Casino Royale. Because it's my favourite Ian Fleming novel and they managed to bring it to the screen faithfully in its entirety. If you read the novels, who do you imagine as Bond? that's what's great about the novels. You are free to imagine. Well, I didn't imagine Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton. Amazingly, I imagined someone close to Craig (but more like he appears on "Sylvia", with longer, black hair), and I didn't know who Craig was back then of course. So, in essence, CR is my reader imagination up on the screen.
From Russia With Love
In order to post on this thread confidently, I really had to re-evaluate and figure out what my absolute favorite bond film was. I thought about each of my favorites (namely FRWL, TB, OHMSS, LTK, GE, CR and SF) and I found that what they all shared in common really all started with From Russia With Love. It may not be the quintessential Bond film in terms of the franchise's zeitgeist and cultural significance, but it's definitely the quintessential Bond film for me.
As we all do, I love Bond for many reasons. But first and foremost, I love Bond because I am perpetually fascinated with the man himself--the ever-evolving, ever-intriguing character at the core of this cultural phenomenon. Though Connery isn't my favorite Bond (that title has been reserved for Daniel Craig since his astounding debut in CR), his performance in FRWL is my favorite of all his Bond films and demonstrates perfectly why Bond is so fascinating and perpetually mysterious. Connery was never exactly "Fleming's Bond", but in FRWL he takes the Fleming blue print and infuses it with a steely, wholly cinematic charisma and postures himself with a devilish mix of cat-like elegance, brooding danger, and ferocious sexual potency. More than in any other film, Connery provides a character framework in FRWL that paved the way for all the best moments from the 5 other Bonds. In many ways, the legacy of Connery's Bond is what makes the entire series so unique in comparison to every other spy entertainment property, and his performance is the freshest and most inspired in FRWL.
Now to the film itself. Much of what I said about Connery's performance could easily be said of Terence Young's direction. Also, I find that the setting, locations, and story really shine when executed through the lense of Young's style. Another director might have made a very boring film with the plot that Young had to -{ work with, but he does something really special with it. The locations of FRWL aren't quite as "glamorous" as the ones in DN or TB, but they do make for some really interesting set pieces, largely due to Young's direction, as well as the other characters that inhabit them.
All the other performances are really intriguing. Kerim Bey sets a standard for Bond's allies that was never quite lived up to. And though Tatiana Romanova isn't a particularly interesting character, the situation she's thrust into makes for an interesting romantic story for Connery to work with. Both the main villains-Rosa Klebb and Red Grant-are nothing short of brilliant. Anything I could say about Shaw's performance has surely been said already. both his and Lotte Lenya's strange, inspired approaches to their respective characters imbue the movie with a sense that we're watching a world inhabited by killers.
I guess that about sums it up. Cheers
Absolutely terrific summation of your reasons for choosing this outstanding Bond film! Not my favorite, but very close to the top of my list. {[]
From Russia With Love
In order to post on this thread confidently, I really had to re-evaluate and figure out what my absolute favorite bond film was. I thought about each of my favorites (namely FRWL, TB, OHMSS, LTK, GE, CR and SF) and I found that what they all shared in common really all started with From Russia With Love. It may not be the quintessential Bond film in terms of the franchise's zeitgeist and cultural significance, but it's definitely the quintessential Bond film for me.
As we all do, I love Bond for many reasons. But first and foremost, I love Bond because I am perpetually fascinated with the man himself--the ever-evolving, ever-intriguing character at the core of this cultural phenomenon. Though Connery isn't my favorite Bond (that title has been reserved for Daniel Craig since his astounding debut in CR), his performance in FRWL is my favorite of all his Bond films and demonstrates perfectly why Bond is so fascinating and perpetually mysterious. Connery was never exactly "Fleming's Bond", but in FRWL he takes the Fleming blue print and infuses it with a steely, wholly cinematic charisma and postures himself with a devilish mix of cat-like elegance, brooding danger, and ferocious sexual potency. More than in any other film, Connery provides a character framework in FRWL that paved the way for all the best moments from the 5 other Bonds. In many ways, the legacy of Connery's Bond is what makes the entire series so unique in comparison to every other spy entertainment property, and his performance is the freshest and most inspired in FRWL.
Now to the film itself. Much of what I said about Connery's performance could easily be said of Terence Young's direction. Also, I find that the setting, locations, and story really shine when executed through the lense of Young's style. Another director might have made a very boring film with the plot that Young had to -{ work with, but he does something really special with it. The locations of FRWL aren't quite as "glamorous" as the ones in DN or TB, but they do make for some really interesting set pieces, largely due to Young's direction, as well as the other characters that inhabit them.
All the other performances are really intriguing. Kerim Bey sets a standard for Bond's allies that was never quite lived up to. And though Tatiana Romanova isn't a particularly interesting character, the situation she's thrust into makes for an interesting romantic story for Connery to work with. Both the main villains-Rosa Klebb and Red Grant-are nothing short of brilliant. Anything I could say about Shaw's performance has surely been said already. both his and Lotte Lenya's strange, inspired approaches to their respective characters imbue the movie with a sense that we're watching a world inhabited by killers.
