In the work of every outstanding artist, there are periods of genuine idleness. It’s as if you’re making another movie, but you’re also getting high, knowing it won’t be a cinematic masterpiece, won’t earn a billion dollars, and won’t please the critics, who will start shouting from every corner “he’s done for,” “creative crisis.”
In the film “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” (2024), Guy Ritchie openly relaxes. He lets the heroes dodge hundreds of bullets, exaggerates historical events, and deliberately sets a comedic tone, where in the swirl of a fantastic soundtrack and good cinematography, the characters gain invincibility, immortality, and an exceptional sense of humor in endless dialogues.
The film has partial historical authenticity. The genres do not include “biography” or “history,” even though the viewer is greeted at the beginning with the statement “Based on a true story” and the credits are enriched with historical information about the fate of the depicted war heroes. The military naval special operation “Postmaster” did take place during World War II in the neutral waters of Africa, but it had a more down-to-earth nature and events. The filmmakers didn’t try to stick strictly to credibility, essentially bringing a Wikipedia article to life, and this approach works in the film’s favor.
The movie flows easily, but the first half is boring. Although the casting department ensured racial diversity, the main characters seemed similar to each other, and I couldn’t remember their names. However, the actors performed well and were enjoyable to watch.
Guy Ritchie is one of my favorite directors. He has already made a name for himself with real masterpieces, proved to the whole world what he is capable of. In the work “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” (2024), he has fun, smiles through the characters, through the humor that is understandable to everyone, through the theatrical scenario. I see this movie as a one-time entertainment.
“Ministry of Ungentlemanly War” (2024) tastes thanks to three main ingredients: actors, music, image; and Guy Ritchie still knows something about cooking unusual dishes.
Review in two words: playing about war.
My rating for Ministry of Ungentlemanly War is 7 out of 10
