OSS 117: From Africa with Love

The OSS 117 films are known for their subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, cultural commentary, often satirising post-colonial attitudes and outdated political correctness through the character of Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath. Set in 1981, the film likely uses this period to reflect on evolving societal norms and international relations, contrasting them with OSS 117's inherently anachronistic worldview. It’s a key element of the franchise’s appeal.

The film explicitly states that this new mission is 'more delicate, more dangerous and more torrid than ever.' This suggests an escalation in the stakes and complexity of the espionage OSS 117 is undertaking. Furthermore, his forced collaboration with a young, promising colleague, OSS 1001, introduces a new dynamic that is bound to create friction and comedic opportunities, diverging from his solo exploits or previous team-ups.

Fans of the OSS 117 franchise will recognise the signature blend of sophisticated parody and character-driven comedy. The humour often stems from Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath's outdated views and his attempts to navigate modern situations with old-fashioned sensibilities. Expect a playful mockery of spy tropes, cultural misunderstandings, and Jean Dujardin's masterful deadpan delivery, all set against a backdrop of international intrigue.

Given the film's comedic espionage genre and its focus on a charismatic, if somewhat outdated, secret agent, it's likely to appeal to Australian audiences who enjoy witty dialogue and satirical humour. The international setting and the dynamic between the old-school spy and his new partner offer broad entertainment value. Streaming availability would be the primary consideration for viewers Down Under.

The film stars Jean Dujardin reprising his role as the iconic OSS 117. He is joined by Pierre Niney, who plays the new colleague, OSS 1001. The supporting cast includes Wladimir Yordanoff, Fatou N'Diaye, and Natacha Lindinger, rounding out a group of performers ready to bring this espionage comedy to life. Their interactions are key to the film's charm and humour.

Set in 1981, the film finds Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, the titular OSS 117, back in action. This time, his mission is particularly challenging, requiring him to collaborate with a younger, promising operative, OSS 1001. The dynamic between the seasoned, perhaps slightly anachronistic, OSS 117 and his new, more contemporary colleague forms a central element of the plot, promising a clash of styles and methods in a high-stakes scenario.

Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, better known as OSS 117, is the suave yet endearingly clueless French secret agent who returns for this latest escapade. The character is a master of espionage, or at least he believes himself to be. This film sees him tackling a mission that is described as more delicate, dangerous, and torrid than his previous endeavours. Expect his signature blend of outdated charm and unintentional comedy as he navigates a new assignment.