The comic book adaptation “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was a surprise hit and led to a sequel. Now the prequel is running on RTL – a crazy film full of historical references.
An elite secret service hidden behind a fine tailor’s shop in London’s famous Savile Row was the focus of the colorful action spectacle “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. The over-the-top comic book adaptation by director Matthew Vaughn with Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson was a surprise hit in 2014. The star-studded sequel from 2017 with Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry and Jeff Bridges was not quite as well received. In 2021, Vaughn released the prequel with a completely new cast. “The King’s Man – The Beginning” is now also running on free TV on Sunday – at 8:15 p.m. on RTL.
Ralph Fiennes plays the lead role of the agent. He is the Duke of Oxford, a rich English aristocrat. Shortly before his wife’s death, he promised her that their son Conrad would not experience war. But years later, Oxford and Conrad (Harris Dickinson) become involved in a dangerous conspiracy against the backdrop of the First World War. No more will be revealed here, because “The King’s Man” is full of surprises.
As is usual with other “Kingsman” films, the prequel is also quite bloody and at times a little unsavory. The strange and at times confusing story combines comic fiction with historical events and people. Vaughn and his co-author, the former “Stranger Things” showrunner Karl Gajdusek, take a lot of artistic liberties, which is quite amusing.
This includes Oxford’s encounter with the Russian monk and itinerant preacher Rasputin (brilliant: Rhys Ifans). Because he manipulates the Russian Tsar Nicholas II as a member of a mysterious terrorist organization, Rasputin is to be killed with a poisoned cake. Something similar is said to have happened to the legendary real Rasputin. However, he must have had a strong stomach. Fight and dance scenes, accompanied by the Russian folk classic “Kalinka”, are among the highlights of the fast-paced film.
Like the other two “Kingsman” films, “The King’s Man” also relies on its strong cast. Former Bond girl Gemma Arterton and Djimon Hounsou are Orlando’s allies. Tom Hollander takes on three roles – as Tsar Nicholas, British King George V and German Emperor Wilhelm II. The three are direct cousins in this story, but in reality the family relationships were a little more complicated.
There are also several German stars. Daniel Brühl shines as Jan Erik Hanussen, who influences Kaiser Wilhelm. Hanussen was a famous con man who later cooperated with the National Socialists despite his Jewish roots. August Diehl plays the Russian revolutionary leader Lenin, a villain of course. Alexandra Maria Lara can be seen in a small role. And David Kross has a very special short appearance that leaves a lasting impression.
There have been a lot of prequels and so-called “origin stories” of well-known film series recently, but many of them have been disappointing. Nobody needs forced backstories with answers to questions that nobody has asked. “The King’s Man – The Beginning” is refreshingly different because the story is original, exciting and full of surprises, instead of being too closely based on the existing films.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
