The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Directed by Guy RitchieBilled as a true story about a secret British World War II organization; the Special Operations Executive. Founded by Winston Churchill, their irregular warfare against the Germans helped to change the course of the war, and gave birth to modern black operations.
Cast of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare Ratings & Reviews
- jackmeatOctober 19, 2024My quick rating - 6.6/10. I generally enjoy movies directed by Guy Ritchie,and this is no exception as it takes a fascinating slice of World War II history and brings it to the big screen with a solid ensemble cast including Alan Ritchson and Henry Cavill. The film tells the story of a clandestine combat organization formed by Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming, whose unconventional and entirely "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques against the Nazis played a pivotal role in the war and laid the groundwork for modern black ops units. On the surface, the film has all the elements of a great war movie. The cast is strong, with Ritchson delivering a good performance as a Scandinavian character more like Jack the Ripper as opposed to Jack Reacher-type, leading a ragtag group on a Nazi-killing spree. Cavill brings his usual charm and intensity, adding weight to the fascinating narrative. The story itself is compelling, rooted in real events that could have made for an unforgettable cinematic experience. However, the film doesn't quite nail it completely. The pacing feels off, with moments that drag unnecessarily and the scenes with Eiza González seemed disjointed to me. Nothing wrong with her portrayal of Marjorie who is in cohorts with the team, just the situations she was in. The film also suffers from a lack of the stylistic flair that I expected from a Guy Ritchie production. It feels more like an "action movie by numbers" than a passionate retelling of a significant historical chapter. Compared to classics in the genre, this flick doesn't quite measure up. It lacks the charm and humor of Kelly's Heroes, the gravitas of The Guns of Navarone, the historical credibility of The Longest Day, and the sheer star power and likeability of The Great Escape. While it has its moments, the film struggles to establish a unique identity or deliver the emotional resonance that these films achieved. But it does say something that my mind even drifted off and compared this movie with those timeless classics. I'd say if you're in the mood for a straightforward action movie and enjoy watching Alan Ritchson's no-nonsense approach to dispatching Nazis with the help of some friends, you'll find this entertaining enough. However, those looking for something with more depth, style, or historical weight might find themselves underwhelmed.
- Michael SurberApril 8, 2025This is one of those films that gets better each time I watch it. Strong entry in Guy Ritchie's portfolio of action films. It's both brutal and violent but it was WW II after all.
- Dave BarnesMarch 12, 2025I just watched this after watching the SAS Rogue Heros TV series and this is such a let down after that. Don't waste your time with this poorly acted piece of nonsense and find the TV series, you'll be glad you did.
- burtjohansonFebruary 5, 2025In this case you really can judge a book by its cover. You get just about what you’d expect - a bit over-the-top, cheesy, and unbelievable, but entertaining for a single watch nonetheless.
- Scott SmithFebruary 5, 2025I will never stop enjoying movies where killing as many Nazis as possible in new and creative ways is the theme. This one is humorous, fast moving, and violent. That all worked for me. It is also fun seeing Cavill in an over the top role like this. Guy Ritchie does it again.
- RyezooFebruary 4, 2025Went in blind and happy I did. This was a great time! Yes it’s very surface level and you spend more time then needed with the 2 spy’s on island, but when Henry Cavil’s team is on screen its nonstop fun. I know none of the characters had any weight to them but it worked in this movie. Love the action and that it’s based on a true story.
- SixpaxDecember 21, 2024Typical dramatised war movie with unbelievable premise and outcome but good fun to watch
- Roderick Vaughn BridgesDecember 18, 2024Definitely worth watching, has a little bit of everything. Kind of an indiana jones feeling.
- P M ChatysDecember 2, 2024Script makes little sense and as a whole it is chaotic, although very predictable. Throughout the movie I had maybe one moment it made me smirk a bit. Probably the least favourite of Guy's films.
