Available today on Blu-ray, Ultra 4K and DVD, as well as previously released on digital, is the prequel to the Kingsman movie franchise, called The King’s Man.
The King’s Man stars Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickenson, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, and Djimon Hounsou.
The King’s Man is the prequel to the other two films in the movie franchise, which provides you with the backstory to the Kingsman.
In this film, viewers learn about the origins of the Kingsman agency.
Orlando (Fiennes), his wife Emily (Alexandra Maria Lara) and their young son Conrad (Dickenson, but as a youth played by Alexander Shaw), travel to South Africa on a diplomatic mission. They get ambushed and Orlando’s wife is killed. Before she dies, she has him make a promise to her that he keeps their son away from any kind of violence. He agrees.
Fast forward to Conrad’s teen years. World War I has broke out, and Conrad wants to join the military. Knowing he promised his wife before she died to keep him safe and away from violence, Orlando let’s Conrad in on the fact that he runs a secret network alongside their housekeeper Polly (Arterton) and bodyguard Shola (Hounsou) that work for him as part of an organization of international servants that spy on their employers in hopes of keeping peace. He also wants Conrad to join them on a secret mission.
While trying to help keep world peace, Orlando’s son does manage to enlist in the British Army, which goes against his late wife’s wishes. Even with King George doing his best to ensure Orlando’s son doesn’t get near the front lines, Conrad still manages to end up where his father doesn’t want him to be.
Orlando finds himself trying to protect his son, and the world, at the same time. That is certainly no easy task. Is he willing to risk the peace of the world for his son, or vice versa? To find out, check out The King’s Man, now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD.
If you purchase the Blu-ray or DVD, there is some bonus content you might want to check out (I saw a digital screener of the film).
Bonus Features*
- The King’s Man: The Great Game Begins Documentary
- A Generation Lost – Discover how the filmmakers created a richly textured story that explores the origins of the Kingsman spy organization.
- Oxfords and Rogues – Meet the phenomenal new cast of characters Matthew Vaughn has assembled.
- All the World’s a Stage – Delve into the meticulous world-building of THE KING’S MAN with interviews, on-location footage, artwork, and details of on-set construction and design.
- Instruments of War – Experience the analog spy tech and early 20th century weaponry utilized in THE KING’S MAN and see a breakdown of the precise execution and evolution of the major stunts and combat in the film.
- Fortune Favors the Bold – Join Matthew Vaughn and his team for music scoring and sound design.
- Long Live the Kingsman – Cast and crew reveal their thoughts about their collective journey through the very special experience of making THE KING’S MAN.
- Featurettes
- No Man’s Land – Experience the creative process behind the harrowing knife battle sequence in several stages: rehearsals, storyboards, interviews and on-set footage, culminating with the atmospheric VFX.
- Remembrance and Finding Purpose – Learn about amazing organizations such as The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes, two U.K.-based resources for recovery, well-being and employment for military veterans. Also hear why Matthew Vaughn strongly supports their mission.
*bonus features vary by product and retailer
I’ve only seen one of the previous films in this franchise, Kingsman: The Secret Service. I never got around to seeing the second film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
I’m still “on the fence” as to whether or not you need to be familiar with the movie franchise in order to appreciate this film, or it’s okay as a “stand alone” film? My husband hasn’t seen either of the prior films, but he watched this film with me and he said he was totally confused as to what was going on. Then again, I don’t think he was fully watching this film to begin with (he was doing work on his computer at the same time).
One thing about this film is that it weaves throughout actual historical figures like Tsar Nicholas, Grigori Rasputin, King George and of course there was a World War 1. So this film is part history, part a made up story line. I guess if you are really into world history, you’ll really have a better appreciation for this film.
This film doesn’t seem to run in the same vein as the other two films in the franchise. There are bits and pieces reminiscent of the other two films, but overall it felt more like an entirely different film this time around. I don’t know if that was the vibe the film makers were going for or not. It also didn’t have the same kind of action as the first two films.
I’m not a fan of ANY war films. I just find them bothersome, and I honestly don’t know why. Even films like Platoon, The Hurt Locker, and Saving Private Ryan – Academy Award winning films – I can’t watch. I just don’t like war related films. For that reason, I had a hard time watching parts of this film. I did because I was reviewing this film, but honestly I probably would have skipped over those parts, or closed my eyes.
The acting in this film was great. I think all the actors did a wonderful job. There is a great cast of actors in this film (Fiennes, Arterton, Hounsou,,,). I just think that the issues I’m having with the film are more so to do with the story it’s self. I just feel like it wasn’t the same as the previous films. I would have liked it to be more like the other two films as far as the action sequences. Even the other two films had some humor to them, where as I honestly didn’t find anything truly funny about this film.
Rasputin is my favorite character in this film. Ifans did an OUTSTANDING job. Not only is he a character you “love to hate,” but he was REALLY creepy. I love it!
Out of the three films in the franchise, this would be my least favorite. But that is just me and MY opinion. Other people might think it’s the best in the franchise. A review is just one person’s opinion and not meant to be a general consensus. As my mom used to always tell me, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.” That means just because someone likes/dislikes something doesn’t mean that another person won’t love/hate the same thing.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. Its says it’s in theaters, but this trailer is from last year. It’s no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.