The King’s Man

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 22, 2021

Genre
Action, Adventure, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Ralph Fiennes as Orlando, Duke of Oxford
• Harris Dickinson as Conrad
• Gemma Arterton as Polly
• Djimon Hounsou as Shola
• Rhys Ifans as Grigori Rasputin
• Matthew Goode as Captain Morton
• Tom Hollander as King George / Kaiser Wilhelm / Tsar Nicholas

Director
Matthew Vaughn

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
• Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
• X-Men: First Class (2011)
• Kick-Ass (2010)

Producer
Matthew Vaughn
David Reid
Adam Bohling

Writer
Matthew Vaughn
Karl Gajdusek

Budget
$100 million

Production Company
20th Century Studios
Marv Studios

Running Time
131 minutes

Languages
English (Original), with multiple dubbed and subtitled versions available

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language
• Some sexual content

Movie Story
The King’s Man serves as a prequel to the Kingsman series, exploring the origins of the secret intelligence agency during the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the film follows Orlando, Duke of Oxford (Ralph Fiennes), a pacifist aristocrat who is reluctantly drawn into the world of espionage to prevent a global catastrophe orchestrated by a shadowy cabal of villains.

The story begins with Orlando and his son Conrad (Harris Dickinson) living a relatively peaceful life, despite the looming threat of war. However, when Conrad expresses his desire to fight for his country, Orlando is forced to confront his own past and the violence that once surrounded him. Their journey leads them to assemble a group of skilled allies, including the sharp-shooting Polly (Gemma Arterton) and the loyal but deadly Shola (Djimon Hounsou), to thwart the plans of the nefarious Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) and his fellow conspirators.

As they unravel the conspiracy, the film delves into the historical events of the time, intertwining them with the fictional narrative. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Russian Revolution, and the political machinations of the era all play crucial roles in the story. Vaughn balances these historical elements with the over-the-top action and stylistic flourishes that the Kingsman series is known for. The film is a mix of intense combat sequences, witty banter, and emotional moments, particularly in the father-son dynamic between Orlando and Conrad.

The film also explores the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the consequences of war, as Orlando grapples with the loss of loved ones and the heavy burden of leadership. Despite his pacifist ideals, he realizes that sometimes violence is necessary to protect the greater good. The narrative builds up to a climactic battle that tests the mettle of the newly formed Kingsman organization and sets the stage for the creation of the agency seen in the later films.

Special Effects
The special effects in The King’s Man are a standout, with the film featuring elaborate set pieces that blend historical accuracy with the stylized action for which the series is known. The combat sequences, particularly the sword fights and hand-to-hand combat, are choreographed with precision and flair, showcasing the characters’ skills in a visually dynamic way. The use of CGI is seamless, particularly in recreating historical locations and events, which adds depth to the film’s period setting.

Box Office Performance
The King’s Man faced a challenging release due to the ongoing pandemic but still managed to gross over $125 million worldwide. While it did not perform as strongly as its predecessors, the film was appreciated for its unique take on the Kingsman franchise, offering a mix of action and historical intrigue.

Filming Locations

• Turin, Italy
• London, England
• Salisbury Plain, England
• Venaria Reale, Turin, Italy

Notable Quotes

• “Reputation is what people think of you. Character is what you are.” – Orlando
• “The world is ruled by corruption and greed, and we must be prepared to fight it.” – Polly
• “I only make decisions when my stomach is full or my balls are empty.” – Rasputin

Behind-the-Scenes
Matthew Vaughn brought his signature style to The King’s Man, blending historical events with the series’ trademark action and humor. The cast underwent extensive training for the film’s intricate fight scenes, with Ralph Fiennes performing many of his own stunts. The film’s period costumes and set designs were meticulously crafted to reflect the early 20th century, adding authenticity to the film’s historical elements.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling at the 2022 Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards
• Nominated for Best Stunt Ensemble at the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Final Verdict
The King’s Man is a compelling and stylish addition to the Kingsman franchise, offering fans a deeper look into the origins of the secret agency. With a strong performance from Ralph Fiennes and a blend of historical drama and high-octane action, the film delivers both thrills and substance. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it’s an entertaining and thoughtful prequel that adds depth to the Kingsman universe.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10