Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023)

[Pieter V]

Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) Blu-ray

[An4h0ny]

Think I'm gonna see this one.

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...this might be the most atypical Guy Ritchie film to date. Sure, there’s a certain numbing familiarity to American military dudes exchanging mock-gay banter as if the very notion of queerness in uniform is hilarious, and the dialogue in the script by Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies indulges in one or two Big Noble Speeches. But for the most part, the project shows a new maturity, avoiding the glib facetiousness and tricksy plotting that have so often been part of the Ritchie stamp.

What’s surprising about The Covenant is that the usual gung-ho American military bravery is mostly downplayed to focus on the strategic backup provided by on-the-ground interpreters, who risked being branded as infidels, ostracized by their compatriots and tagged for Taliban reprisals.

Shot by Ed Wild in the mountainous landscapes of Alicante, Spain, the movie has a big, muscular look, with lots of expansive drone shots to isolate the characters in vast stretches of hostile territory. Without over-relying on the visual cliché of handheld agitation, the camerawork is nimble and exciting in both the central gunfight and the climactic clash at a dam designated as the safest extraction point. (Wild cites the late British conflict-zone photojournalist Tim Hetherington’s work as an inspiration.)

Ritchie and his regular editor James Herbert maintain a steady but propulsive pace over the two-hour duration, pushed along by a suspenseful score from Chris Benstead that makes evocative use of dissonant strings.

Gyllenhaal and Iraq-born Danish actor Salim are well matched in what’s at heart a two-man show, resulting in a solid, satisfying war thriller that spreads its attention evenly between hellish combat and resilient humanity. [+]

[samlop10]

Grade: A

Watched this tonight and what a great film. I’m surprised at the mild marketing I’ve seen so far given this is a very solid action film with great acting, excellent filmmaking, and a really good story to boot. The themes of brotherhood and loyalty are something I hadn’t seen in a while and it was a really pleasant surprise. There’s a lot of deep emotion here without skimping on the action, thrills, or story-telling. It recalls films like Lone Survivor and 13 Hours, but I would say this is superior to both of them thanks to a better script. Perhaps they didn’t market it as much because of the political climate, but I think the film more than overcomes that apprehension and it more than justifies a big theatrical release not only because it’s just great storytelling, but also due to characters’ sense of service and loyalty. It’s exciting, heartwarming (for lack of a better word) and satisfying despite the loss and realism with which the combat, and the effects of being in combat have on the soldiers and their families, is portrayed and conveyed. Highly, highly recommended if you like war films, or just great action/thrillers in general.

[Monterey Jack]

Great movie. See it in a theater!

[Doomhunter]

I thought beards weren’t allowed in the military, or am I wrong?

[ravenus]

Originally Posted by Doomhunter

I thought beards weren’t allowed in the military, or am I wrong?

Even if so, it would be hard to shave everyday if you're on an op in the rugged Afghan mountains.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by Doomhunter

I thought beards weren’t allowed in the military, or am I wrong?

Generally speaking, beards are not permitted. Special Operations were granted a bit more leeway. It also helped them blend in easier.

A few members from the Lone Survivor team/Operation Red Wings

[BluBonnet]

I was pretty blown away by this (no pun intended) and hope it gets at least a little bit of recognition come awards season (though I won't be surprised if they just ignored it).

Guess it's mostly for legal reasons, the movie carries the usual "all characters are fiction" disclaimer at the end of the credits, even though the photos that are shown over the start of the end credits would very much suggest it is closely based on a real story?

In any case, it is a compelling story, effectively told, that really makes you feel for all of the folks from Afghanistan who served as interpreters for US and European troops.

[Pieter V]

Amazon.com

[MifuneFan]

This was a really excellent film. Great story, and performances from Gyllenhaal, and Salim. I loved the intense score for the film too. I agree with others, if you can see this in theaters, do it.

[50strat54]

Fantastic film.

[emailking]

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

Great movie. See it in a theater!

because of sound effects?

[Monterey Jack]

Originally Posted by emailking

because of sound effects?

Because all great movies should be seen in a theater if at all possible.

[Mandalorian]

I haven't seen Operation Fortune, but his other three post-Aladdin movies have been great.

[50strat54]

Originally Posted by Mandalorian

I haven't seen Operation Fortune, but his other three post-Aladdin movies have been great.

Yes, but not Operation Fortune in my opinion.

[Pieter V]

Cover:



Digital release is tomorrow.

[weberrygt]

Really good movie. Compelling story that kept me engaged. Loved when that Angel showed up.

[edmonddantes]

critics seem to hate Ritchie, not sure how this is doing in rotten tomatoes, but I doubt it'll be ever considered for awards.

Ive liked most of his films, even the king arthur one that everyone else thought it was shit, to me it was great entertainment.

[tehill]

No 4K?

[steve_dave]

Originally Posted by tehill

No 4K?

From MGM? Of a new to video non-franchise title?

Nah.