Guy Ritchie’s latest cinematic offering, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, has quickly followed the success of his Netflix series The Gentlemen. This new movie dives into a World War II narrative inspired by Damien Lewis’ book, Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII. It unveils a gripping, almost unbelievable true story of a clandestine British operation tasked with disabling a Nazi freighter. Adding to the intrigue, the film suggests that the protagonist, Gus March-Phillips (portrayed by Henry Cavill), might have been the muse for Ian Fleming’s iconic James Bond. Fleming himself, played by Freddie Fox, even makes an appearance in the movie.
The storyline centers around Cavill assembling a diverse, almost rogue-like team to navigate to Nazi-controlled waters off Africa’s coast. Their mission: to obliterate a German freighter crucial for supplying U-boats, a move intended to weaken the blockade hindering the United States’ entry into the war against Germany. While this daring sea voyage unfolds, two undercover agents work on land to secure the port and evade Nazi detection, paving the way for Cavill’s team.
If you’re familiar with Guy Ritchie’s filmography, you likely have an idea of what to expect. However, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare marks a slight departure for Ritchie, even within the action genre. While it boasts his signature ensemble cast, led by Henry Cavill, it also features a notable lineup including Alan Ritchson (Reacher) as a master archer, Eiza González (3 Body Problem) as a captivating spy, Babs Olusanmokun (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) in a role reminiscent of Casablanca, and many more recognized faces.
This film promises star power, high-octane action, and a narrative rooted in a remarkable true story—the kind that seems too incredible to be real. Consequently, your children might express interest in seeing The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. But before heading to the theater, a crucial question arises:
Is The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare suitable for children? Let’s delve into The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare parents guide to determine its appropriateness.
Decoding the R Rating for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
As previously noted, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare carries an R rating and is definitively a Guy Ritchie movie. This is not akin to the PG-13 boundaries of Marvel films or even the DC universe movies starring Cavill as Superman. Let’s dissect the content to understand what this R rating entails for parents.
Sex & Nudity
The film contains minimal sexually explicit content. One scene depicts a shadowy, nude male body, implied to be a victim of Nazi brutality. However, the depiction is not graphic, mainly showing body contours. Sexual situations are more implied than explicit. Eiza González’s character, Marjorie Stewart, is tasked with seducing a Nazi officer, leading to scenes with her in revealing attire designed to distract him. Beyond these suggestive costumes, overt sexual content is largely absent.
Violence
Violence is the primary driver for the movie’s R rating. From the outset, the film is punctuated by frequent and intense violent sequences. While there is a lull in the middle portion as Cavill’s team is at sea, the movie is bookended by extensive combat. This includes a high volume of shootings, throat slitting, explosions, arrow attacks, and axe violence against Nazi soldiers. The sheer count of casualties is significant. Although the violence is pervasive, it’s noteworthy that graphic depictions of gore are somewhat restrained. While Alan Ritchson’s character is repeatedly shown covered in blood, it’s often presented with a slightly comedic tone. The violence is impactful and frequent but generally avoids being gratuitously gory or excessively graphic, maintaining a level of stylized action.
Language
Surprisingly, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare features very little to no explicit language. While a curse word might be missed, the overall tone is notably devoid of strong profanity. This stylistic choice contributes to the film’s unique character, where despite the protagonists’ “ungentlemanly” methods and rough exteriors, they maintain a degree of formal address and courteous interaction.
Drinking & Drugs
Alcohol consumption is prevalent throughout the film. An early scene shows Cavill’s character being released from custody and immediately indulging in a large glass of scotch. Smoking is also a frequent visual element in many scenes.
Age Appropriateness: Is The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare Okay for Teens?
Despite the intense and frequent violence and blood, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare may be suitable for viewers aged 13 and older. While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy for dramatic effect, it presents a compelling, action-packed narrative inspired by real World War II events. For teenagers with an interest in action movies, World War II history, or even film history and tropes, and who are not overly sensitive to violence, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare could be an engaging watch. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and tolerance for movie violence when making a decision.
