Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre Story:-
The director has dialed back on the flashy style, but his expertise shines through in this spirited screwball caper.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 3 March 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Thriller |
| Duration | 1h 54min |
| Cast | Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Hugh Grant, Josh Hartnett, Bugzy Malone, Eddie Marsan, Peter Ferdinando, Lourdes Faberes, Max Beesley, Eugenia Kuzmina, Bestemsu Özdemir, Kaan Urgancıoğlu |
| Director | Guy Ritchie |
| Writer | Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies, Guy Ritchie |
| Cinematography | Alan Stewart |
| Music | Christopher Benstead |
| Producer | Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Bill Block |
| Production | Miramax, STXfilms, Toff Guy Films |
| Certificate | 18+ |
For the past 25 years, I’ve never quite warmed up to Guy Ritchie’s films. His crime dramas like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” “Snatch,” “Revolver,” and “RocknRolla” often felt like flashy spectacles, overly enamored with their own bravado and post-Tarantino coolness. While it was evident that Ritchie possessed talent, the relentless showcasing of his skills in every shot left me feeling that his films were more about style than substance. Over time, he transitioned into more conventional filmmaking, with some of his works, such as the remake of “Swept Away” and the “Sherlock Holmes” franchise, receiving mixed reviews from me. Despite finding enjoyment in a few of his films, I couldn’t shake the impression that Ritchie was stuck on a treadmill of trying too hard. While I appreciated his efforts, I hadn’t yet found a film of his to truly love.
However, all that changed with “Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre.” This film can be considered a quintessential Ritchie caper, characterized by its brisk pace and blend of espionage and crime thriller elements. Led by Jason Statham, who epitomizes the quintessential Ritchie attitude, the film introduces us to Orson Fortune, a formidable superspy with a penchant for the finer things in life. Despite his gruff exterior, Fortune possesses the cunning instincts of a chess player and the lethal skills of a trained assassin. His mission, assigned by the M-like Nathan (portrayed by Cary Elwes), involves retrieving a stolen package known as The Handle, which holds immense value on the black market.
“Operation Fortune” defies easy categorization, weaving together elements from various genres and franchises. It shares the globe-trotting, save-the-world dynamics of the “Mission: Impossible” series, the adrenaline-fueled action of the “Bourne” films, and the intricate heist elements of the “Ocean’s” movies. At first glance, one might question the need for Ritchie to explore such well-trodden territory. However, it’s the director’s unique spin on these familiar tropes that breathes new life into the narrative.
Ritchie’s direction injects the film with a sense of energy and wit, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. The dialogue crackles with sharp humor and wordplay, particularly evident in the interactions between characters like Orson Fortune and his team. Despite its familiarity, the film never feels stale or derivative, thanks to Ritchie’s ability to subvert expectations and inject fresh twists into the storyline.
“Operation Fortune” marks a triumphant return to form for Guy Ritchie. While his earlier films may have leaned too heavily on style over substance, this latest offering strikes a perfect balance between the two. With its blend of action, intrigue, and humor, it’s a testament to Ritchie’s evolution as a filmmaker and a thrilling ride for audiences.
Ritchie, collaborating with Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies on the script, has masterfully crafted a film that exudes cleverness and charm while remaining grounded. “Operation Fortune” captures the essence of a great screwball comedy, striking a perfect balance between wit and action. Unlike many films that spoon-feed the audience with explanations of the heroes’ plans, this movie trusts viewers to keep up, treating them as integral members of the team. It moves swiftly, laying traps and navigating situations with agility, capitalizing on unexpected opportunities that arise.
The ensemble cast, led by Aubrey Plaza as Sarah, adds depth and flair to the film. Plaza’s portrayal of a hacker with a penchant for blackmailer instincts, coupled with her ability to embody a femme fatale when necessary, infuses the dialogue with brilliance. Alongside Sarah is JJ, played by Bugzy Malone, a sniper with gentlemanly manners, and Danny Francesco, portrayed by Josh Hartnett. Hartnett’s portrayal of Danny, an American movie star recruited into the team, channels the self-mocking charm reminiscent of Brad Pitt. Despite his past career trajectory, Hartnett shines in “Operation Fortune,” embodying the role with ageless charisma and wit.
Danny’s role as bait to ensnare Greg Simmonds, portrayed by Hugh Grant, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Simmonds, a super-shady billionaire involved in underground arms sales, becomes the target of Fortune’s team as they infiltrate a charity event on his yacht in Cannes. The plan hinges on Simmonds’ vanity and desire to be close to a movie star, setting the stage for a captivating double mind game. Grant’s performance as Simmonds is the film’s secret weapon, imbuing the character with a succulent, layered panache reminiscent of Michael Caine at his most ominous. Grant’s portrayal captures Simmonds’ pathologically competitive nature, turning every encounter into a thrilling cat-and-mouse game that steals the spotlight.
“Operation Fortune” is a testament to Ritchie’s directorial prowess and the stellar performances of its cast. With its clever storytelling and dynamic characters, the film captivates audiences from start to finish. Grant’s standout performance, in particular, elevates the movie to new heights, solidifying its status as a must-watch espionage thriller.
The portrayal of other characters is equally impressive. Statham, as he has aged, embodies a ghostly quality of lethal efficiency, portraying Orson Fortune as a cunning operative whose fearlessness borders on the comical. Statham’s portrayal of a facetious nihilist adds depth to his character, particularly in the film’s fight scenes, which are refreshingly original and geometrically precise, illustrating how Fortune strategizes each move as the shortest path between his will and death. As the story transitions to Simmonds’ villa in Turkey, the focus shifts to Sarah, who excels in surveillance just as Fortune does in combat. She effortlessly disappears into the powder room, seamlessly tapping into the world around her in an instant.
The film introduces a diverse array of characters, each vividly portrayed: from the Ukrainian mobsters who share a fondness for Danny to the quirky yet sinister biotech billionaires. Fortune’s rival espionage star, Mike, adds another layer of complexity, constantly disrupting plans and adding to the film’s intrigue. “Operation Fortune” strikes a perfect balance between action and intrigue, reminiscent of the best “Mission: Impossible” films, with touches of debonair comedy that deliver unexpected delights.
One memorable moment involves Simmonds gifting Danny his favorite candy-apple-red Mustang with white stripes, a car he once drove in a movie. The scene sets the stage for an exhilarating getaway drive, yet the film refrains from transforming Danny into a hyperbolic action star. Instead, he remains true to himself—a genial poser who stumbles into the role of a lifetime by playing himself.
The script of “Operation Fortune” is a true gem, driving the narrative forward with the wit and charm reminiscent of old Hollywood classics. However, it’s Ritchie’s direction that truly brings the story to life, infusing each scene with vibrancy and energy. From the intricate Cannes yacht scene to the climactic showdown in the biotech moguls’ power tower, Ritchie’s talent shines through, offering a fresh perspective on the espionage thriller genre. The sparing use of helicopter shots adds a dynamic visual flair to the action sequences, enhancing the overall experience.
In conclusion, “Operation Fortune” showcases Ritchie at the height of his directorial prowess, delivering a film that is both thrilling and entertaining. While it may not change opinions about his earlier works, it certainly cements his status as a master filmmaker in this exhilarating and fast-paced caper. Hollywood luminaries like Tom Cruise and Barbara Broccoli would do well to take note of Ritchie’s electrifying vision and storytelling prowess.