I guess that about sums it up. Cheers
Absolutely terrific summation of your reasons for choosing this outstanding Bond film! Not my favorite, but very close to the top of my list. {[]
I agree. This is what I like to think of as the elegantly Hitchcockian Bond.
To ME, your favourite Bond movie has many factors (which was your first Bond movie- have you read the novels- are you a connoisseur of the film-making process & result- does the musical score matter intensely to you- do you have an extreme emotional or nostalgic connection to a particular film-?) but for the greater part I think it comes down to the actor you like most in the role. As much as I loved Connery, Brosnan was my first choice for favourite Bond (TND was my #1 Bond movie upon seeing it), but then hey- mitigating factor... I read the novels. Respect for early Connery Bond doubled, Brosnan remained cool & fun, but Dalton emerged as a fave. So basically even though FRWL & OHMSS are better made, looking, written & produced films, and TND stars my man Pierce in a big & beautiful production, Tim's two simple Glen-workman-like-directed adventures are my favourites. Because of Tim.
Is your favourite movie your favourite for this reason as well?
I appreciate the fun and purity of your criteria. I think it demonstrates what I believe wholeheartedly about Bond in any form: it's success depends on the portrayal of the man at the center of the action. If I were to follow this criteria, Skyfall would undoubtedly be my favorite Bond film. I find DC's performance in it to be the most inspired of them all.
From Russia With Love
In order to post on this thread confidently, I really had to re-evaluate and figure out what my absolute favorite bond film was. I thought about each of my favorites (namely FRWL, TB, OHMSS, LTK, GE, CR and SF) and I found that what they all shared in common really all started with From Russia With Love. It may not be the quintessential Bond film in terms of the franchise's zeitgeist and cultural significance, but it's definitely the quintessential Bond film for me.
As we all do, I love Bond for many reasons. But first and foremost, I love Bond because I am perpetually fascinated with the man himself--the ever-evolving, ever-intriguing character at the core of this cultural phenomenon. Though Connery isn't my favorite Bond (that title has been reserved for Daniel Craig since his astounding debut in CR), his performance in FRWL is my favorite of all his Bond films and demonstrates perfectly why Bond is so fascinating and perpetually mysterious. Connery was never exactly "Fleming's Bond", but in FRWL he takes the Fleming blue print and infuses it with a steely, wholly cinematic charisma and postures himself with a devilish mix of cat-like elegance, brooding danger, and ferocious sexual potency. More than in any other film, Connery provides a character framework in FRWL that paved the way for all the best moments from the 5 other Bonds. In many ways, the legacy of Connery's Bond is what makes the entire series so unique in comparison to every other spy entertainment property, and his performance is the freshest and most inspired in FRWL.
Now to the film itself. Much of what I said about Connery's performance could easily be said of Terence Young's direction. Also, I find that the setting, locations, and story really shine when executed through the lense of Young's style. Another director might have made a very boring film with the plot that Young had to -{ work with, but he does something really special with it. The locations of FRWL aren't quite as "glamorous" as the ones in DN or TB, but they do make for some really interesting set pieces, largely due to Young's direction, as well as the other characters that inhabit them.
All the other performances are really intriguing. Kerim Bey sets a standard for Bond's allies that was never quite lived up to. And though Tatiana Romanova isn't a particularly interesting character, the situation she's thrust into makes for an interesting romantic story for Connery to work with. Both the main villains-Rosa Klebb and Red Grant-are nothing short of brilliant. Anything I could say about Shaw's performance has surely been said already. both his and Lotte Lenya's strange, inspired approaches to their respective characters imbue the movie with a sense that we're watching a world inhabited by killers.
I guess that about sums it up. Cheers
I just downgraded FRWL to second place (CR 1st), and after reading this I feel so bad...I know if I watch the movie again it'll be number one. Such a fantastic film and novel.
If you read the novels, who do you imagine as Bond? that's what's great about the novels. You are free to imagine. Well, I didn't imagine Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton. Amazingly, I imagined someone close to Craig (but more like he appears on "Sylvia", with longer, black hair), and I didn't know who Craig was back then of course. So, in essence, CR is my reader imagination up on the screen.
This is was my experience with CR as well, and the reason why DC is my favorite Bond. I remember the first time I saw CR I was floored by how much Daniel Craig seemed to emulate the Bond I imagined when reading the novels (minus the Blonde hair of course). It's those eyes man. Those eyes!
If you read the novels, who do you imagine as Bond? that's what's great about the novels. You are free to imagine. Well, I didn't imagine Sean Connery, Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton. Amazingly, I imagined someone close to Craig (but more like he appears on "Sylvia", with longer, black hair), and I didn't know who Craig was back then of course. So, in essence, CR is my reader imagination up on the screen.
This is was my experience with CR as well, and the reason why DC is my favorite Bond. I remember the first time I saw CR I was floored by how much Daniel Craig seemed to emulate the Bond I imagined when reading the novels (minus the Blonde hair of course). It's those eyes man. Those eyes!
