Guy Ritchie's the Covenant (I) (2023) User Reviews

A bond. A pledge. A commitment.

[FeastMode · 7/10 · 21 April 2023]

Guy Ritchie's The Covenant is a great movie with an interesting story on an important subject matter. It has some intense action scenes and many moments of suspense. The music is fantastic, elevating every scene. That's now three movies where I've noticed a great musical score by composer Christopher Benstead, along with Wrath of Man and Operation Fortune.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as usual. The surprise stand out is Dar Salim, who did a great job of getting me invested in his character and wellbeing. I wish Antony Starr (The Boys, Banshee) had a bigger role, but it was cool to see him have scenes with a star of Gyllenhaal's caliber. He's such a great actor and I continue to wait for him to get major movie roles.

I'm impressed with the subject matter covered here. It's so sad and needs to be addressed. It's not the first time the American government has broken promises or shirked responsibilities resulting in catastrophic outcomes for the people who put their trust in them. Some people will immediately call you unpatriotic for even bringing this up. But wrong is wrong, regardless of who does it.

(1 viewing, opening Thursday 4/20/2023)

Hits hard and lingers on...

[gillespiesan · 9/10 · 8 June 2023]

I no idea how strongly Guy Ritchie genuinely feels about the grave wrongs that the US and UK military have done to interpreters in both Afghanistan and Iraq in recent conflicts but, if The Covenent is anything to go by, he's pretty pissed. And rightly so. The promises made to these individuals in an effort to get them to behave against the best interests of both them and their families needed to be honoured. In this story and in many real life cases, they weren't. That is shameful.

Jake Gyllenhaal is his usual reliable self, turning in a performance dripping in both commitment and duty. He's a good man and he's gonna do the right thing, no matter how far that necessitates he goes. Dar Salim - a new name to me - is an utter revelation as Ahmed, the bitter but pragmatic interpreter who puts his life on the line countless times to...yes, do the right thing.

The impact that war and each other have on these men's lives is at the very heart of this story. Though not based on any real incident to the best of my knowledge, this movie is testament to many real life situations that I have no doubt still keep men awake at night. It's an important movie and almost certainly a career high for all involved.

Stay alert stay alive

[TheOnlyUserNameAvailable · 10/10 · 16 June 2023]

I was in OIF 2007, and we had a awesome interpreter in our platoon. I can't say his name but he was a family man and he wanted to help his country by helping us.

This movie reminded me of him and what he sacrifice for us. He's still alive and well.

This movie had me on the edge of my seat the actors, camera work, plot and suspense was a perfect mix though out the entire movie.

The only thing I kinda cringed about was the two vehicle Convoy(down range it's usually 4 minimum) and the unlimited AK ROUNDS in the first 1/2 hr. But besides that great movie. I remember the smells of from the middle east and the dry air .

Absolutely phenomenal...

[jackreinbott · 9/10 · 17 June 2023]

That's all I really got to say about this movie... the first act in itself was amazing, but added together with the second and third, this movie was absolutely gripping. I rarely find myself verbally willing the characters on in movies, but this one had me muttering 'cmon, CMON!!!' every single time the action ramped up. I love Jake in just about everything he does, and although this was no exception, it was the interpreters performance that took me by surprise. Balancing calmness and urgency, Dar Salim absolutely took me by surprise. I cannot recommend this one more than I already have so I leave you with one last phrase... SEE THE MOVIE!

I got hooked

[a-66839-91289 · 7/10 · 30 June 2023]

That was intense.

The thing is, I went to this movie expecting a fast paced tipical guy ritchie style action military movie, and what I saw was different, guy really outdone himself with this one, it was an extremely entertaining and sometimes hard movie to watch, I was on the edge of my seat through the entire movie, there are a few guy ritchie moments but you wouldn't notice them unless you're a die hard guy ritchie fan.

