Witness the bloody origin.|Dec. 21, 2021|United Kingdom|131 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Adventure;Thriller
Description: “The King’s Man” is a 2022 film that serves as a prequel to the popular “Kingsman” series. The storyline takes viewers back to the origins of the independent spy agency, Kingsman, which was established by aristocrats during World War I. The film intertwines the creation of this secret organization with a fictionalized account of the events that sparked the global conflict.
The narrative begins with the Duke of Oxford, played by Ralph Fiennes, and his son Conrad witnessing the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo—a pivotal moment that triggers the war. The assassin, Gavrilo Princip, is part of a mysterious group of individuals plotting global chaos from a secret mountain hideout, reminiscent of SPECTRE in James Bond. This shadowy cabal includes infamous historical figures like Rasputin and Vladimir Lenin.
While the first film in the series, “The Secret Service,” was praised for its balance of humor, action, and suspense, and the sequel, “The Golden Circle,” leaned heavily into exaggerated comedy, “The King’s Man” takes a darker, more serious tone. It delves into the grim realities of trench warfare and lacks the charismatic charm of Taron Egerton’s character from the earlier films.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the prequel explores themes of leadership, loyalty, and the turbulent events of WWI. Although it offers an intriguing backstory for the Kingsman organization, some critics argue that the film struggles to maintain the same level of entertainment and originality as its predecessors.
Overall, “The King’s Man” blends historical drama with espionage, providing fans of the franchise with a deeper understanding of the Kingsman legacy while offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the agency.
Cast director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast actor: Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, Charles Dance, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Original name: The King’s Man