All about Guy Ritchie’s new Hollywood film ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’ which will be released in the UAE this week

With his latest film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, inspired by a real World War II mission, director Guy Ritchie aims to highlight a historically significant event, while making it entertaining.

The film is a fictional account of Operation Postmaster, a 1941–42 raid on German and Italian ships off the coast of West Africa, carried out by a commando unit formed by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Special Operations Director, a group of military personnel. Officials including author Ian Fleming.

Based on the novel by Damian Lewis and declassified files from the British War Office, the film shows Major Gus March-Phillips, played by Henry Cavill, leading his team of misfits to fight the Nazis with what are considered “rude” warfare tactics.

“In typical Guy Ritchie fashion, this is a bit of an exaggeration of this story,” Cavill said in an interview.

The 40-year-old British actor said: “So, this is the edited, more exciting version of the story, which still represents these characters for who they are, who are incredibly brave and heroic individuals.”

“What we wanted was fun,” Ritchie said. “I make films for myself as much as I make them for anyone else. If I’m not having fun, I suspect other people won’t be having fun. So that was my main mission.”

Ritchie, who co-wrote the script, said the operation “changed the face of how wars were fought afterwards.”

“The reason we have the Navy SEALs and the SEALs and so on is because the genesis of it all was from this mission. I think that’s the genesis of the whole Bond principle,” Ritchie said.

“Ian Fleming was always pressing my character, Gubbins, to tell this story. And because of the Official Secrets Act, Gubbins couldn’t do that. So, Fleming then decided that I would tell these stories through James Bond,” said Cary Elwes, who plays The role of Brigadier Gubbins, “M”: “So, we’re really seeing the birth of Bond through this story.”

Speculation has recently been rife about who will take over the role of James Bond instead of Daniel Craig in the film.

Both Cavill and Golding have appeared on lists of potential successors.

“Whatever happens, I’m looking, as a fan of Bond and this whole franchise, if we get more movies, it will be a win-win for everyone. That’s all we want,” Golding said.

Film producer Jerry Bruckheimer said the film was filmed in Turkey, and in between filming, Richie organized picnics and barbecues for the cast and crew.

“It’s like going to summer camp and working with Jay,” Bruckheimer said.

“The guy will cook for you, he’s a great chef,” Elwes said.

“Yes, he’s just a collector. He loves collecting people,” added actress Eiza González, who plays Agent Marjorie Stewart, who also credited Ritchie for allowing her to showcase her singing skills in the film.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare will be shown in UAE cinemas starting April 19.