The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)


I travel by air every couple of months, and always think about a single, burning question: What makes for a great airplane movie? Not movies about being on planes. Movies to be watched on planes, making bearable the three or nine hours spent in a tin can, squashed on all sides, munching tiny pretzels and trying not to order yet another gin and tonic.

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” the latest offering from the director Guy Ritchie, is a perfect airplane movie. That is not a compliment, but it’s not exactly a dis. Some movies shouldn’t be watched on planes — slow artful dramas, or movies that demand concentration and good sound (please do not watch “The Zone of Interest” on your next flight). But you’ve got to watch something, and for that, we have movies like this one.

Ritchie hasn't always focused on making films centered around airplanes. His earlier works, energetic and irreverent comedies like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch,” were best enjoyed in a lively theater filled with laughter or at home with friends over pizza and drinks. In his more recent projects, such as “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant,” he has taken a darker and more serious turn, creating films that could heighten the tension during a flight.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

However, while watching “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” which adds a lighthearted twist to the serious topic of defeating Nazis, I realized it perfectly represents my three key principles for what makes a great airplane movie.

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” presents a dramatized version of a recently uncovered historical event. During World War II, Winston Churchill may have unofficially sanctioned a group of daring individuals to carry out a crucial mission aimed at undermining German U-boats in the North Atlantic and facilitating American entry into the conflict. Their objective was to disrupt German supply lines by targeting their merchant ships. However, the refueling operations were conducted from a Spanish-controlled island named Fernando Po, situated off the West African coast—an area considered neutral. An official British operation could have prompted other neutral European nations to side with the Nazis, necessitating a covert approach.

This story is rooted in reality, as revealed by the declassification of Churchill’s personal documents in 2016, making it feel fresh and new.

Yet, it also resonates with a sense of nostalgia, likely because Hollywood has a penchant for tales of how the Allies triumphed over the Axis powers in World War II. It’s reassuring; from the very beginning, you know who the heroes are. The narrative allows for creative liberties, such as portraying the villains (the Nazis) as bumbling and inept, easily outmatched by the rugged, witty protagonists. Character development? Not in this story.

The familiarity of the film comes with a great perk: “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” races through its narrative in just two hours, boosting your chances of catching the ending before your flight touches down. But if you miss it, don’t fret—you’ll have a good idea of how it wraps up.

This principle aligns with what makes a great streaming movie. With so many potential distractions—like pets, doorbells, snacks, and social media—watching on a plane presents its own set of interruptions: noisy neighbors, the captain’s musings about altitude, drink service, and general commotion. A straightforward and repetitive script is essential, adhering to the classic approach taught by educators and speakers: first, outline what you’re going to say, then deliver it, and finally recap what you just said.

This structure is prevalent in “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” which was adapted by four screenwriters from Damien Lewis's nonfiction book, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill’s Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops.” The motley crew is led by Gus March-Phillipps (played by the mustachioed Henry Cavill), a skilled marksman who doesn’t take orders easily. He assembles a team that includes munitions expert Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding), ship captain Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), strategist Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), and the hilariously muscular Dane Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson). The cast also features actress Marjorie Stewart (Eiza González) and Mr. Heron (Babs Olusanmokun), the owner of a premier club in Fernando Po.

In the early scenes of the film, leaders from British intelligence, including Churchill (Rory Kinnear), Brigadier Gubbins (Cary Elwes), and Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox), who would later create James Bond, gather to discuss their mission to disrupt supply lines to the U-boats. They then bring in March-Phillipps to brief him on the operation, which he subsequently relays to his team. If I’m not mistaken, this explanation is repeated at least once more.

As the movie reaches its final act, and the plan has understandably evolved, March-Phillipps finds himself primarily observing and commenting on the progress of the mission. “That wasn’t supposed to happen yet,” he remarks when an unexpected event occurs.

While the heavy use of expository dialogue can be frustrating for attentive viewers, those who might have missed the earlier conversation due to distractions, like a snack tray, need not fret; the details will be reiterated later on.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)


Indeed, the outcome of World War II was of tremendous significance, and I believe we all recognize that. However, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" takes a rather lighthearted approach to this topic. The characters express their animosity towards the Nazis, often tied to personal losses, including one character with Jewish heritage. Yet, the most extensive discussion about the consequences of a German victory revolves around the rather trivial notion that everyone would be stuck eating sausages, cabbage, and brown bread forever, which hardly captures the gravity of the situation.

While we understand the war's true importance, the film diminishes the stakes to create a more comedic tone, ultimately making it less engaging. Lewis’s source material, as indicated by its subtitle, delves into how this group's actions paved the way for a new style of warfare that has shaped 21st-century conflicts, but the movie fails to convey that depth. I often ponder how transforming such a significant and tragic event into a lighthearted comedy influences our perception of it. After all, most people today view this war through the lens of media. It’s a curious phenomenon we’ve embraced.

In summary, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" does not stand out as a great film, nor is it particularly enjoyable if you’re truly engaged with it. However, as something to have on in the background, it can be entertaining and occasionally funny. I can almost assure you it will soon be available on a flight near you.

For More Movies Like The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) Watch on Fmovies

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