Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023) Movie Review

Guy Ritchie has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile filmmakers, making some of the most entertaining feature films in recent years. From Lock, Stock, Two Smoking Barrels, to Snatch to Rock n’ Rolla, to Sherlock Holmes, to King Arthur: Legend of The Sword to The Gentlemen to Wrath of Man and now in 2023 we have Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, the first of two films Ritchie has releasing in 2023 (The Covenant arrives later this year). Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre follows special agent Orson Fortune (played by Jason Statham) and his team of operatives who recruit a Hollywood A-lister Danny (played by Josh Hartnett) to help them on an undercover mission, where the very fate of the world is at stake. The film also stars Bugsy Malone, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes and Hugh Grant. As a huge fan of Guy Ritchie’s incredibly versatile filmography, I was very excited to see what he would do next after thoroughly enjoying his recent output of 2019s The Gentlemen and 2021s Wrath of Man and boy does this film not disappoint.

When you’re watching a Guy Ritchie film, there are certain elements you come to expect. Witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and borderline villainous characters. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre gives us all three. The film has a very witty script, with a fantastic cast of characters that play off each other so well. Jason Statham has built quite the rapport with Ritchie, working with him now on four films (Snatch, Rock n’ Rolla, Wrath of Man and Operation Fortune). Statham’s acting range is limited, but he plays the gruff, action-man role so well. His suave British man persona is what he does so well working with Ritchie. Here he is a spy of sorts, which is a little different to the roles he has played in previous collaborations with Ritchie. Statham has no problem selling the action set pieces, doing a lot of his own hand-to-hand combat in this film, and his charm and chemistry with his co-stars makes him an absolute delight on-screen. I hope for even more collaborations between Statham and Ritchie down the road.

The supporting cast here are all wonderful as well. Cary Elwes being one of the best supporting players here, showcasing his charisma, charm, and ability to play a slimy character. Josh Hartnett’s turn as Hollywood A-Lister Danny Francesco is also a standout. His recent return to the spotlight has been a welcome comeback and Operation Fortune continues this trend with yet another memorable turn. Hugh Grant re-teams again with Guy Ritchie, who can be attributed to the revitalization of Grant’s career after casting him against type in 2019s The Gentlemen. Hugh Grant is seen as the main antagonist of the film, and after recent villainous turns in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and The Gentlemen, you can really see Grant is having fun, once again chewing the scenery and living it up as the titular baddy in this tale filled with bad guys. And finally, Aubrey Plaza, who has also had a recent career revitalization after turns in the 2019 Childs Play remake, reboot? Whatever you want to call it, also in 2022s Emily The Criminal and Mike White’s fantastic second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Again here she brings her signature wit, charm and sarcasm. She’s brilliant here, and her chemistry with the rag, tag group of agents is so much fun.

The general premise and set-up also lend to some of Guy Ritchie’s signature action sequences. There are gun fights, previously mentioned hand-to-hand fighting and also car chases. It honestly has everything and for hardcore Ritchie fans who have been hanging out for another action film, before he helms Aladdin 2 with Disney, you won’t be disappointed. Operation Fortune Ruse de Guerre is great. It is fast, frantic and full of likeable performances. If you’re looking for fun, action, comedy then you won’t be disappointed with this one. Make sure you secure your copy on either DVD or Blu-Ray today from Sanity’s extensive online store and shop other Guy Ritchie favourites here.

Christopher Pattison from Oz Movie Geek wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here