For fans of classic crime and espionage stories, Amazon Prime has just added a recent adaptation of a 1964 cult favourite to its streaming library – and it’s one that’s earned a second life with audiences online.
Released in 2015, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, alongside producer and screenwriter Lionel Wigram. The film is based on the original ’60s MGM television series of the same name and is set against the tense backdrop of the Cold War.
The plot centres on two unlikely allies: suave CIA agent Napoleon Solo and no-nonsense KGB operative Illya Kuryakin. Forced to put aside their differences, the two are assigned to work together in a joint mission to stop a mysterious criminal organisation from constructing a nuclear weapon.
To do so, they must team up with Gaby Teller, the daughter of a vanished German scientist who may hold the key to tracking down the bomb’s blueprint.
Starring Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki and Hugh Grant, the film blends high-stakes espionage with Ritchie’s trademark slick direction, period aesthetics and tongue-in-cheek humour.
Despite its star-studded cast and stylish visuals, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was met with mixed reviews upon release and underperformed at the box office, grossing $110 million worldwide against a $75 million budget.
However, over time it has gained a reputation as a hidden gem. Rolling Stone even placed it at No. 50 on their list of the greatest action movies of all time.
On Rotten Tomatoes and other platforms, audiences have praised the film for its charm, performances, and retro vibe.
“The casting, the acting, the score, what a movie! Hilarious, silky smooth and action-packed at the same time. Pure gem,” one viewer wrote.
Another added: “It was refreshing to have a spy movie feel not so tense and uptight the entire time. Great acting in my opinion! Underrated!”
Several fans also highlighted Guy Ritchie’s direction as a standout: “A true gem of action that has gone unnoticed. Another magnificent work by Guy Ritchie.”
“Filmmaker Guy Ritchie delivers again in a thoroughly enjoyable Bond-style movie with more intrigue and smirk than Fleming. An A+ action thriller.”
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.