I don't think I need to speak about jake, he is a phenomenal actor and he gave a beautiful performance in this movie, one of the things that made me happy is watching anthony starr, this guy is so underrated and I am glad to see him in different roles, the story is not that unique but the execution makes it incredibly interesting and very pleasing to the eye, even though you're watching people die but the way these shots were filmed was brilliant, it captured the brutality as well as the bond between the characters, emotionally brutal is the perfect description for it.

Simply Gripping.

[benjaminskylerhill · 8/10 · 21 April 2023]

In this straight-faced turn from Guy Ritchie, the pacing is certainly unorthodox, as over half the runtime is dedicated to set-up for an unexpectedly brisk final act. But all of it was so thoroughly investing that it didn't bother me.

And although a great deal of that set-up feels too rote, too similar to the many other war films seen in the last 20 years, The Covenant quickly carves out a thoroughly distinct feel for itself as it establishes its central theme of the indebtedness that comes with a spiritual bond people feel to each other.

Gyllenhaal is great as always, but the show-stealing star of this film is Dar Salim as Ahmed. He gives this film its emotional teeth and causes its hook of tension to sink into you and not let go till the end.

The pulse-pounding musical score and Ritchie's refreshingly restrained direction allow this film to truly have far more staying power than most run-of-the-mill war films.

Another great execution by Guy Ritchie, but......

[Haris-Khan-72702 · 7/10 · 16 November 2023]

I have always liked Guy Ritchie movies. The way this story was told and executed was excellent.

But the only thing that lets it down is the propaganda portraying America as the good guys coming to make Afghanistan a better country. Kind of like the mindset of typical Fox News and CNN viewers, which does make you feel like you've lost a brain cell when absorbing the story.

But credit given where its due. If we put politics aside and just watch this as an individual story it was really well put together. The best scene was Ahmed carrying Mckinley up the mountain roads on a cart, you could feel the frustration and emotion in this scene, the music used was perfect. Well done Guy Ritchie for trying something different.

A fresh take on loyalty and camaraderie within the wartime genre

[DarthWalker-34381 · 8/10 · 7 October 2023]

Guy Ritchie's "The Covenant" proves to be a compelling choice for viewers, boasting a well-crafted narrative that resonates. At its core, the film weaves a heartwarming tale of camaraderie between a dedicated US soldier, portrayed with finesse by Jake Gyllenhaal, and an Afghan Interpreter, brought to life by the talented Dar Salim. The loyalty that Gyllenhaal's character exhibits toward the interpreter is endearing and genuinely portrayed.

In this standout performance, Gyllenhaal delivers one of his career-best portrayals, breathing life into his character with remarkable depth and realism. Dar Salim's casting as an Iraqi-born actor signals progress in addressing Hollywood's historical challenges with accurate ethnic casting.

What sets "The Covenant" apart is its ability to convey a sense of authenticity and believability while creating a fresh take within the wartime genre. Despite being a work of fiction, the film masterfully depicts the harsh realities of the war in Afghanistan, engulfing viewers in an emotionally charged and convincing tale.

While this movie is a bit of a slow burn, "The Covenant" remains a must-see for those in search of an authentic, engaging, and entertaining viewing experience.

Not a true story and pretty simple silly script - Rambo

[filmtravel101 · 6/10 · 3 May 2023]

I'm a huge fan of Guy Ritchie and was very curious if this venture into military action story would be entertaining.

It's a decent simplistic one dimensional story that obviously is not based on a true factually storyline but Jake and Dar do great acting jobs. The film could have been a lot better instead of this pseudo Lone Survivor meets Rambo the Interpreter story that is almost laughable at some parts.

It's highly unrealistic and the typical good vs bad guys attempting to portray a country being invaded by foreigners to liberate them after 9/11 - is a rather pathetic misunderstanding by Ritchie of the facts for the invasion. But there are some great action sequences and it is a unique perspective for a film maker to focus on the risk some interpreters took in helping the invading forces. And ends ironically with the Taliban and Afghans recapturing their country one month later - so the entire escapade feels rather like a bleak of an ending and no idea why Ritchie decided to make this film rather than a documentary about the subject.

