HCA Gradebook: “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant”

Movie: Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
Plot: Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant follows US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim). After an ambush, Ahmed goes to Herculean lengths to save Kinley’s life. When Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he must repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down.
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Alexander Ludwig, Antony Starr, Bobby Schofield, Christian Ochoa, Emily Beecham, James Nelson Joyce, Jason Wong, Jonny Lee Miller, Rhys Yates, and Sean Sagar.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Release Date: April 21, 2023
Studio: MGM Pictures
Number of Graders: 16
Overall Grade: A-

Nikki Fowler says, “Guy Ritchie brings a solid powerful action film which goes beyond the typical big guns blazing types of films. The Covenant is full of strategy from beginning to end. There’s substance throughout and Sergeant John Kinley and interpreter Ahmed’s story is so moving and powerful. From the buildup up trust to the excruciating depths that Ahmed and Kinley go to, the filmmakers took their time to properly navigate Ahmed’s character and family which served the movie well, and on to the pain Kinley went through stateside. So many can relate to this story, it’s also poignant with what’s happing now in Afghanistan and is an important reminder of the regime that the people and women especially are still living under. The cinematography was incredible along with the score and sound. Loved all of the suspenseful action sequences and when I’m quietly yelling at the screen, I know the films accomplished what it’s meant to do. There were enough twists and turns to not make everything predictable. Loved the slow motion on the flashbacks. The climax was amazing on a journey that seemed impossible. The messaging of loyalty and honor held this film together well. Dar Salim and Jake Gyllenhaal’s performances were a perfect balance. Simply incredible!”
Grade: A+

Nancy Tapia says, “A love letter to those that risked their lives and continue to live hidden, the interpreters. Salim delivered an excellent performance representing them. Ritchie works his magic with suspense, sadness, frustration and anxiety all at once throughout The Covenant. The editing and composition was combined perfectly. Gyllenhaal is great as always. It was good to see Antony Starr step into a fresh role.”
Grade: A

Anthony Digioia says, “The Covenant is fueled by a couple of powerhouse performances from Gyllenhaal & Salim. Two guys connected by their ethics that we get to know during this story. The scoring creates an (almost) western vibe that really meshed with the themes nicely. The action is intense, and the emotional undercurrent will have you completely invested. A captivating blend of war film, survival film, and military drama. A film that can easily sweep you up and take you along with it and it’s also one of Ritchie’s best directed films.”
Grade: A

Greg Russell says, “This is a very entertaining and thought provoking film. Entertaining because of the action and thought provoking because you have these two men of different cultures who, in the beginning, didn’t care for each other. However, through trial and tribulation they are ready to put their own lives on the line to save the other one.”
Grade: A

Kit Bowen says, “While Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant tackles familiar territory, it is gripping in its unique perspective on the war in Afghanistan, namely the bond between an Afghan interpreter and the U.S. Army sergeant he works for. Jake Gyllenhaal as Sgt. John Kinley does a fine job, but Dar Salim truly commands the screen as Ahmed, a courageous man who saves a wounded Kinley by carrying him on foot through the Afghan wilderness. It’s gut wrenching to watch and a testament to Ritchie’s direction. The film ultimately lifts your spirts but also exposes the horror for those Afghans who helped the U.S. fight against the Taliban and who were left behind.”
Grade: A

Rick Bentley says, “Guy Ritchie shows great maturity with The Covenant. He has always been a talented writer and director but it is as if all those productions were helping him find the confidence he needed to make this production that is strong on so many levels.”
Grade: A-

Monica Gleberman says, “As usual Jake Gyllenhaal shines bright in this film along side Dar Salim. The performances are extremely powerful and has you hooked in minutes. The connection between Gyllenhaal and Salim is what makes this film and the story beind it so meaningful. Learning about the interpreters and what they went through during this period of time is heart breaking and emotional. This movie is touching to its core. It’s hopefully and has moments of pure strength. While there are a few ways Guy Ritchie could have cleaned it up a bit, this is the best movie Ritchie has done in years.”
Grade: A-

Rachel Wagner says, “The acting by Gyllenhaal and Dar Sajim, who plays Ahmed, is outstanding and I think no matter your political persuasion you’ll be rooting for these 2 men to save each other.”
Grade: A-

Jami Philbrick says, “Director Guy Ritchie changes up his signature style for this gritty war movie led by Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim’s strong performances.”
Grade: B+

James White says, “It might stray into overly sentimental territory towards the end, but Guy Ritchie’s war drama is a compelling one; not a true story but inspired by the tales of hope and devotion among US troops and Afghani citizens. Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim shine as the sergeant and the interpreter who saves his life –– setting up a returned favour when Gyllenhaal’s character learns that Salim is in trouble. The action is impressive, the characters beyond the main pair less so, but the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A welcome reminder that Ritchie is more than just a director who focuses on British gangsters.”
Grade: B+

Ricky Valero says, “The Covenant is an old school action thriller that is a certified banger. Jake Gyllenhaal continues to prove why he is one of the best in the business while Dar Salina is brilliant opposite him. Guy Ritchie directed the hell out of this.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “The Covenant is quite good, one of Ritchie’s best films in a good while. Outside of universal themes involving friendship, bonding, and bravery, I can’t say the Brit filmmaker is doing much to enlighten me on how he feels about the politics of it all, but his efforts to deliver a strong feature pay off.”
Grade: B

Jeandra LeBeauf says, “The Covenant is a thrill to watch. Moving, riveting and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final scene.”
Grade: B

Jonathan Fujii says, “There’s something nice about a movie being exactly what you thought it was going to be and this is another case of that. Solid performances, solid action set pieces, you’ll probably forget about it in a few hours but it gets the job done and that’s all you can ask for sometimes.”
Grade: B-

Dana Han-Klein says, “A bullet ridden ride that is saved by the strength of Gyllenhaal and Salim’s performances. Ritchie’s first military foray runs a bit long and indulgent but is better than much of his recent fare.”
Grade: C+

Zach Pope says, “Frustrating is the easiest way to explain this film. Great performances specifically from Dar Salim and Jake is always great! Guy Ritchie really infuses a lot of GREAT IDEAS into this film but it because very surface level approach for what he is trying to lay across. I love the idea and important messaging but came away wanting more from each aspect.”
Grade: C-