I remember when they cast Craig, I rented Sylvia on DVD. Well, the movie is set in the 50s, as Casino Royale the novel, and I thought to myself, "bullseye, this guy is going to be amazing". Yes, the eyes, and the "cruel mouth".
I thought to myself, "bullseye, this guy is going to be amazing". Yes, the eyes, and the "cruel mouth".
Craig blew me away with QOS. He & Forster working out dialogue on the fly made for a memorable & stupendous entry (IMO). Craig gets Bond, and he's been allowed to show it in all three movies so far. Like Brosnan, the scripts haven't always been great (QOS most of all- nada), but he's a bull dog where Brosnan was a collie.
I thought to myself, "bullseye, this guy is going to be amazing". Yes, the eyes, and the "cruel mouth".
Craig blew me away with QOS. He & Forster working out dialogue on the fly made for a memorable & stupendous entry (IMO). Craig gets Bond, and he's been allowed to show it in all three movies so far. Like Brosnan, the scripts haven't always been great (QOS most of all- nada), but he's a bull dog where Brosnan was collie.
QoS is excellent, and I really like how people are warming to it!!
From Russia with love ..... A classic "spy" film. If Hitchcock would have made a Bond film, it may have turned out like FRWL. I absolutely love the train sequence. The characters of Grant and Klebb are brilliant. The locations are nicely chosen as well.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service:
- The first time a Bond film focuses on a personal story alongside the professional story, and they work perfectly together
- Bond seems the most human of all Bond films, despite him not being played by a real actor
- Bond have never been so easy to relate to as in this film. We feel his love, joy, fear and sadness. No other Bond film comes anywhere close to the emotion in this film.
- Fantastic direction by first-time director Peter Hunt. Some scenes are stylized, but it's not overdone.
- Brilliant score by John Barry, including a fantastic main theme, We Have All the Time in the World and Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown
- The most believable and menacing Blofeld
- Strong female lead
- Great locations in both the beach and the snowy mountains
- One of the best men's wardrobes of the entire series, thanks to Dimi Major. Not only did he make Bond's beautiful suits, he also made clothes for Draco, M and Blofeld
- More screen time for Bernard Lee. His performance in this film is his best.
- Best ski chases of the series
- Cable car scene is really tense
- Bobsled chase is tense and engaging
- Fantastic fight scenes that seem very believable to me
- Irma Bunt is clearly very evil, but it's never obvious
- Like seeing into the more personal lives of the characters, like Bond's office and his family history, and M's old-money home
- the Aston Martin DBS, a car so perfect that it doesn't need any gadgets to be special
From Russia with love ..... A classic "spy" film. If Hitchcock would have made a Bond film, it may have turned out like FRWL. I absolutely love the train sequence. The characters of Grant and Klebb are brilliant. The locations are nicely chosen as well.
Exactly. FRWL is very Hitchcock. It's funny how they wanted Cary Grant for Bond and when Bond came out it was Hitchcock who cast Sean Connery in a role that very same year (1963) that probably Cary Grant would have played as a young man. So Broccoli and Saltzman truly did a good job!
On Her Majesty's Secret Service:
- The first time a Bond film focuses on a personal story alongside the professional story, and they work perfectly together
- Bond seems the most human of all Bond films, despite him not being played by a real actor
- Bond have never been so easy to relate to as in this film. We feel his love, joy, fear and sadness. No other Bond film comes anywhere close to the emotion in this film.
- Fantastic direction by first-time director Peter Hunt. Some scenes are stylized, but it's not overdone.
- Brilliant score by John Barry, including a fantastic main theme, We Have All the Time in the World and Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown
- The most believable and menacing Blofeld
- Strong female lead
- Great locations in both the beach and the snowy mountains
- One of the best men's wardrobes of the entire series, thanks to Dimi Major. Not only did he make Bond's beautiful suits, he also made clothes for Draco, M and Blofeld
- More screen time for Bernard Lee. His performance in this film is his best.
- Best ski chases of the series
- Cable car scene is really tense
- Bobsled chase is tense and engaging
- Fantastic fight scenes that seem very believable to me
- Irma Bunt is clearly very evil, but it's never obvious
- Like seeing into the more personal lives of the characters, like Bond's office and his family history, and M's old-money home
- the Aston Martin DBS, a car so perfect that it doesn't need any gadgets to be special
- Bond have never been so easy to relate to as in this film. We feel his love, joy, fear and sadness. No other Bond film comes anywhere close to the emotion in this film.
Wholeheartedly agree with this point. And it's a major credit to Lazenby for me for actually acting this out in such a convincing fashion.
FRWL is very Hitchcock. It's funny how they wanted Cary Grant for Bond and when Bond came out it was Hitchcock who cast Sean Connery in a role that very same year (1963) that probably Cary Grant would have played as a young man. So Broccoli and Saltzman truly did a good job!
And Cary went on to do Charade, a very Moore/Bond-like film IMO! -{
Goldfinger. Iconic, suspenseful, humorous, fantastic, satisfying. it's not the best story -- On Her Majesty's Secret Service beats that -- nor the most mature -- that would be From Russia with Love -- nor the most epics -- You Only Live Twice. But all around, it's a superb example of what Bond does best: mass entertainment with great panache.