If you like Top Gun or Lone Survivor this film is a nice attempt of glamorizing the US military coming to save the day from the bad guys. Very predictable with hardly much back story yet great action suspense shots and as always solid music score - a solid 6.

Literally two great movies for the price of one.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 10/10 · 25 April 2023]

When Guy Ritchie out-Guy Ritchie's a Guy Ritchie film and finally again gives us the great filmmaking that made Guy Ritchie a great filmmaker. I can actually forgive Ritchie now for his Operation Fortune nonsense.

The first hour of this film alone was a great war-action film. It could've ended at that hour and I would've been fully satisfied, impressed and entertained. Then we get the bonus last hour of a separate recon and rescue mission mostly undertaken by one soldier, another epic film on its own.

Combine both stories, and you get a flawless film from every aspect, and one that is timely and hits home with a reality check on a bond, a pledge and a commitment. From the stellar directing to the near-perfect screenwriting (aside from nicknaming soldiers in the opening scene with ridiculous names, when those same soldiers become insignificant after half an hour into the film), excellent cinematography, spot-on score - especially the last 15 mins, and stellar casting with outstanding performances by everyone especially Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim. The running time and pacing were perfect - I actually wanted more. The two hours were pure adrenaline as the remarkable and highly emotional journey unfolded. This film had everything and more, and even some surprising laugh out loud moments: I like what you did with your hair.

Alas, Guy Ritchie just out-Guy Ritchied, a Guy Ritchie film. Sheer brilliance from every angle. An epic must see film, and a well deserved 10/10 from me. This one will be in my all-time greatest films collection for sure. It has a hook in me. One that you cannot see. But it is there.

Click my username to see more of my 1,600+ reviews, 3k ratings, and my film rating system - after you see this incredible masterpiece.

Finally an action movie about the opposite of revenge

[julieshotmail · 9/10 · 13 November 2023]

You cannot go wrong with Jake Gyllenhaal. He should have won an Oscar by now as he is every bit as intense and talented as Leonardo DiCaprio. "The Covenant" starts out as what seems to be a garden-variety war movie, but with interesting off kilter shots and soundtrack, compliments of Guy Ritchie. Then it takes you to its main act, which capably veers away from action scenes to emphasize something human, honorable, and heartfelt. A surprising twist from a brutal, violent movie is that instead of the usual revenge theme, this is about "paying your debts" and doing something that redeems one's integrity. The journey to get there is quite intense, and Gyllenhaal finds himself an equally dramatic match with Dar Salim portraying Ahmed. His deep eyes say so much even when he is not saying anything.

Guy Ritchie with a difference, The Covenant is a pulse-pounding thriller

[eddie_baggins · 8/10 · 15 June 2023]

The least Guy Ritchie film Guy Ritchie has ever directed and I mean that in the nicest way possible, The Covenant (or officially Guy Ritchie's The Covenant for those that may not have known otherwise) is the British director's second box office bomb of 2023 but unlike Operation Fortune this Afghanistan set war thriller is Ritchie on top form, delivering a thrill a minute Hollywoodized romp that is one of the most well-rounded of the directors recent works.

A far cry from the likes of Snatch or The Gentleman, The Covenant is Ritchie dialling many of his trademarks way back while still managing to embed his Jake Gyllenhaal vehicle with the same type of energy, editing wizardry and character quirks that made him one of the most well-liked directors in the industry.

A completely fabricated tale inspired by work of local Afghani interpreters during the allied occupation of the country that lasted 20 years from the early 2000's until recent times, The Covenant is a white knuckle experience that follows Gyllenhaal's committed and no fuss Sergeant John Kinley and Dar Salim's (in a real breakout role for the performer) local interpreter Ahmed on a treacherous journey behind enemy lines when a seemingly routine operation their squad heads out on turns into a deadly battle to survive.

Delivered by the drone discovering Ritchie, backed by a rollicking score from composer Christopher Benstead and founded around the charismatic and committed turns from its two leads, The Covenant is far from a typical American war movie that is far more concerned with its characters than endless firefights and preaching and while those moments come and are undeniably well-staged by Ritchie and his team, its the small moments that make The Covenant more than just another big-budgeted Hollywood thriller.

