrack after watching the film.
Eiza González’s Marjoire and Babs Olusanmokun’s Mr. Heron’s subplot was more entertaining than the main plot. González was charming and charismatic watching her lead on Nazis and having them eat from her palm. Olusanmokun is suave and under control, moving about the film with the confidence of a man forged by wartime. Seeing the pair set the stage for the cavalry to arrive and sink the boat on the small island was engaging. Some of the best parts of the film are when no one is shooting anybody and the characters are plotting and scheming.
Henry Cavil’s performance is rugged and charming. His character quirks, his disposition against the Nazi regime made him memorable. Henry Cavil should rock a beard in every film he is in — he’s never looked more rustic and unhinged.
As for the cons: with the exception of Alan and Henry, the ragtag group of men felt flat and uninteresting. The film could’ve been more focused on fewer characters, and as a result, cut down on the runtime, and make more fleshed-out characters. While it is satisfying to see Nazis killed at every turn, there was no real central antagonist. There is a man who is positioned to fill that role, yet does little besides just being a Nazi to warrant his antagonism.
By the end, I was waiting to dismiss myself from the theater, and this feeling was not helped by the slow, trodding climax. You would expect a high-octane bloody finale for a film called “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” and yet, it ends up being quite the opposite. It’s fun to watch; it’s not enthralling.
