In 2021, Operation Portugal was a huge success in cinemas and gathered 452,000 viewers. Three years later, D’Jalle returned with a second installment called La Vie de château! After the events of the first episode, we once again find Hakim aka Joaquim, our clumsy and sly cop! The latter must thwart the plans of a rogue promoter: Count Neville.
Together with his friends, he infiltrates the Count’s castle, but he also has to prepare his marriage with Julia, from whom he hid his mission. Nothing goes as planned and Hakeem and his gang of nickel-plated legs, overwhelmed, go from disaster to disaster. He will then enter a mad race to succeed in his mission and save his relationship.
Popular comedian
Operation Portugal is inspired by comedian D’Jal (of Jamel Comedy Club)’s hugely successful sketch, The Portuguese. As director Frank Cimieri explains, “This project was born in D’Jalle’s head, and his head is a mess, a thousand ideas a second. He took this Portuguese character and he came up with the idea of putting him in the position of an undercover cop. It fits him like a glove.”
Note that D’Gal’s sketch “The Portuguese” has over 20 million views on YouTube. Just D’jal, his first show, was performed more than 300 times in 3 continents and 9 countries. The show was seen by 245,000 viewers in France and 35,000 internationally. Open Heart, his second show, attracted more than 170,000 fans over nearly 250 dates.
Among the inspirations that fueled Operation Portugal, director Frank Cimieri cites The Adventures of Rabbi Jacob for Hakim’s pose and characterization, the dynamic of the Goat couple, and My name is Nobody’s comedy moments without dialogue. An adventure is an adventure, and Hangover is also the movies that influenced it.
Ben Stiller, final clue
As for D’Jalle, Mary at all costs was his main reference: “Ben Stiller’s character is caught in a spiral from which he tries to escape with the best will in the world, standing upright in his boots, but completely experiencing fate, which creates brilliant comic situations.” The actor was also inspired by the rhythm of 1980s films “Infiltrated and with hidden characters. It goes in every direction and it always brings humor and action.”
Operation Portugal 2 is Frank Cimieri’s third film, following the first installment in 2021 and La Marginale in 2023. He previously directed and produced one-man shows, stand-ups and series, including Le Jamel Comedy Club. It was D’Jalle who offered him to run Operation Portugal.
“Comedy is the rhythm, the silence, the reactions, often funnier than the action. And that’s true for a one-man show, a play, a sketch or a film. Only the distance changes, we have to get to telling the story over time.” , emphasizes the director.
Operation Portugal 2 hits theaters on February 7.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