Goldfinger. Iconic, suspenseful, humorous, fantastic, satisfying. it's not the best story -- On Her Majesty's Secret Service beats that -- nor the most mature -- that would be From Russia with Love -- nor the most epics -- You Only Live Twice. But all around, it's a superb example of what Bond does best: mass entertainment with great panache.
Yes, there's a reason why it's so highly thought of! I just like TLD a bit better...
Wanted to gather my thoughts first before I posted my response for this thread. Some of you may already know, but I have not been as active on here as I use to be.
My favourite Bond Film and favourite film of all time is For Your Eyes Only.
It's not my first Bond film. That credit goes to a young kid dazzled and entranced by the You only live twice title sequence.
And it's not even my second. Which goes to an eager 10 year old who picked Goldeneye from the Video rental shelf. It was my first Bond I got on DVD however, and the first one which made me realise the whole other world which 007 conveyed. It's eighties through and through but there is a timeless feel to all the characters and events which make it hard for me to explain. It's the first Moore film I saw and the best at showing his acting skills and the Bond formula.
Yes. The pre title may seem silly but finally we get the ending of the Blofeld trilogy. Which was long overdue. Humour is clever, the stunts fantastic and it's great to see London in fine form here. Not just the Red Bus and Big Ben like its usually portrayed. We also get introduced to a theme later prevalent in modern Bond Films. Bond is not a superhero. Bond is fragile. This is seen in the film with Bond remembering Tracy. Lovely touch. And notice how it is not crammed down our throats? It's refreshing. It's a sigh of relief after Moonraker's gag a minute space battles. (Moonraker is still awesome, but that's another story). The title sequence is simply breathtaking and lovely. I don't want to just use superlatives but It is fantastic. The best sequence of the Bonds. The water works in the background. Even more so than Thunderball. And Binder!! What an inspired choice having Sheena Easton in it. She simply looks delightful and beautiful in it. That's a way to get film viewers attention. The song is the best Romantic Ballad in the franchise. Topping for me All the time in the world. The lyrics may seem melodramatic. But it works.
"Maybe I'm an open book. Because I know you're mine"
Tear to this man's eye.
What follows is a film with a wonderful amount of energy and style. Italy and the Greek islands look picturesque and beautiful. Makes you want to be there. On the mission. With Bond. The pace is terrific. And the adjustment of Tanner and Head if defence saying M's lines are fine. And the characters are not caricatures but amazing and interesting characters. Melina is the most attractive and Gorgeous Bond Girl ever. And probably will be forever. Her hair and her eyes are magical. Her performance less slapsticky than other Bond girls. Here is our first Bond Lady. The revenge plot is new and most welcomed. Her chemistry with Bond sufficient enough for smiles from me whenever they act together. Columbo is Kerim Bey x10 for awesomeness, humour, plot development and chemistry with Bond. He feels like a Fleming creation. Kristatos is acted well. Love his earlier appearances as helpful Informer. Love his "ah. Leave him" line when his henchman falls into the water. The action here is well thought out and thrilling as ever. The car chase is funny. But done well and is intense. The music here is incredible.
Skiing chase takes my breath away every time. Lets not forget the under water sequences shot well! Love you John Glen. The finale mountain sequence is everything I want it to be. Thrilling. Excellent balance of humour and gritty action. We actually have fleshed out characters battling each other which we care about. The confrontation with Gogol is very 60ish and is most welcomed. By the end of the movie we realise that we want more of this. It's too short because its too good! The soundtrack, controversial, is the best we have. Fresh. Original. Exciting and toe tapping. I could dance to it. But the true star of the show is Roger Moore as James Bond. He is the ultimate gentleman. The closest Portrayal of Bond to who I would inspire to be when I'm older. The way he offers to buy an ice cream to a nude girl in his bed just oozes the straight thinking, intelligent woman's crumpet image. He then proceeds to shag a girl instead of talking to Margaret Thatcher. Don't blame him. He is self assured, dangerous but caring. The way he kills Locque with a kick is superb and juxtaposes brilliantly with his scenes with Melina
"As soon as I find the man responsible for this I will go straight to you"
I promise you that there are a million more reasons why I love this film so much. It lacks love and attention. I believe it isn't even spoken about often on this forum. It's the most underrated Bond film but its shiniest Jem.
Six out of Five Stars
“The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Wanted to gather my thoughts first before I posted my response for this thread. Some of you may already know, but I have not been as active on here as I use to be.
My favourite Bond Film and favourite film of all time is For Your Eyes Only.
It's not my first Bond film. That credit goes to a young kid dazzled and entranced by the You only live twice title sequence.
And it's not even my second. Which goes to an eager 10 year old who picked Goldeneye from the Video rental shelf. It was my first Bond I got on DVD however, and the first one which made me realise the whole other world which 007 conveyed. It's eighties through and through but there is a timeless feel to all the characters and events which make it hard for me to explain. It's the first Moore film I saw and the best at showing his acting skills and the Bond formula.
