Synopsis
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is a 2023 action-comedy movie spy thriller directed by Guy Ritchie. Ritchie blends kinetic action and sharp humor to make this film a stylish, globe-trotting adventure that is both spy-tastic and self-aware. Old-school spy tricks and modern satirical humor make this film appealing, accompanied with a charming cast and a plot filled with deception, manipulation, and unpredictable partnerships.
This film centers around the character Fortune played by Jason Statham. Orson Fortune, an elite British intelligence operative, is called upon to lead a secret mission that revolves around “The Handle,” a new and dangerous weapon. The Handle is a mysterious weapon that, if in the wrong hands, poses a threat on a global scale. The British intelligence are unsure of the threat level and, unsure of the capabilities of the weapon, target operations are activated to retrieve or neutralize “The Handle” before it can be sold.
Fortune is a freelance mercenary for the British government. He is particular with the projects he takes. He is always accompanied with the preferred team and travels with them. Jasmine (Cary Elwes), Fortune’s handler is rather reluctant, but Fortune is able to bring along trusted specialists such as computer wiz Sarah Fidel (Aubrey Plaza) and reliable sniper JJ Davies (Bugzy Malone).
They pursue the film’s antagonist, the flamboyant and immensely rich criminal arms dealer Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant). Simmonds is a notorious arms dealer with criminal contacts all over the world. He owns The Handle, and is hoping to covertly undercut a transaction to destabilize the world’s power balance.
Fortune’s team devises a plan to utilize one of Simmonds’ favorite actors, Hollywood superstar Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett). The goal is to have Danny use his celebrity status to charm Simmonds while the team infiltrates his operations. The film uses this extravagant plot as a lens to poke fun at Hollywood, celebrity, and spy culture in the age of social media.
As the team goes deeper into Simmonds’ world, the story expands to new territories like the sun-kissed ports of the Mediterranean, tech-savvy centers, and glamorous parties. The story is rich with cliffhangers: car and foot chases, fierce fighting, and chuckle-worthy moments. Plaza and Statham have a brilliant comic rapport, switching between love and team bickering.
Fortune uses brawn and tactical skill, while Sarah uses technology and social manipulation. JJ supplies backup and firepower while Danny Francesco plays the unwilling actor-turned-spy with anxious charm. With the mission cooking up, betrayals and double-crosses surface with shocking reveals about the true controllers of “The Handle” and the real reasons behind the transaction.
By Simmonds’ climax, he’s trapped between competing intelligence agencies and crime syndicates, with Fortune and his crew caught in the eye of the hurricane. The last showdown features the band’s signature meticulous execution alongside explosive combat, and sharp, fast responses, leading to the villainous forces being outsmarted and the weapon claimed. The team is last seen slipping into the shadows, hinting further that deeper plots await suggesting possible sequels to the story.
Cast & Crew
Orson Fortune is played by Jason Statham, who is a special operative with a mix of James Bond and sarcastic bruiser attributes. Statham’s character is tailored to his strengths, which includes deadpan humor, brutality in combat, and a no-nonsense attitude. As a special operative, Fortune is charismatic and grounded, delivering punchlines and punches with equal finesse.
Statham is joined by Plaza as Sarah Fidel, the team’s tech and psychological ops specialist. Plaza’s humor adds charm and unpredictability. Statham and Plaza’s villainous interactions create some of the film’s best moments. Plaza acts as comic relief, but she is vital to the success of the missions.
Greg Simmonds is played by Hugh Grant who is in top form. As Simmonds, Grants is eccentric and menacing, but blends those characteristics masterfully. As the villain, Simmonds is equal parts amusing and dangerous. Grant continues to redefine himself in his later years as a scene stealing adversary in contemporary slick crime films.
Hartnett portrays Francesco Danny, a film star who is embroiled in espionage. Francesco is a satirical take on celebrity culture, which Hartnett serves up as a self-aware character that the audience can sympathize with.
Bugzy Malone, a British musician who has recently taken on acting, portrays JJ, who is the weapon and tactics expert on the team. Though his part is less active, he does add to the backup and sharpens the edge of the team’s dynamics.
Cary Elwes features as Nathan Jasmine, the government handler supervising Orson and his team as Nathan Jasmine. Elwes offers a seasoned presence, adding both exposition and light-hearted exasperation to the mix.
Guy Ritchie directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay together with Atkinson and Marn Davies. Ritchie’s fingerprints are all over the movie—from stylized action sequences and ensemble storytelling to fast-paced dialogue and eccentric characters. His flair for mixing high-stakes drama with irreverent comedy is fully realized here, in a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Operaion Fortune: Ruse de Guerre has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDB. This rating suggests the film has recieved a mix of both positive and negative feedback. Mixed reviewes are often the result of differences in the film’s shocking elements such as action sequences, humor, and slang all of which recived praise.
Aside from the controversial reception of the film, most viewers enjoyed the chemistry among the cast. Hugh Grant’s flamboyant performance as a villain was noted as the film’s memorable scene, and is praised for bringing both joy and depth to the role. Most noted were Plaza and Statham as the standout duo.
Critics had mixed reactions. While many appreciated the film’s polished aesthetic and humorous tone, some believed the plot was overly cliched and unoriginal. Drawn comparisons to earlier Guy Ritchie films like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Snatch, remarking that while Operation Fortune had charm, it lacked the gritty narrative risk of those earlier works.
The meta-Hollywood subplot with Josh Hartnett had some people regarding it as parodying Hollywood spy films, calling it a clever narrative device that added a forward-thinking twist to what is otherwise a simple spy story.
The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics but was largely enjoyed by those who like stylish, character-driven spy comedies. The film was regarded as a worthy addition to Guy Ritchie’s body of work and as a showcase for actors willing to have fun with spy-thriller roles.
Overall, the film performed modestly at the box office, a result of release date shifts and marketing delays. Originally set for release in 2022, the film was pushed to early 2023 with minimal marketing. Regardless, the film cultivated an audience through streaming and international releases.
Final Thoughts
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre takes you through a world of fast-moving espionage with Faye’s trademark humor and elegance. The film does not try to change the spy genre expectations, but it does dress up a typical, comfortable plot with the notable flair of the cast, the writing, and, of course, Guy Ritchie’s distinctive direction.
The film’s action and charm is complemented by the satirical bend coming from the generous dose of humor provided by Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, and Hugh Grant. The tale is not as it seems – as it is delivered with bullets flying, quick-witted exchanges that are a major trademark of Guy Ritchie, and a lighthearted not-so-serious undercurrent.
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