Another addition to his wildly unpredictable and enjoyable new career phase that has moved on from quiet Oscar contenders and the odd bigger project to fully fledged Michael Bay/Road House remake era, Gyllenhaal brings his A-game here as Kinley and whether its shouting at an unfortunate phone operator or quietly pondering recent traumatic events in the wilds, Gyllenhaal is typically solid here and Salim matches him with the quiet but feisty Ahmed, both actors creating a likeable double bill of players that are hard not to be captured by.

A perfect Ritchie film for long time fans or those that may have never previously enjoyed his unique stylings or creativity, The Covenant may be easy to dismiss on face value but it's top notch Hollywood film-making in many ways and deserving of a much bigger audience than it was afforded in its cinematic run.

Final Say -

A rip-roaring war thriller with great lead turns that rarely lets up across a two hour runtime, The Covenant is in many ways a new type of film for Guy Ritchie that marks a new potentially exciting career move for the director to prove he's more than what many have pigeonholed him to be.

4 on hold phone calls out of 5.

Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)

Way to go Guy Ritchie

[WeWatchMovies · 1 October 2023]

This was a good movie! We were prepared to be let down like we were with Khandahar (even tho who doesn't love Gerard Butler). But Covenant was really good, the character build up you got to see from. Both sides but not at the same time so that was special

It was exciting and tense and emotional but mostly just really efficient and event filled. The only thing that bugged a little for me, was Jake gyllenhall, I like Jake and I liked his character John Kinley BUT he was very wooden in his voice and a little too stoic, he did great in all of the action scenes though. Dar Salim (Ahmed) was wonderful.

All in all a good sand box movie (which aren't usually my favorites) we'd definitely watch it again. The best part was - it just was what it was and told a story as it was without having to push or add anything that wasn't there or needed to be, if you know what I mean. So yay, obviously not Disney or Netflix or Prime Video writing!!!

Blood Brothers...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 12 May 2023]

In hostile places any favours always welcome, if you've been battered, bruised, smashed and contused, struck down and become numb, a helping hand to make escape, to help you get out of a scrape, to leave you close to home, not in a tomb, with a future to reshape but; what if tables are then turned, the hand that freed is then interned, has to dive into the shadows, living in places, can't be exposed, every day a greater chance, those with a grudge will make advance, would you pay the debt you owe, would you fight that tidal flow.

Not usually a fan of the director, or the selection of actors he usually collaborates with, but on this occasion something seems to have gone wrong as he's conjured an engaging, albeit atrociously edited story, that is genuinely quite good.

Great war movie. G.R. and cast did an exceptional work!

[leonidasoriginal · 10/10 · 22 May 2023]

First, actors - you can't go wrong with Jake Gyllenhaal. But all others did a great job! It is a realistic movie, with excellent action moments. What is a sad thing to know is that this is someone's reality! I will not play idealist and dream of a world of peace, but my goodness, thinking this is someone's day, week, .... year! Uh! The movie is produced at the highest level. From gear to each and every element. Actors probably had training of some sort. You can see it when and how they hold a gun, move in close combat... This is one fantastic movie. The soundtrack brings sadness, and some scenes with a translator... This is a well-made movie, a true army flick, made by real men for men! War is never good, but friendship and valor are always worth of admire.

EDIT: Dar Salim - P H E N O M E N A L!

Better than I'd expected

[AfricanBro · 7/10 · 22 October 2023]

The movie dives straight into business, there isn't much build up to get you to terms with what's going on(not hard to figure out though) or to get you acquainted with the characters. Dialogue's great but feels a little unnatural at times, like the movies trying to find quotables, especially in the first 30min or so.

However, the movie excels in creating tension and delivering captivating action scenes without going overboard. It keeps you on the edge of your seat while maintaining a sense of realism. The acting is superb, with Dar Salim leaving a lasting impression as the standout character. He stole the spotlight whenever he graced the screen. Jake Gyllenhaal also delivered a solid performance. Despite being the main character, didn't have an overly demanding role; simply needed to make it all believable, and he succeeded. I loved the dynamic the two had, they didn't magically just click.