Yes. The pre title may seem silly but finally we get the ending of the Blofeld trilogy. Which was long overdue. Humour is clever, the stunts fantastic and it's great to see London in fine form here. Not just the Red Bus and Big Ben like its usually portrayed. We also get introduced to a theme later prevalent in modern Bond Films. Bond is not a superhero. Bond is fragile. This is seen in the film with Bond remembering Tracy. Lovely touch. And notice how it is not crammed down our throats? It's refreshing. It's a sigh of relief after Moonraker's gag a minute space battles. (Moonraker is still awesome, but that's another story). The title sequence is simply breathtaking and lovely. I don't want to just use superlatives but It is fantastic. The best sequence of the Bonds. The water works in the background. Even more so than Thunderball. And Binder!! What an inspired choice having Sheena Easton in it. She simply looks delightful and beautiful in it. That's a way to get film viewers attention. The song is the best Romantic Ballad in the franchise. Topping for me All the time in the world. The lyrics may seem melodramatic. But it works.
"Maybe I'm an open book. Because I know you're mine"
Tear to this man's eye.
What follows is a film with a wonderful amount of energy and style. Italy and the Greek islands look picturesque and beautiful. Makes you want to be there. On the mission. With Bond. The pace is terrific. And the adjustment of Tanner and Head if defence saying M's lines are fine. And the characters are not caricatures but amazing and interesting characters. Melina is the most attractive and Gorgeous Bond Girl ever. And probably will be forever. Her hair and her eyes are magical. Her performance less slapsticky than other Bond girls. Here is our first Bond Lady. The revenge plot is new and most welcomed. Her chemistry with Bond sufficient enough for smiles from me whenever they act together. Columbo is Kerim Bey x10 for awesomeness, humour, plot development and chemistry with Bond. He feels like a Fleming creation. Kristatos is acted well. Love his earlier appearances as helpful Informer. Love his "ah. Leave him" line when his henchman falls into the water. The action here is well thought out and thrilling as ever. The car chase is funny. But done well and is intense. The music here is incredible.
Skiing chase takes my breath away every time. Lets not forget the under water sequences shot well! Love you John Glen. The finale mountain sequence is everything I want it to be. Thrilling. Excellent balance of humour and gritty action. We actually have fleshed out characters battling each other which we care about. The confrontation with Gogol is very 60ish and is most welcomed. By the end of the movie we realise that we want more of this. It's too short because its too good! The soundtrack, controversial, is the best we have. Fresh. Original. Exciting and toe tapping. I could dance to it. But the true star of the show is Roger Moore as James Bond. He is the ultimate gentleman. The closest Portrayal of Bond to who I would inspire to be when I'm older. The way he offers to buy an ice cream to a nude girl in his bed just oozes the straight thinking, intelligent woman's crumpet image. He then proceeds to shag a girl instead of talking to Margaret Thatcher. Don't blame him. He is self assured, dangerous but caring. The way he kills Locque with a kick is superb and juxtaposes brilliantly with his scenes with Melina
"As soon as I find the man responsible for this I will go straight to you"
I promise you that there are a million more reasons why I love this film so much. It lacks love and attention. I believe it isn't even spoken about often on this forum. It's the most underrated Bond film but its shiniest Jem.
Six out of Five Stars
Well done. My favurite Bond film as well. Such a break after Moonraker. Bjut a believable story with just the right kind of character interaction.
1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Living Daylights 3 From Russia with Love 4. Casino Royale 5. OHMSS 6. Skyfall
From Russia With Love is my favourite Bond film, I think primarily because of the characters in the film.
To me, this is the Sean Connery performance that comes to mind when I think of him as Bond. The way he seems to go about the gypsy camp fight in such a casual way, his physicality in the fight with Red Grant, his boyish grin while watching the belly dancer, and his perfect delivery of lines such as "No, it's the right size. For me that is."
I think Kerim Bey is the perfect Bond ally, his charm, humour and roguish nature make him a character one wants to spend time with.
Rosa Klebb is one of my favourite villains. I saw this film as a young lad and to be honest remembered nothing of the plot until I saw it again in my late teens, but what I did remember vividly was Rosa Klebb's face and her deadly shoe.
Finally Red Grant is my favourite henchman, or physical threat to Bond. His steely, silent stalking throughout the film builds great suspense. I simply love the shot from the railway platform as Bond and Kerim's son are talking and Grant is following them from inside the coach. And then of course there is that fight in the train.
The plot also is probably my favourite. A nice mix of serious spy film and the slightly fantastical, strange world of Bond. The addition of SPECTRE to the basic plot of the novel is a great touch which adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue.
From Russia With Love is my favourite Bond film, I think primarily because of the characters in the film.
To me, this is the Sean Connery performance that comes to mind when I think of him as Bond. The way he seems to go about the gypsy camp fight in such a casual way, his physicality in the fight with Red Grant, his boyish grin while watching the belly dancer, and his perfect delivery of lines such as "No, it's the right size. For me that is."
I think Kerim Bey is the perfect Bond ally, his charm, humour and roguish nature make him a character one wants to spend time with.
