Pros and Cons: From Russia With Love

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Comments

  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    chrisisall wrote:
    Goldfinger
    Possibly, but you might also ask why you should care about the flippant fellow you've never seen before. I've actually thought about this... show me TLD that way & I'd probably say, "Yeah, that was okaaaaay." 8-)

    That cool, suave, dangerous, witty, flippant fellow makes for a very appealing movie character - I think that would be my reaction.
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • Absolutely_CartAbsolutely_Cart NJ/NYC, United StatesPosts: 1,740MI6 Agent
    Just watched this again. The first hour had a lot of filler and got boring at times. The 2nd hour was excellent, cream of the crop, perfect. Of course, our modern standards favor denser films and for its time, it probably wasn't too much of a problem. But I really think it could have shaved 18 minutes off somewhere and stick to the lean 100 minutes.

    So, I have a hard time ranking it. That second half warrants it being in the top half for sure, but I don't think it's consistent enough to get far into top 10 either.
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    One man's "filler" is another man's atmosphere, verisimilitude and character-building.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    It's one of my top five Bonds. -{ love the whole set up, of the plan and the
    Introductionof the characters.. Bond films don't need action set pieces
    Every ten minutes. ;)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Absolutely_CartAbsolutely_Cart NJ/NYC, United StatesPosts: 1,740MI6 Agent
    Barbel wrote:
    One man's "filler" is another man's atmosphere, verisimilitude and character-building.

    True. But was the catfight scene, for example, really 5 minutes of dire necessity?
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    It's one of my top five Bonds. -{ love the whole set up, of the plan and the
    Introductionof the characters.. Bond films don't need action set pieces
    Every ten minutes. ;)
    Same here. Same order too.
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Please don't think I'm being a smart arse AC. :) but have you read any of
    The books. As the girl fight is a major scene in the novel. So I guess they
    Wanted to keep closely to Fleming's story. To be honest for its time, I think
    It was very good, compared to other girl fights in Hollywood movies of the day.
    But of course we all can't like the same thing, so long as there's plenty else in it
    To keep you entertained. -{
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • The Red KindThe Red Kind EnglandPosts: 3,119MI6 Agent
    Pros;
    Everything

    Cons;
    Errm.. Nope

    -{
    "Any of the opposition around..?"
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    Barbel wrote:
    One man's "filler" is another man's atmosphere, verisimilitude and character-building.

    True. But was the catfight scene, for example, really 5 minutes of dire necessity?

    It's a highlight of the novel, and would have been expected by its many readers. It adds to the exotic atmosphere Fleming gave to his work, taking his readers away from ration-book Britain to another place. And it's 2 minutes 26 seconds.
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    I'm so glad we have old "Professors of Bond" like Barbel, TP and chris around to teach these youngsters a thing or two about Bond film appreciation! :007)
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    :)) and you too!
  • Absolutely_CartAbsolutely_Cart NJ/NYC, United StatesPosts: 1,740MI6 Agent
    This reply is for Thunderpussy, Barbel and Blackleiter.

    I read Casino Royale. Really enjoyed it. Film and book are two different mediums, and one cannot be directly translated to the other. I can't speak of the FRWL book because I haven't read it, but I'm assuming Karim Bey (and the sections associated with him) have much greater significance in the book.

    Books are great at telling stories with wide breadth, but movies specifically shine when taking isolated scenes and amplifying them. They're naturally more minimalist. That might be why the train section resonated more with me than the Karim Bey bits. I'm assuming the FRWL book fleshes out Bey very well, but in the movie he's mostly just an cut-and-dry escort for Bond.

    Objectivity and subjectivity. It may be my opinion that there are numerous other films in the series that are more immersive and entertaining, but objectively speaking, From Russia With Love is the most influential and innovative entry next to Goldfinger. It did represent a crucial moment for the series between the inexperience of Dr. No and the spiciness of Goldfinger. Some could even view FRWL as the last stand before the films got progressively more silly.

    I do feel like I'm being patronized a bit because I'm young. I don't want to put down any one, but I always try to approach the series with an open mind. I've seen every single movie with an open mind, and I don't decide to put any particular actor on a pedestal. I love Craig, Dalton and Moore. I like Brosnan, Connery and Lazenby. I enjoy silly movies like Octopussy and I enjoy serious movies like Quantum of Solace. And as I said before, I enjoy more grounded films like From Russia With Love.

