The King's Man - The Kingsman

Introduction

The King’s Man is a 2021 spy action film that serves as a prequel to the Kingsman film series. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Karl Gajdusek, the film is based on the comic book series The Secret Service by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. Produced by Vaughn, David Reid, and Adam Bohling, The King’s Man delves into the origins of the Kingsman spy organization, offering a unique blend of historical fiction, action, and espionage.

The film was initially scheduled for release in 2019 but faced several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It finally premiered on December 22, 2021. What sets The King’s Man apart is its ambitious attempt to weave historical events, such as the Second Boer War and World War I, into its narrative, creating a rich and complex storyline that explores the genesis of the Kingsman organization.

Plot Summary

The plot of The King’s Man begins in 1902, near the end of the Second Boer War, where British aristocrat Orlando, Duke of Oxford, his wife Emily, and their young son Conrad are working for the British Red Cross in South Africa. A sniper attack on their camp results in Emily’s death, and before she dies, she makes Orlando promise to keep their son away from war.

Twelve years later, Orlando has established a private spy network with his servants, butler Shola and maid Polly Wilkins. Conrad, now eager to join the British Army, is forbidden by his father, who also persuades Secretary of State for War Lord Kitchener to prevent Conrad’s enlistment. The story takes a critical turn when Conrad discovers that Grigori Rasputin is manipulating Russian Tsar Nicholas II, leading to Russia’s potential withdrawal from the war. This revelation prompts Conrad to deliver this information to Kitchener and his aide-de-camp Major Max Morton, but their mission is thwarted when their ship, HMS Hampshire, is torpedoed and sunk.

Orlando, along with Shola, Polly, and Conrad, travels to Russia to kill Rasputin, which they successfully accomplish at a Christmas party hosted by Prince Felix Yusupov. However, Conrad’s life is cut short when he is mistakenly identified as a German spy and killed during a mission in no man’s land.

The film’s second half follows Orlando’s grief and his subsequent quest to uncover the truth behind the Zimmermann Telegram and to prevent the United States from being blackmailed into staying out of the war. This leads him to confront Mata Hari and eventually the mastermind behind the plot, revealed to be Major Max Morton, who had faked his own death. Orlando and Shola ultimately kill Morton, and Polly recovers the incriminating film, which is delivered to President Wilson, leading the United States to enter World War I.

The film concludes with Orlando purchasing the Kingsman Tailor Shop as a front for his spy organization, marking the beginning of the Kingsman legacy. The original members, including Orlando, Shola, Polly, King George V, and the US Ambassador to the UK, are assigned codenames from the King Arthur legend in honor of Conrad.

Themes and Symbolism

The King’s Man explores several central themes that add depth and complexity to its narrative. One of the primary themes is the struggle between duty and personal desire. This is exemplified through Conrad’s eagerness to join the war despite his father’s promise to his mother, highlighting the conflict between familial obligations and personal ambitions.

The film also delves into the theme of sacrifice, particularly through the characters of Conrad and Rasputin. Conrad’s ultimate sacrifice underscores the brutal reality of war, while Rasputin’s manipulation and eventual death symbolize the darker aspects of power and influence.

Another significant theme is the clash of cultures and the impact of colonialism. The film portrays the British aristocracy’s involvement in global conflicts and their interactions with other cultures, such as the Russian royal family and the American government. This theme is further emphasized through the character of Polly Wilkins, who transitions from a maid to a key figure in the spy network, symbolizing the breaking of social barriers.

The symbolic elements in the film are also noteworthy. The use of historical figures like Rasputin and events such as the sinking of the HMS Hampshire adds a layer of authenticity and historical significance. The character of Mata Hari, known for her espionage activities, serves as a symbol of the complexities of female roles in wartime. The film’s conclusion, where the original Kingsmen are formed, symbolizes the birth of a new era in espionage and the legacy that will continue through the series.

Cultural Impact

The King’s Man has had a notable cultural impact since its release. The film’s unique blend of historical fiction and action has resonated with audiences, particularly those familiar with the Kingsman series. The movie’s use of real historical events and figures has sparked interest in the period, encouraging viewers to explore the history behind the narrative.

The film’s influence on popular culture is evident in its reception and subsequent viewership. Despite mixed critical reviews, The King’s Man grossed $126 million worldwide and became the most-watched film across all platforms in the United States during its first week of streaming in February 2022 ^[1][5].

Critical Reception

The King’s Man received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 41% based on 181 reviews, with a critical consensus that describes it as "tonally confused" and descending into "action thriller tedium" ^[1].

However, audience reception was more positive. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, and 77% of audience members gave it a positive score, with 60% saying they would definitely recommend it ^[1].

The film’s critical reception highlights the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with the demands of an action-packed spy thriller. While some critics praised Ralph Fiennes’ performance, others found the film’s tone inconsistent and the narrative overly complex.

Legacy

The King’s Man has secured its place in the cinematic history of the Kingsman series, providing a rich and detailed origin story that enhances the overall narrative arc of the franchise. The film’s ambitious attempt to integrate historical events into its storyline has set a precedent for future films in the series, encouraging a more nuanced and historically informed approach to storytelling.

The enduring relevance of The King’s Man lies in its ability to blend action, drama, and historical fiction seamlessly. The film continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, offering a unique perspective on the origins of espionage and the complexities of global conflicts.

As part of the Kingsman franchise, The King’s Man contributes to a larger narrative that explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the evolution of espionage. Its legacy is not only in its standalone story but also in how it enriches the broader universe of the Kingsman films.