Henry Cavill and Guy Ritchie are teaming up once again for an adrenaline-charged journey into a secret chapter of WWII history! The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, released in April 2024, is not your typical war movie—it’s a stylish, explosive, and fiercely original spy thriller that has captured attention with its bold take on historical events. From covert ops to daring escapades, Cavill leads an elite team using unorthodox tactics to outsmart the enemy in Guy Ritchie’s signature fashion. Think charm, chaos, and firepower all rolled into one unforgettable cinematic experience. Let’s dive into why this film became one of the most talked-about releases of 2024—and why it’s still sparking conversations nearly a year later.

A Fresh Take on a Hidden WWII Story

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, which hit theaters on April 19, 2024, is based on Damien Lewis’s 2014 book Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII. The film delves into the real-life Operation Postmaster, a covert mission sanctioned by Winston Churchill and involving James Bond creator Ian Fleming. The operation, executed in January 1942, aimed to disrupt Nazi U-boat operations by targeting a supply ship, the Duchessa d’Aosta, on the Spanish-controlled island of Fernando Po (now Bioko, Equatorial Guinea). This ship provided critical carbon dioxide filters that allowed U-boats to remain submerged for extended periods, posing a significant threat to Allied supply lines.

Ritchie’s film, however, takes a heavily fictionalized approach, transforming the historical event into a high-octane action-comedy. Henry Cavill stars as Gus March-Phillipps, the leader of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) team tasked with the mission. March-Phillipps, often speculated to be an inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond, is depicted as a roguish, charismatic operative who thrives on breaking the rules. The film’s ensemble cast includes Alan Ritchson as Anders Lassen, a bow-and-arrow-wielding Swede, Eiza González as Marjorie Stewart, a skilled sniper, and Henry Golding and Alex Pettyfer as part of the motley crew of “ungentlemanly” soldiers.

Ritchie’s Signature Style Meets WWII Chaos

Guy Ritchie, known for his fast-paced, witty films like Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, and The Gentlemen, brings his distinctive flair to this wartime tale. The movie is packed with his trademarks: sharp dialogue, stylized violence, and a tongue-in-cheek tone that sets it apart from traditional war films like Saving Private Ryan. Instead, it draws comparisons to Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds for its irreverent take on WWII, blending historical inspiration with over-the-top action. One notable deviation from history is the body count—while the real Operation Postmaster saw no casualties (with one Nazi soldier famously fainting at the sight of the intruders), Ritchie’s version is a “gorefest” with a “huge body count,” as noted by some viewers.

The film’s trailer, released in January 2024, set to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” promised a thrilling ride, showcasing Cavill’s mustachioed Gus leading his team through daring raids, explosive sabotage, and cheeky banter. Posts on X at the time reflected excitement, with users praising the “over-the-top Nazi-killing action” and Cavill’s leading-man charisma. However, some critics later noted a lack of suspense, with one review describing it as feeling like a “Call of Duty game” where enemies are mere targets for the protagonists to dispatch.

Cavill’s Charismatic Performance

Henry Cavill, who previously collaborated with Ritchie on 2015’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E., shines as Gus March-Phillipps, bringing a rugged charm to the role. Cavill’s performance has been a focal point of praise, with co-star Alan Ritchson highlighting his leadership on set, noting that Cavill was “always first in and last out, never once complained—even in tough conditions.” Cavill himself expressed pride in the project, calling it one of his favorite films in a July 2024 Instagram post, where he encouraged UK fans to watch it on streaming platforms with a pizza or curry in hand.

This role marked a shift for Cavill, who has often been the central figure in his films, such as The Witcher and his DCEU Superman outings. In The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Ritchie cleverly places Cavill in the background at times, allowing other characters like Ritchson’s Anders Lassen and González’s Marjorie Stewart to share the spotlight. This ensemble approach, while unexpected for a Cavill-led film, added depth to the narrative, showcasing the diverse talents of the team.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Production Challenges

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Alan Ritchson, whose physical presence and action chops (honed in Reacher) made him a standout as the bow-wielding Anders Lassen. Eiza González and Babs Olusanmokun play key roles as undercover operatives, infiltrating Nazi ranks to set the stage for the mission’s success. Henry Golding, Alex Pettyfer, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and Cary Elwes round out the team, with Freddie Fox portraying a young Ian Fleming, adding a nod to the mission’s historical significance in shaping modern espionage.

Filming began in February 2023 in Antalya, Turkey, and wrapped in April 2023, as Cavill announced on Instagram, praising the crew’s dedication. However, the film faced challenges before its release. Cavill’s previous spy film, Argylle, had flopped at the box office in early 2024, raising concerns about his draw in the genre. Additionally, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare competed with major releases like Alex Garland’s Civil War and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and its limited theatrical release in the US, followed by a streaming-only rollout internationally, muted its marketing push.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare debuted to $9 million in the US, exceeding projections of $5–8 million but falling short of its $60 million budget, ultimately grossing just under $27 million worldwide. Critical reception was mixed, with a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences were more enthusiastic, giving it a 92% score. Critics praised its “stylish” and “fun” elements but noted a lack of depth, with some calling it “adequate” but not Ritchie’s best. The Guardian described it as a “three-star entry,” better than Ritchie’s Operation Fortune but less effective than Wrath of Man.

Despite its commercial struggles, the film has found a second life on streaming platforms, particularly in the UK, where it was released directly on Prime Video. Posts on X in April 2024 highlighted its initial buzz, with users noting its “fun” vibe and Cavill’s strong performance, though some felt it lacked the uniqueness of Ritchie’s earlier works. By May 2025, the film remains a topic of discussion for its fresh take on a lesser-known WWII story and its influence on modern Black Ops, as well as its bold casting choices, such as Olusanmokun’s role as a Black operative, which added a layer of diversity to the narrative.

Why It Still Matters

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare stands out for its unapologetic blend of history and Hollywood flair, offering a glimpse into the origins of modern espionage through Ritchie’s lens. Cavill’s portrayal of Gus March-Phillipps, paired with Ritchie’s chaotic energy, delivers a cinematic experience that’s as entertaining as it is audacious. While it may not have achieved blockbuster status, its impact lies in its ability to entertain and shed light on a pivotal, if obscure, moment in history.

For fans of Cavill and Ritchie, the film is a testament to their chemistry, with Cavill proving he can lead an ensemble with charm and grit. As Cavill moves forward with projects like the Highlander reboot and Ritchie prepares for his next thriller, In the Grey (also starring Cavill), The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare remains a bold chapter in their collaboration—one that invites viewers to rethink what a war movie can be. So, grab some popcorn, stream it on Prime Video, and immerse yourself in a WWII adventure where the rules are meant to be broken. 🪖🔥