Share

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

accreditation
Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer in The Man from U.N.C.L.E (Warner Bros)
Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer in The Man from U.N.C.L.E (Warner Bros)

OUR RATING

5/5 Stars

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:

Against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin are forced to put aside longstanding hostilities. The two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organisation that’s bent on destabilising the fragile balance of power by proliferating nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only key to infiltrating the criminal organisation is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, and they must race against time to find the scientist and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

WHAT WE THOUGHT:

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is the ultimate gentleman’s flick packed with action and oozing sex appeal. Guy Ritchie’s 1960’s spy movie is slick without ever trying too hard.

The film focuses on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) who have to participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organisation.

The baddies are working hard to proliferate nuclear weapons. To stop them, the reluctant duo will need the help of Gaby (Alicia Vikander) whose scientist dad is being forced to build the nuclear technology.

The whole plotline unfolds immaculately dressed up in perfectly tailored suits with some of the best dressed characters we’ve seen on the big screen in years. Throw in the good looks of the leads and you’ve got a winning recipe.

Of course no film can survive solely on the physical attributes of its main characters – but it would be naïve not to admit that it does indeed play a role. The chiseled features of the Man of Steel’s Cavill and the piercing blue eyes of Mr. Hammer alongside the sultry seduction of the flawless Vikander is a deadly weapon.

Luckily for us there’s a lot more to the film. The plot of this TV reboot reads like any good Mission Impossible/James Bond action movie – the only difference being that this one comes packaged in a windowpane suit with an added pocket square or two to add flare.

The heavy theme of the film is made more digestible to a larger audience with a subtle humorous undertone that really makes The Man from U.N.C.L.E. an absolute pleasure to watch.

Film critics have bashed the flick for being boring but this bespoke gem requires a deeper love for the finer things in life. If Mission Impossible is the steak, then Man from U.N.C.L.E. is the truffle infused mushroom risotto.

Rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth with this well-tailored Ritchie-tour-de-force.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE