Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant

Whenever you get the directors name not only above, but as part of the title, you know that his agent has convinced the money people that it is worth investing in the brand. Here, Guy Ritchie continues his successful blend of presenting a sympathetic character thrust into situations of difficult choices, all wrapped up in solid action sequences.

Jake Gylenhall plays lead character John Kinley, opposite Dar Salim as Ahmed, his interpreter Kinley was stationed in Afghanistan. The story unfolds that Kinley has home, and obviously deeply affected by his tour of duty. When he discovers that neither Ahmed interpreter nor his family were given the safe passage promised to locals who assisted the US military Kinley is aghast. So much so that he pulls out all the stops – meaning all his connections and skills – to return to the theater of war in order to extract Ahmed. Invariably a huge number of political mousetraps are set for Kinley stateside, which he manages to skirt. Finally making his way to Afghanistan he encounters,yet more hassles.

Undeterred he soldiers on nonetheless.

Although this is ultimately a two hander, the supporting cast is generally excellent. Emily Beecham plays our hero’s wife Caroline, who alternates between confusion and understanding about her husband’s quest.

Indeed, Guy Ritchie delivers to both the audience and the producers, who gave him branding credit in the title of the film. His direction is smooth and when tension is needed, Ritchie delivers.

A somewhat Improbable,but ultimately satisfying music cue is included, America’s “Horse With No Name,” which emerges at a key moment.

In a touching move, the end credits include images of actual Afghan interpreters.