Rosa Klebb is one of my favourite villains. I saw this film as a young lad and to be honest remembered nothing of the plot until I saw it again in my late teens, but what I did remember vividly was Rosa Klebb's face and her deadly shoe.
Finally Red Grant is my favourite henchman, or physical threat to Bond. His steely, silent stalking throughout the film builds great suspense. I simply love the shot from the railway platform as Bond and Kerim's son are talking and Grant is following them from inside the coach. And then of course there is that fight in the train.
The plot also is probably my favourite. A nice mix of serious spy film and the slightly fantastical, strange world of Bond. The addition of SPECTRE to the basic plot of the novel is a great touch which adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue.
My favourite Bond Film and favourite film of all time is For Your Eyes Only.
Your review was excellent, and I remember back in the day reading a review siting it as a 'Basics Bond' & thought that was apropos. My only real beef with the flick is the fake underwater close ups & bubbles. But yeah, it's great.
From Russia With Love is my favourite Bond film, I think primarily because of the characters in the film.
To me, this is the Sean Connery performance that comes to mind when I think of him as Bond. The way he seems to go about the gypsy camp fight in such a casual way, his physicality in the fight with Red Grant, his boyish grin while watching the belly dancer, and his perfect delivery of lines such as "No, it's the right size. For me that is."
I think Kerim Bey is the perfect Bond ally, his charm, humour and roguish nature make him a character one wants to spend time with.
Rosa Klebb is one of my favourite villains. I saw this film as a young lad and to be honest remembered nothing of the plot until I saw it again in my late teens, but what I did remember vividly was Rosa Klebb's face and her deadly shoe.
Finally Red Grant is my favourite henchman, or physical threat to Bond. His steely, silent stalking throughout the film builds great suspense. I simply love the shot from the railway platform as Bond and Kerim's son are talking and Grant is following them from inside the coach. And then of course there is that fight in the train.
The plot also is probably my favourite. A nice mix of serious spy film and the slightly fantastical, strange world of Bond. The addition of SPECTRE to the basic plot of the novel is a great touch which adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue.
I don't think anybody will ever do it better.
I subscribe everything. FRWL is the template for all the "serious" Bonds that followed. FYEO and TLD come inmediately to mind. Connery's best performance, at the absolute peak of his looks. It's no coincidence that they try new Bonds with the bedroom scene with Tatiana. Connery in FRWL is still the yardstick.
Wanted to gather my thoughts first before I posted my response for this thread. Some of you may already know, but I have not been as active on here as I use to be.
My favourite Bond Film and favourite film of all time is For Your Eyes Only.
It's not my first Bond film. That credit goes to a young kid dazzled and entranced by the You only live twice title sequence.
And it's not even my second. Which goes to an eager 10 year old who picked Goldeneye from the Video rental shelf. It was my first Bond I got on DVD however, and the first one which made me realise the whole other world which 007 conveyed. It's eighties through and through but there is a timeless feel to all the characters and events which make it hard for me to explain. It's the first Moore film I saw and the best at showing his acting skills and the Bond formula.
Yes. The pre title may seem silly but finally we get the ending of the Blofeld trilogy. Which was long overdue. Humour is clever, the stunts fantastic and it's great to see London in fine form here. Not just the Red Bus and Big Ben like its usually portrayed. We also get introduced to a theme later prevalent in modern Bond Films. Bond is not a superhero. Bond is fragile. This is seen in the film with Bond remembering Tracy. Lovely touch. And notice how it is not crammed down our throats? It's refreshing. It's a sigh of relief after Moonraker's gag a minute space battles. (Moonraker is still awesome, but that's another story). The title sequence is simply breathtaking and lovely. I don't want to just use superlatives but It is fantastic. The best sequence of the Bonds. The water works in the background. Even more so than Thunderball. And Binder!! What an inspired choice having Sheena Easton in it. She simply looks delightful and beautiful in it. That's a way to get film viewers attention. The song is the best Romantic Ballad in the franchise. Topping for me All the time in the world. The lyrics may seem melodramatic. But it works.
"Maybe I'm an open book. Because I know you're mine"
Tear to this man's eye.
What follows is a film with a wonderful amount of energy and style. Italy and the Greek islands look picturesque and beautiful. Makes you want to be there. On the mission. With Bond. The pace is terrific. And the adjustment of Tanner and Head if defence saying M's lines are fine. And the characters are not caricatures but amazing and interesting characters. Melina is the most attractive and Gorgeous Bond Girl ever. And probably will be forever. Her hair and her eyes are magical. Her performance less slapsticky than other Bond girls. Here is our first Bond Lady. The revenge plot is new and most welcomed. Her chemistry with Bond sufficient enough for smiles from me whenever they act together. Columbo is Kerim Bey x10 for awesomeness, humour, plot development and chemistry with Bond. He feels like a Fleming creation. Kristatos is acted well. Love his earlier appearances as helpful Informer. Love his "ah. Leave him" line when his henchman falls into the water. The action here is well thought out and thrilling as ever. The car chase is funny. But done well and is intense. The music here is incredible.
