The King’s Man (2021), directed by Matthew Vaughn, serves as a prequel to the Kingsman films (Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle). It explores the origins of the spy organization against the backdrop of World War I, mixing real history with exaggerated action, conspiracies, and some good old-fashioned Kingsman flair.
Detailed Summary
The Birth of a Secret Service
The film begins with Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes), a British aristocrat who has sworn off violence after the death of his wife. He promises to raise his son, Conrad (Harris Dickinson), in safety, away from the chaos of war. But of course, history has other plans.
The Looming War
World War I begins brewing, and the film introduces its main villains: a secret cabal led by a mysterious figure known only as “The Shepherd.” This group manipulates global leaders and plots to extend the war for their own gain. Among its members are famous historical figures like Rasputin (Rhys Ifans), who is as eccentric and deadly as he is bizarre.
Rasputin and the Oxfords
Orlando and Conrad infiltrate Rasputin’s world in one of the movie’s most outrageous sequences. A mix of sword fighting, ballet, and poison, this battle is as absurd as it is entertaining. Rasputin is eventually killed, but this is only the beginning of the larger conspiracy.
Conrad’s Desire for War
Despite his father’s attempts to keep him safe, Conrad insists on joining the frontlines of WWI. Using a clever switch of identities, he sneaks into combat. His storyline reflects the tragedy of many young men of that era who were eager to fight but underestimated the horrors of war.
The Tragedy of Conrad
In one of the film’s most emotional turns, Conrad is killed in the trenches. His death devastates Orlando and shifts the story’s tone from adventurous to grim, fueling Orlando’s resolve to finally take action against the shadowy conspiracy.
The Villain Revealed
The true identity of “The Shepherd” is revealed as Morton (Matthew Goode), a Scottish nationalist with a vendetta against Britain. He masterminds the war and plans to destabilize Europe further. His motives tie into the larger Kingsman themes of power, corruption, and global control.
Formation of the Kingsman
Orlando, along with his loyal allies Shola (Djimon Hounsou) and Polly (Gemma Arterton), takes down Morton in a climactic showdown. Realizing the need for a secret, independent agency to prevent such global catastrophes, Orlando formally establishes the Kingsman organization. The tailor shop “Kingsman” becomes the group’s cover, cementing the spy agency’s roots.
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Movie Ending
The film closes with Orlando having avenged his son and secured the future of Britain by stopping The Shepherd’s plot. However, it’s a bittersweet victory—his personal loss weighs heavily, reminding audiences that the cost of war is never without sacrifice. The epilogue shows the founding of the Kingsman agency, complete with its iconic code of honor, and the team ready to face future threats.
In the final scenes, a new threat emerges: Adolf Hitler, introduced as part of the expanding conspiracy, setting the stage for possible sequels and bridging the timeline between WWI and WWII.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
Yes. There is a mid-credits scene introducing Lenin and a young Adolf Hitler, revealing that the secret cabal is still active and plotting further chaos. This sets up a potential sequel covering events leading to WWII. There is no post-credits scene after the full credits roll—so once the mid-credits moment is done, you’re safe to leave.
Type of Movie
The film is a mix of historical fiction, spy action, and war drama. Unlike the previous Kingsman entries, which leaned heavily into stylized comedy-action, The King’s Man is darker, more tragic, and war-focused, though it still has bursts of over-the-top action.
Cast
- Ralph Fiennes as Orlando Oxford
- Harris Dickinson as Conrad Oxford
- Gemma Arterton as Polly
- Djimon Hounsou as Shola
- Rhys Ifans as Rasputin
- Matthew Goode as Morton / The Shepherd
- Tom Hollander as King George, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Tsar Nicholas (yes, he plays all three cousins)
Film Music and Composer
The score is composed by Dominic Lewis, blending orchestral themes with dramatic flourishes fitting for a war epic. The music underscores both the emotional father-son dynamic and the high-energy fight sequences.
Filming Locations
Filming took place in the UK, with key scenes shot at Hankley Common in Surrey (for battlefield sequences) and various historic estates doubling as European locations. These settings ground the film in authenticity, contrasting the outrageous villains with realistic wartime backdrops.
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Awards and Nominations
The film did not make a major awards splash, though it earned praise for costume design and period detail. It was overshadowed by its mixed critical reception but has been appreciated by fans for its bold shift in tone.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Matthew Vaughn wanted a more serious prequel after the increasingly outrageous sequels.
- Rhys Ifans leaned fully into the role of Rasputin, choreographing his fight scenes like a bizarre dance.
- The decision to kill Conrad shocked many viewers, but Vaughn insisted it was necessary to show the true cost of war.
- Fiennes reportedly performed much of his own stunt work, lending gravitas to Orlando’s fight scenes.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from real WWI history, blending figures like Rasputin and Lenin with fictionalized conspiracies. It is inspired by the idea of “hidden hands” manipulating global events, a theme common in espionage fiction.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Though no official alternate endings are confirmed, early drafts reportedly considered keeping Conrad alive, but Vaughn insisted on his death for emotional weight. Some deleted scenes include extended battles in the trenches and more interaction with Lenin.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film isn’t directly adapted from the Kingsman comics by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons but expands their mythology. Unlike the comic’s modern-day settings, this film explores historical origins, offering a unique angle not found in the source material.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Rasputin’s fight/dance sequence, a bizarre yet unforgettable highlight.
- Conrad’s emotional death in the trenches.
- Orlando’s final duel with The Shepherd on the cliffside.
- The establishment of the Kingsman agency in the tailor shop.
Iconic Quotes
- Orlando Oxford: “Reputation is what people think of you. Character is what you are.”
- Rasputin: “I only know two things: dancing and killing.”
- Conrad Oxford: “This is my duty. My country needs me.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The inclusion of Tom Hollander as all three European rulers is both a comedic nod and a historical reference.
- The mid-credits introduction of Hitler signals a continuation of the “shadow conspiracy” storyline.
- Subtle nods to the Kingsman code (manners, tailoring, honor) are planted throughout.
Trivia
- Vaughn originally planned to release The King’s Man before The Golden Circle but delayed to refine the script.
- It is the first Kingsman film to have an R-rating in some regions for its war violence.
- The Shepherd’s mountain fortress was partly inspired by James Bond villain lairs.
Why Watch?
If you’re a fan of the Kingsman franchise but want a more mature, war-driven story, this prequel offers a unique twist. It’s part war epic, part spy thriller, and part outrageous comic-book fantasy, blending history with spectacle.
Director’s Other Movies
- Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
- Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
- Kick-Ass (2010)
- Layer Cake (2004)
- Stardust (2007)