It's not the most complex or mind-blowing film; it's simple and intentional. Love that it was well-paced and didn't get lost in too many side plots and quests. It's unostentatious and just delivered on what was needed. In the end, everything comes together seamlessly. It might not have blown me away, but it's a solid and passionate thriller, far better than I expected.

[8.2] When you think the end is near, a glimmer of hope bathes you in its light

[cjonesas · 8/10 · 2 June 2023]

A movie that starts semi-uninteresting, foggy, vague laced with unknowingness, but gradually takes beautiful shape, commitment, camaraderie, hidden pledge deep from the heart, backed by Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim's charismatic acting, superb and haunting photography & filming, supersonic tech and weaponry and moments of intense despair, frustration and anger.

My initial reserve, doubt and thought of clichéd repetitiveness quickly melted like snow in the sun. More than 85% of the movie seems and is realistic and that's an achievement by itself. Liked it very much and recommend it to any person with a deep sense of honor.

When you think the end is near, a glimmer of hope bathes you in its light.

• Screenplay/story: 7
• Development: 8
• Realism: 8.5
• Entertainment: 8
• Acting: 8
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 8.5
• Visual/special effects: 8.5
• Music/score: 8
• Depth: 8.5
• Logic: 7
• Flow: 8.5
• Action/thriller/war: 8
• Ending: 8.

Guy Ritchie is still not back

[kenny_funney · 6/10 · 10 May 2023]

I don't really think Guy Ritchie is back with this movie. While it is is a lot better than the awful Operation Fortune earlier this year, it's a movie where the second part of the movie is not that good. In the first hour you got a lot of intensity, some decent action scenes and a movie that a time looks a little like the revenant. Then it the second hour it is too much of a slow-down and think also this movie lacks better characters. What I mean by that is that maybe you could have dramatized it a little more, and also you could in some way have managed to hold the excitement a little more, because that kinda fades away in the last hour.

Hits you hard

[bittertim · 9/10 · 25 April 2023]

I didn't know what to expect when I bought my ticket, I'm glad I did. This is not your normal "war" movie, it' an insightful look into the unsung and forgotten heroes in a war that dragged on to long. One of the words I would use to describe this is frustration. Frustrated at the depiction of the decision makers of the government that refuses to pay the debt of promising a new life in America for the translators who put everything on the line, against their own people, to support our troops. I was deeply affected by this movie, Jake was very good in this, he may have been the star but the role of the "interpreter" makes this movie very special. I highy recommend this movie.

Extremely naive bromance

[nvnnklc2011 · 6/10 · 10 May 2023]

Not much to say without spoiling the movie, but the strongest impression is how every single moment was extremely predictable and every single thing the main character wanted he got by stating the obvious and raising his voice. I've watched cartoons with more complexity than this.

Emotional scenes are just slomo struggle or blind rage that feel like a cut scene in a $20 PC game.

What makes this not a 3/10 movie is somehow this childish movie has great effects and acting crew, which I find perplexing.

Will you enjoy it? Probably, but even TopGun 2 was more mature than this one and had more to offer than simple tropes.

Not at ALL AUTHENTIC

[robertmckaig · 4/10 · 27 September 2023]

I did "4" tours in Afghan. That's four years.

My question is, why not speak with ONE soldier who was actually there?

The US Military NEVER...NEVER operated convertible Humvees in a freaking war zone in Afghanistan.

The interpreters were "embedded" with us! They were advised in advance...you sleep with us, you will NOT be allowed ANY comms while you serve with us. Yet, the interpreters were going home at night and living with their families. DID NOT happen.

The helicopters arrive and gather bodies and search for survivors. No comms with the air support? BS, the radios and GPS beacons would have been lit up. They would have immediately rescued the two survivors.

You want to make a film about what ACTUALLY happened and express the genuine loyalties and comradity we had with the interpretors? Fine, just do it right. Your laziness turned me off big time.

