It’s all fun for Henry Golding in ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’
The actor tells us his favorite moments on set, which explosion was the best, and has a surprise guest playfully crash our interview
Henry Golding plays Freddy Alvarez in "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare."
Courtesy of Lionsgate
Words by Jalen Jones
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In Guy Ritchie’s new action-comedy movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Henry Golding plays Freddy “Frog Man” Alvarez, the demolitions expert of the black-ops team deployed during Operation Postmaster in World War II. This team was instrumental in changing the course of the war to defeat the Nazis, despite utilizing unconventional and “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Read on for Golding’s favorite moments on set, and for a special surprise guest in our interview!
Jalen Jones: What was your favorite scene to film for The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare?
Henry Golding: I mean, for the scene at the Nazi Camp, we probably had the best team on set. That was the most fun that I've had on set, ever. So that definitely was the best—just being in that entire location for like, three or four days together, working our way through all those buildings to get to Appleyard [who’s played by] Alex Pettyfer. There were a lot of explosions, and guns, all that fun stuff.
JJ: Did you see any qualities of your character Freddy that you find in yourself personally?
HG: He's pretty unpredictable, and is extremely loyal. And, I think he is kind of a troublemaker! [laughs]
Counterclockwise, from left, Alex Pettyfer, Alan Ritchson, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Henry Golding and Henry Cavill on the set of "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare."
Courtesy of Lionsgate
JJ: Why do you think people should see The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare?
I think it's one of Guy Ritchie's best films. You know, I've been in The Gentlemen (2019) before, and this one is a totally different kind of style. It's a period piece, and we've got one of the best ensemble…acting…ca—[laughs]
Sorry, my kid is…[laughs]
Author’s note: Golding’s daughter Lyla runs into frame, climbs onto his lap, and peers into the camera with a mischievous smile. I smile back and wave as her father carries her back out of frame.
As I ask the next question, Golding and I see Lyla’s reflection in a mirror, sneaking around the house. Apparently, it’s bedtime, and everyone has the giggles. Golding quickly tells her to get to bed, and she scurries out of frame while he gets “[his] brain in gear.” I repeat the question between our laughs.
JJ: The movie opens by telling us that this was based on a true story. Did you find yourself learning anything new while going through the filming process?
HG: Sure! It was such a crazy story. To think that this group of men sailed halfway across the world pretty much, in a tiny wooden boat, to disrupt the entire German forces from destroying the U-boats’ supply line to the rest of Europe. And they did it all behind enemy lines, and came back to tell the tale. That, for me, is phenomenal.
JJ: Do you have a favorite explosion or action shot from the movie?
HG: Oh my God. I mean, the entire last act is us trying to steal those boats in the Fernando Po [harbor]. Explosions, guns, grenades going off, rocket launchers! That was one of the best. It was the biggest sequence that we ever had, and it took pretty much two weeks to film. So that, for me, was my favorite.
Published on April 29, 2024
Words by Jalen Jones
Jalen Jones is a Black and Filipino writer, poet, director, and all around creative who came of age in Eagle Rock and the greater Los Angeles county. Over the years, he has hosted a children’s workout DVD series, directed an Emmy Award-winning public service announcement, and produced the NAACP Image Award nominated short film, The Power of Hope. Passionate about portraying the real, the unpinpointable, and the almost-unsayable, Jalen has published a wide array of poetry and creative work that lands on these very discoveries. More than anything, he hopes to build a house out of words that can make anyone and everyone feel like they belong. Find him on Instagram @jalen_g_jones and online at jalen-jones.com.