July 26th 2024.
Guy Ritchie's new star-studded film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" features a special tribute to Sir Sean Connery's James Bond, thanks to its intriguing connection to the iconic 007 franchise. Although it may not be immediately noticeable, the nod to Britain's greatest fictional spy is a subtle yet satisfying one, and we'll give you the inside scoop.
Based on recently declassified files from the British War Department during World War Two, the film tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed under the order of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. After its release in the US back in April, British audiences have eagerly awaited the chance to experience this uniquely British tale, and now the wait is finally over with the film's release on Prime Video on July 25th.
The Special Operations Executive, or SOE, was a top-secret combat unit that carried out espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in German-occupied Europe to aid the resistance. Among the military individuals involved was Ian Fleming, the creator and author of James Bond, who worked for Britain's Naval Intelligence Division. In "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," Fleming is portrayed by Freddie Fox.
The film also features other real-life figures from the SOE, including Gus March-Phillipps, Geoffrey Appleyard, Henry Hayes, and Alan Ritchson as Anders Lassen. But it's Ritchson, known for his role in the "Reacher" series, who plays a Danish officer and Victoria Cross recipient named Lassen. And it's thanks to him that the film incorporates a special 007 reference in honor of Fleming.
The movie's military consultant, Paul Biddiss, worked closely with director Guy Ritchie, producer and second unit director Max Keene, and the cast to ensure they convincingly portrayed their roles and the film's story. Biddiss, who has also worked with acclaimed filmmakers like Sir Ridley Scott and Sir Sam Mendes, used his research and expertise to suggest the right weapons and devices for the film, including some that tie in with Fleming's work.
Fleming had wanted to write about the SOE missions, but he was not allowed. So, he found a way around it by incorporating them into his James Bond novels. As Biddiss shares, "Some of the gadgets you see in some of the early James Bonds were gadgets that were used by the SOE." To make the film even more authentic, Biddiss suggested using weapons and devices that were historically accurate for the time period, like the Sten guns, Sterling submachine guns, and suppressors that were being developed.
But not everything in the film is 100% historically accurate, and that's where creative interpretation comes in. Biddiss, who served in the British Army for 24 years, understands the balance between staying true to history and making an entertaining movie. He previously worked with Ritchie on "Wrath of Man" and "The Gentlemen," and he appreciates the director's style and vision.
For "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare," Biddiss initially thought the film would be a serious take on the story, but as they dove deeper into the project, he realized it was more of a tongue-in-cheek caper - a classic Guy Ritchie film featuring "soldier gangsters." He enjoyed the opportunity to work on the film, even though it may not be completely historically accurate. As he says, "We are making movies, we're not making documentaries. Sometimes there's going to be some artistic license."
And while there may be purists who are unhappy with the film's creative liberties, Biddiss has not received any backlash for his work on "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." He hopes that audiences will appreciate the film's blend of history and entertainment and enjoy the special tribute to James Bond and Ian Fleming. "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is now available to stream exclusively on Prime Video.
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