Skiing chase takes my breath away every time. Lets not forget the under water sequences shot well! Love you John Glen. The finale mountain sequence is everything I want it to be. Thrilling. Excellent balance of humour and gritty action. We actually have fleshed out characters battling each other which we care about. The confrontation with Gogol is very 60ish and is most welcomed. By the end of the movie we realise that we want more of this. It's too short because its too good! The soundtrack, controversial, is the best we have. Fresh. Original. Exciting and toe tapping. I could dance to it. But the true star of the show is Roger Moore as James Bond. He is the ultimate gentleman. The closest Portrayal of Bond to who I would inspire to be when I'm older. The way he offers to buy an ice cream to a nude girl in his bed just oozes the straight thinking, intelligent woman's crumpet image. He then proceeds to shag a girl instead of talking to Margaret Thatcher. Don't blame him. He is self assured, dangerous but caring. The way he kills Locque with a kick is superb and juxtaposes brilliantly with his scenes with Melina
"As soon as I find the man responsible for this I will go straight to you"
I promise you that there are a million more reasons why I love this film so much. It lacks love and attention. I believe it isn't even spoken about often on this forum. It's the most underrated Bond film but its shiniest Jem.
Six out of Five Stars
I like FYEO very much. It paved the way for the very stylish 80s films. John Glen really knows the material, and it shows. Maybe it's just me, but I see FYEO and TLD as parts I and II, they share a similar tone and background. I don't think it's a coincidence that the posters are similar.
Comments
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
Absolutely terrific summation of your reasons for choosing this outstanding Bond film! Not my favorite, but very close to the top of my list. {[]
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I appreciate the fun and purity of your criteria. I think it demonstrates what I believe wholeheartedly about Bond in any form: it's success depends on the portrayal of the man at the center of the action. If I were to follow this criteria, Skyfall would undoubtedly be my favorite Bond film. I find DC's performance in it to be the most inspired of them all.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
I just downgraded FRWL to second place (CR 1st), and after reading this I feel so bad...I know if I watch the movie again it'll be number one. Such a fantastic film and novel.
TLD. Now, that's a movie to have as top of a list with pride. If CR, FRWL, OHMSS and GF weren't so damm good it would be my top movie as well {[]
This is was my experience with CR as well, and the reason why DC is my favorite Bond. I remember the first time I saw CR I was floored by how much Daniel Craig seemed to emulate the Bond I imagined when reading the novels (minus the Blonde hair of course). It's those eyes man. Those eyes!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wish-i-was-at-disneyland/id1202780413?mt=2
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I remember when they cast Craig, I rented Sylvia on DVD. Well, the movie is set in the 50s, as Casino Royale the novel, and I thought to myself, "bullseye, this guy is going to be amazing". Yes, the eyes, and the "cruel mouth".
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
QoS is excellent, and I really like how people are warming to it!!
"Better make that two."
- The first time a Bond film focuses on a personal story alongside the professional story, and they work perfectly together
- Bond seems the most human of all Bond films, despite him not being played by a real actor
- Bond have never been so easy to relate to as in this film. We feel his love, joy, fear and sadness. No other Bond film comes anywhere close to the emotion in this film.
- Fantastic direction by first-time director Peter Hunt. Some scenes are stylized, but it's not overdone.
- Brilliant score by John Barry, including a fantastic main theme, We Have All the Time in the World and Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown
- The most believable and menacing Blofeld
- Strong female lead
- Great locations in both the beach and the snowy mountains
- One of the best men's wardrobes of the entire series, thanks to Dimi Major. Not only did he make Bond's beautiful suits, he also made clothes for Draco, M and Blofeld
- More screen time for Bernard Lee. His performance in this film is his best.
- Best ski chases of the series
- Cable car scene is really tense
- Bobsled chase is tense and engaging
- Fantastic fight scenes that seem very believable to me
- Irma Bunt is clearly very evil, but it's never obvious
- Like seeing into the more personal lives of the characters, like Bond's office and his family history, and M's old-money home
- the Aston Martin DBS, a car so perfect that it doesn't need any gadgets to be special
Exactly. FRWL is very Hitchcock. It's funny how they wanted Cary Grant for Bond and when Bond came out it was Hitchcock who cast Sean Connery in a role that very same year (1963) that probably Cary Grant would have played as a young man. So Broccoli and Saltzman truly did a good job!
Well said Matt S {[]
Wholeheartedly agree with this point. And it's a major credit to Lazenby for me for actually acting this out in such a convincing fashion.
"Better make that two."
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
My favourite Bond Film and favourite film of all time is For Your Eyes Only.
It's not my first Bond film. That credit goes to a young kid dazzled and entranced by the You only live twice title sequence.
And it's not even my second. Which goes to an eager 10 year old who picked Goldeneye from the Video rental shelf. It was my first Bond I got on DVD however, and the first one which made me realise the whole other world which 007 conveyed. It's eighties through and through but there is a timeless feel to all the characters and events which make it hard for me to explain. It's the first Moore film I saw and the best at showing his acting skills and the Bond formula.