American ( A+ Movie) My Ratings 8/10

[THE-BEACON-OF-MOVIES-RAFA · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

This is not a war movie. This is not an action movie. This is cathartic experience of the releasing of a bond of sacrifice, honor and humanity. Take out all the all guns and violence and you are left with two men who went through hell together and once you go on that journey you don't come out the other side until both of you are resting at home in bed with your families. There is no need to explain anything to us. Guy Ritchie manages to show us a story in such a nuanced why, the the interpreter not only interprets language, he interprets eyebrow movements, the shape of some ones smile, a little look there. In fact a good interpreter is one that can interpret what is not said and what is not done in the correct way. The actor who plays Ahmed was absolutely engrossing, he was able to draw us in and care about who story merely by the way he shows us, not even what he says and does, I really hope he gets recognition for this film, maybe even a Best Supporting Actor Nod. Jake Gylenhall was flawless as always. You felt the hook that was in him, like it was a real physical thing and he heeded to take out, otherwise he would not live in peace and be only half a man by not fulfilling his commitment, a commitment not spoken about it words but in sacrifice. I put this film in the same class of great Afghanistan war movies as 'Lone Survivor' (2013) as one of the best films ever made about the war in a Afghanistan. Long after the credit roll you are still left with their stories stuck in your head. Well done to the whole cast and crew for putting something together that I believe will become a timeless masterpiece.

Not what you think

[toppergb · 23 September 2023]

This movie turns into a gem as it progress. Starts off like your at the end of a typical war movie and proceeds to tell an entirely different story. Amazingly scripted film. My one and only negative comment was the acting by one of the lead actors. Jake was way too passive and nonchalant during the majority of the movie. They needed someone more assertive to play the role. He just seemed like he was high and lost the entire movie. He was supposed to be acting as the role of an 18Z MOS for the Army or equivalent for a Navy spec ops team. Then the fact that they double-used words for names; like chow chow? Is it because the lead actor was strung out? Aside from his acting, this was an amazing film. I would highly recommend watching this movie. You just have to get passed one poor brokeback actor.....

We all want a friend like Ahmed!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 7/10 · 13 May 2023]

A Guy Ritchie film with that much heart?

A Jake Gyllenhal movie where he was outshone by somebody else?

A war feature that isn't exactly what it calls it to be?

I'm indeed surprised, but I'm saying that as a compliment.

Returning to the film, it is a well-written, well-acted action drama that capitalises on human emotions and delineates the shades of humanity that could survive regardless of unfavourable situations. Despite being classified as a war movie, the plot of this movie tends to depict events that defy expectations.

The script manages to strike a balance between action sequences and character development, making it a compelling watch for fans of both action and anecdotes. In addition, it emphasises the impact that warfare has on civilian populations and the role that empathy plays during such conflict periods.

The narrative sincerely commemorates the bravery and valour of all the natives who fought alongside the soldiers, risking their lives, their families, and everything they owned in order to be on the right side and fight evil! This film honours them and their sacrifices more than the government ever has or will. And I respect that! Not so much the character development here, as the flaws were quite notable.

Other segments were thankfully well handled; there was a sufficient amount of blood, gunfights, explosions, and all the usual stuff, along with Guy Ritchie's signature style of suspense and, most importantly, two standout performances. Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim played their respective roles with utmost conviction. Specifically, the latter; he was incredible.

Shock, a decent Guy Ritchie movie.

[shenzencowboy · 7/10 · 18 May 2023]

I normally avoid Guy Ritchie movies like the plague. Some argue he has made the same movie over and over again. King Arthur Legend of the Sword is the worst film I've seen in a long time, overblown tripe. He's the Phil Spector of directors desperately wanting to put his stamp on his films.

I find it bizarre that he has insisted this film be called Guy Ritchies the Covenant. Even the greatest directors in history don't place their name above the film title.

That being said he has actually proven with this film that he can direct. It's gripping from the start with great performances and likeable characters. It also shows how badly many of the Afghani translators were ultimately treated.

This film maintains a high level of excitement throughout and is definitely worth two hours of your time.