Kingsman: The Golden Circle - The Kingsman

Introduction

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a 2017 British spy action comedy film that serves as the sequel to the 2014 hit Kingsman: The Secret Service. Directed by Matthew Vaughn and written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman, the film is based on the Millarworld comic book series by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. This sequel continues the adventures of the Kingsman intelligence service, this time delving into a global crisis that necessitates an alliance with their American counterpart, Statesman.

The film was produced by several notable companies and distributed by 20th Century Fox. With a budget of $104 million, Kingsman: The Golden Circle went on to gross $410.9 million worldwide, making it a commercial success despite receiving mixed reviews from critics ^[1][2][5].

What sets Kingsman: The Golden Circle apart within its genre is its unique blend of high-stakes espionage, witty humor, and a satirical take on both British and American cultures. The film features an ensemble cast, including Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, and Julianne Moore, among others, which adds to its appeal and complexity.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle premiered in London on 18 September 2017 and was theatrically released in the United Kingdom on 20 September 2017. The film’s release marked a significant event in the spy comedy genre, offering a fresh and entertaining take on the traditional spy film formula ^[1][2][5].

Plot Summary

The plot of Kingsman: The Golden Circle picks up a year after the events of the first film. Gary "Eggsy" Unwin, now officially a Kingsman agent under the codename "Galahad," is ambushed by Charlie Hesketh, a former Kingsman trainee who was severely injured during the Valentine incident. Charlie’s cybernetic arm hacks into the Kingsman database, leading to a devastating missile attack that destroys the Kingsman headquarters and eliminates all its agents in Britain, except for Eggsy and Merlin, the tech support specialist ^[1][2][5].

Following the Kingsman emergency protocol, Eggsy and Merlin seek out their American counterparts, Statesman, who operate under the guise of a Bourbon whiskey distillery in Kentucky. There, they discover that Harry Hart, Eggsy’s mentor, has survived his previous shooting thanks to Statesman’s nanotechnology but is suffering from amnesia. The two agencies form an alliance to take down the Golden Circle, a powerful drug cartel led by the eccentric and ruthless Poppy Adams ^[1][2].

The mission involves infiltrating the Golden Circle’s operations, which leads Eggsy and his new Statesman partner, Whiskey, to various locations including the Italian Alps and Poppy’s lair in Cambodia. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including internal conflicts within Statesman and the moral complexities of their mission. The climax of the film involves a dramatic confrontation at Poppy’s lair, where Merlin sacrifices himself to save his colleagues, and Eggsy and Harry ultimately defeat Poppy and her henchmen. However, they are interrupted by Whiskey, who reveals a sinister motive to eliminate all drug users, leading to a final showdown that results in Whiskey’s death and the deployment of antidote-carrying drones to save the world’s drug victims ^[1][2].

Themes and Symbolism

Kingsman: The Golden Circle explores several central themes that enrich its narrative and resonate with audiences. One of the primary themes is the intersection of culture and identity, particularly the contrast between British and American cultures. The film parodies both cultures, using humor and satire to highlight their differences and similarities. The introduction of Statesman, with its cowboy-like agents and Southern drawls, serves as a mirror to the refined, upper-class British agents of Kingsman, emphasizing the comedic and cultural clashes between the two ^[3][4].

Another significant theme is the critique of toxic masculinity and the moral ambiguities of espionage. The film delves into the personal struggles of its characters, especially Eggsy and Harry, as they navigate their roles as spies and confront their own vulnerabilities. The character of Whiskey, with his extreme views on drug users, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, questioning the morality of actions taken in the name of justice ^[5].

The film also explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the consequences of power. The bond between Eggsy and Harry is a central element, as is the sacrifice made by Merlin to save his colleagues. These elements underscore the human side of the characters, making the film more than just an action-packed spy comedy ^[1][2].

Cultural Impact

Kingsman: The Golden Circle had a notable cultural impact upon its release. The film’s blend of action, humor, and satire resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its commercial success. The introduction of Statesman as the American counterpart to Kingsman added a new layer to the franchise, allowing for cross-cultural humor and commentary that was both entertaining and thought-provoking ^[3][4].

The film’s reception was mixed, with some critics praising its entertainment value and others criticizing its handling of cultural stereotypes and its reliance on CGI and cartoonish violence. Despite these criticisms, Kingsman: The Golden Circle has become a staple in the spy comedy genre, influencing subsequent films and TV shows with its unique blend of humor and high-stakes action ^[3][5].

The film also sparked discussions about cultural appropriation and the portrayal of different cultures in media. Some critics felt that the film’s take on American culture was clumsy and stereotypical, while others appreciated the humor and satire involved in these portrayals ^[3][4].

Critical Reception

Kingsman: The Golden Circle received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release. While many praised the film’s action sequences, humor, and performances, others found it to be overly long and suffering from "sequel bloat." Critics noted that the film’s attempt to parody American culture felt less nuanced compared to its predecessor’s take on British culture ^[3][5].

The film’s use of CGI and its depiction of violence were also points of contention. Some critics felt that the film’s reliance on these elements detracted from its overall quality, making it feel more like a cartoon than a grounded spy film ^[5].

Despite these criticisms, the film maintained a strong fan base and contributed to the ongoing success of the Kingsman franchise. The film’s commercial success and its ability to entertain audiences have solidified its place as a notable entry in the spy comedy genre ^[1][2][5].

Legacy

Kingsman: The Golden Circle continues to be relevant in the cinematic landscape, influencing both filmmakers and audiences. The film’s unique blend of action, humor, and satire has set a benchmark for spy comedies, and its impact can be seen in subsequent films and TV shows that have followed in its footsteps.

The success of Kingsman: The Golden Circle also paved the way for further entries in the franchise, including the prequel The King’s Man and the crossover film Argylle. The franchise’s ability to evolve and adapt while maintaining its core elements has ensured its enduring popularity ^[1][2].

In conclusion, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is a significant film within the spy comedy genre, offering a fresh take on traditional espionage narratives. Its blend of action, humor, and satire, along with its exploration of cultural and moral themes, has made it a memorable and impactful film that continues to resonate with audiences.