Yes. The pre title may seem silly but finally we get the ending of the Blofeld trilogy. Which was long overdue. Humour is clever, the stunts fantastic and it's great to see London in fine form here. Not just the Red Bus and Big Ben like its usually portrayed. We also get introduced to a theme later prevalent in modern Bond Films. Bond is not a superhero. Bond is fragile. This is seen in the film with Bond remembering Tracy. Lovely touch. And notice how it is not crammed down our throats? It's refreshing. It's a sigh of relief after Moonraker's gag a minute space battles. (Moonraker is still awesome, but that's another story). The title sequence is simply breathtaking and lovely. I don't want to just use superlatives but It is fantastic. The best sequence of the Bonds. The water works in the background. Even more so than Thunderball. And Binder!! What an inspired choice having Sheena Easton in it. She simply looks delightful and beautiful in it. That's a way to get film viewers attention. The song is the best Romantic Ballad in the franchise. Topping for me All the time in the world. The lyrics may seem melodramatic. But it works.
"Maybe I'm an open book. Because I know you're mine"
Tear to this man's eye.
What follows is a film with a wonderful amount of energy and style. Italy and the Greek islands look picturesque and beautiful. Makes you want to be there. On the mission. With Bond. The pace is terrific. And the adjustment of Tanner and Head if defence saying M's lines are fine. And the characters are not caricatures but amazing and interesting characters. Melina is the most attractive and Gorgeous Bond Girl ever. And probably will be forever. Her hair and her eyes are magical. Her performance less slapsticky than other Bond girls. Here is our first Bond Lady. The revenge plot is new and most welcomed. Her chemistry with Bond sufficient enough for smiles from me whenever they act together. Columbo is Kerim Bey x10 for awesomeness, humour, plot development and chemistry with Bond. He feels like a Fleming creation. Kristatos is acted well. Love his earlier appearances as helpful Informer. Love his "ah. Leave him" line when his henchman falls into the water. The action here is well thought out and thrilling as ever. The car chase is funny. But done well and is intense. The music here is incredible.
Skiing chase takes my breath away every time. Lets not forget the under water sequences shot well! Love you John Glen. The finale mountain sequence is everything I want it to be. Thrilling. Excellent balance of humour and gritty action. We actually have fleshed out characters battling each other which we care about. The confrontation with Gogol is very 60ish and is most welcomed. By the end of the movie we realise that we want more of this. It's too short because its too good! The soundtrack, controversial, is the best we have. Fresh. Original. Exciting and toe tapping. I could dance to it. But the true star of the show is Roger Moore as James Bond. He is the ultimate gentleman. The closest Portrayal of Bond to who I would inspire to be when I'm older. The way he offers to buy an ice cream to a nude girl in his bed just oozes the straight thinking, intelligent woman's crumpet image. He then proceeds to shag a girl instead of talking to Margaret Thatcher. Don't blame him. He is self assured, dangerous but caring. The way he kills Locque with a kick is superb and juxtaposes brilliantly with his scenes with Melina
"As soon as I find the man responsible for this I will go straight to you"
I promise you that there are a million more reasons why I love this film so much. It lacks love and attention. I believe it isn't even spoken about often on this forum. It's the most underrated Bond film but its shiniest Jem.
Six out of Five Stars
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Well done. My favurite Bond film as well. Such a break after Moonraker. Bjut a believable story with just the right kind of character interaction.
To me, this is the Sean Connery performance that comes to mind when I think of him as Bond. The way he seems to go about the gypsy camp fight in such a casual way, his physicality in the fight with Red Grant, his boyish grin while watching the belly dancer, and his perfect delivery of lines such as "No, it's the right size. For me that is."
I think Kerim Bey is the perfect Bond ally, his charm, humour and roguish nature make him a character one wants to spend time with.
Rosa Klebb is one of my favourite villains. I saw this film as a young lad and to be honest remembered nothing of the plot until I saw it again in my late teens, but what I did remember vividly was Rosa Klebb's face and her deadly shoe.
Finally Red Grant is my favourite henchman, or physical threat to Bond. His steely, silent stalking throughout the film builds great suspense. I simply love the shot from the railway platform as Bond and Kerim's son are talking and Grant is following them from inside the coach. And then of course there is that fight in the train.
The plot also is probably my favourite. A nice mix of serious spy film and the slightly fantastical, strange world of Bond. The addition of SPECTRE to the basic plot of the novel is a great touch which adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue.
I don't think anybody will ever do it better.
+1
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I subscribe everything. FRWL is the template for all the "serious" Bonds that followed. FYEO and TLD come inmediately to mind. Connery's best performance, at the absolute peak of his looks. It's no coincidence that they try new Bonds with the bedroom scene with Tatiana. Connery in FRWL is still the yardstick.
I like FYEO very much. It paved the way for the very stylish 80s films. John Glen really knows the material, and it shows. Maybe it's just me, but I see FYEO and TLD as parts I and II, they share a similar tone and background. I don't think it's a coincidence that the posters are similar.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I'm watching FYEO right now too -{