Elite mercenary Jacob Fortune (Jason Statham) is forced to interrupt his vacation due to an assignment from the British government. A billionaire arms dealer, Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant), plans to sell a mysterious device with the potential to reshape the world to dangerous individuals. To thwart the deal, Fortune assembles a team of experienced colleagues and enlists the help of renowned Hollywood star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett).
Hugh Grant as Greg Simmonds in a still from “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”
A year after its originally planned release, Guy Ritchie’s latest film finally hits theaters. Here, the relentless severity of “The Gentlemen” and “Wrath of Man” gives way to a spy comedy with a sincere, albeit sometimes faltering, charm, emphasizing the importance of vacations and the redemptive power of the movie business. Echoing the traditions of “Mission: Impossible” and other genre staples, the film neutralizes a ridiculous evil with warhead potential and then heads off for some well-deserved rest.
A Return to Lighter Fare
In the current climate, this return to lighthearted humor and a somewhat faded aesthetic feels like an appropriate, even necessary, move. The world has been on the brink of destruction for quite some time, but somehow it never quite happens – a fact that can be attributed to the ever-brutal Jason Statham. A true patriot, Fortune doesn’t hesitate to spend government money on expensive wines and private jets, knowing that he himself can be rented out at any moment. This happens regularly; the stages of denial are replaced by bargaining and acceptance, with Madrid followed by Cannes and Antalya. Criminals know no bounds, and reminding them of that is Fortune’s job.
Josh Hartnett as Danny Francesco in a still from “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”
The Allure of Hollywood
This time, Hugh Grant once again plays the two-faced devil. His character, Greg Simmonds, aims to sell an artificial intelligence stolen from a secret laboratory to interested parties, an AI capable of breaching any security system anywhere in the world. Simmonds has only one weakness: the Hollywood star Danny Francesco. The popular and largely naive Danny (played excellently by the undeservedly forgotten Hartnett) loves vintage cars and his own cousin, while also becoming a movie hero at Orson’s request. Gaining the trust of the most dangerous man in the world is easy; escaping his web is nearly impossible.
It’s heartening to see that Ritchie hasn’t been completely broken by the corporate machine. In between Disney remakes of “Aladdin” and “Hercules,” the director carefully assembles a council of old friends, sends out explosive vignette postcards, and reminisces about his own and others’ youth. This “one for them, one for me” balancing act evokes tears, not of regret, but of a once-lost trust, now restored. The machismo that oozes from almost every frame is to be accepted with honor; any surprise or outrage should be kept to oneself.
Jason Statham as Orson Fortune in a still from “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre”
Fortune’s Wisdom
“Wrath of Man” was one of Statham’s attempts to delve into drama, but “Fortune” changes course, bringing the actor closer to his early collaborations with Ritchie. While he may not reach the meta-ironic heights of “Spy” with its great monologue about immortality, he does offer fatherly advice to “finish your carrots” to his boss (Cary Elwes) and solves all problems before they even arise. At the same time, the main reason why “Ruse de Guerre” surpasses Ritchie’s previous works is Aubrey Plaza. The title of best female character in the filmography of the patriarchal-minded director now undoubtedly belongs to her. The actress adds action charisma to her deadpan humor, and her character Sarah Fidel’s short slow-motion shooting scene is already on the list of the year’s main cinematic revelations.
A Reflection on Purpose
Ritchie seems to be philosophizing about his own purpose for the first time: the rebellious spirit of the '90s can be forgotten, but stoic adventurism never. Everything will go smoothly, Fortune assures us, and for this constant stream of self-confidence in an era of uncertainty, we can only be grateful.