Let's be honest, we are all here for Henry Cavill. We exist for him, the world exists for him, it's his playground, give the man the keys. So of course I went to this movie for him, and he did not disappoint. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is based on the true story of Operation Postmaster and the covert group who undertook the operation. The story is almost too ludicrous to believe, so I'll let the movie explain the plot. Though it does take a lot of liberties with history, the basic story of what happened is (mostly) true. The action is good, the acting is fine, and Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson are even more fine, so lets dig in.
The Boys
The movie is pretty much half spy movie half WWII Tarantinoesque war film. The spy half has the beautiful Eiza Gonzalez, and the movie lets her do PLENTY, but the real thrill is da boys. Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson steal each scene they are in. They are handsome, savage, cool, and other good adjectives all rolled into one pretty ball. The other members of Cavill's band are meh, but that's fine since I'm assuming a lot of the budget went to casting Cavill and Ritchson. Honestly the movie is worth seeing just for their two efforts (and faces) alone.
The Action
The scenes during the day are awesome. The first big action scene is brilliant, and has just the right amount of bow and arrow WWI deaths. Ritchson steals every action scene, just as Cavill steals every bit of dialogue. Honestly this movie alone makes me want to go watch Reacher to go see Ritchson in action...again. The night scenes (obviously) are a bit harder to make out what's going on, but I'm sure it was spectacular. Honestly it was a pretty good decision to add the daylight battle, as it really highlighted Ritchie's ability to direct a hell of a battle scene. The night battle had to happen because of the (mostly true) story attached to it, but it being so so dark made it kind of hard to see what was going on. Again, the lights being out is part of the story, but for that last battle it was very Battle of Winterfell.
The History
The true story this movie is based on really is unbelievable. The movie mostly gets the concept right, while obviously adding some more gory/dramatic details to keep you engaged. The finale is mostly correct too. I don't want to ruin any part of the story because it really is ludicrous, and a main part of what makes this movie good is the history behind it. So as you are watching the final act you can be that friend everyone loves and say "Did you know this is based on a true story?" to the person sitting next to you.
Summary
Led by an excellent cast, this Guy Ritchie WWII movie delivers quality action, a mostly accurate history lesson, and hot hunks, what else can you ask for?
Score: 7/10