    Everything ages, and nothing is perfect of above all others forever. I don't see anything wrong with viewing through both absolute and relative lenses. So far, my opinion of FRWL has improved during my 2nd viewing and I would definitely like to watch it again sometime. It might continue to rise up further, but while my opinions may differ, I've been more than fair in the way I've been going about assessing them.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Western Mass, USAPosts: 9,061MI6 Agent
    I do feel like I'm being patronized a bit because I'm young.
    For my part in that I do apologize. I *do* tend to treat younger folk a bit differently than those of us who lived through the evolution through the decades... it's a fan-occupational-hazard, I'm afraid. :))
    Everything ages, and nothing is perfect of above all others forever. I don't see anything wrong with viewing through both absolute and relative lenses. So far, my opinion of FRWL has improved during my 2nd viewing and I would definitely like to watch it again sometime. It might continue to rise up further, but while my opinions may differ, I've been more than fair in the way I've been going about assessing them.
    Yes, I believe you have. And your contributions have been of immense interest & importance here. {[]
    Dalton & Connery rule. Brozz was cool.
    #1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
  • Absolutely_CartAbsolutely_Cart NJ/NYC, United StatesPosts: 1,740MI6 Agent
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    FRWL is far from boring -{
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • BarbelBarbel ScotlandPosts: 36,053Chief of Staff
    I believe we've covered that in PMs, Cart.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    AC, I too apologise if you feel anything I wrote was patronising, it was never
    My intention. Hence why I started my post with " I'm not being a smart arse " ;)
    I simply wanted to know if you'd read the book, as some fans love the films but
    Haven't read the books. :)
    I love the first four films ( with OHMSS) as they are so close to the books, because
    I love the books. :) once again, only my opinion, but I feel they're practically perfect !
    ( to quote Mary Poppins) :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    Everyday Life on AJB :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • 002002 New ZealandPosts: 558MI6 Agent
    I find it very hard to fault this film at all. For many years it has been my absolute favourite (1st= with OHMSS).

    Also, the original novel of FRWL is just superb.
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    FRWL, alongside MR can be considered Fleming's greatest Works -{
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • The Red KindThe Red Kind EnglandPosts: 3,119MI6 Agent
    002 wrote:
    I find it very hard to fault this film at all. For many years it has been my absolute favourite (1st= with OHMSS).

    Also, the original novel of FRWL is just superb.

    +1 {[]
    "Any of the opposition around..?"
  • BlackleiterBlackleiter Washington, DCPosts: 5,615MI6 Agent
    This reply is for Thunderpussy, Barbel and Blackleiter.

    I read Casino Royale. Really enjoyed it. Film and book are two different mediums, and one cannot be directly translated to the other. I can't speak of the FRWL book because I haven't read it, but I'm assuming Karim Bey (and the sections associated with him) have much greater significance in the book.

    Books are great at telling stories with wide breadth, but movies specifically shine when taking isolated scenes and amplifying them. They're naturally more minimalist. That might be why the train section resonated more with me than the Karim Bey bits. I'm assuming the FRWL book fleshes out Bey very well, but in the movie he's mostly just an cut-and-dry escort for Bond.

    Objectivity and subjectivity. It may be my opinion that there are numerous other films in the series that are more immersive and entertaining, but objectively speaking, From Russia With Love is the most influential and innovative entry next to Goldfinger. It did represent a crucial moment for the series between the inexperience of Dr. No and the spiciness of Goldfinger. Some could even view FRWL as the last stand before the films got progressively more silly.

    I do feel like I'm being patronized a bit because I'm young. I don't want to put down any one, but I always try to approach the series with an open mind. I've seen every single movie with an open mind, and I don't decide to put any particular actor on a pedestal. I love Craig, Dalton and Moore. I like Brosnan, Connery and Lazenby. I enjoy silly movies like Octopussy and I enjoy serious movies like Quantum of Solace. And as I said before, I enjoy more grounded films like From Russia With Love.

    Everything ages, and nothing is perfect of above all others forever. I don't see anything wrong with viewing through both absolute and relative lenses. So far, my opinion of FRWL has improved during my 2nd viewing and I would definitely like to watch it again sometime. It might continue to rise up further, but while my opinions may differ, I've been more than fair in the way I've been going about assessing them.

    I agree with my honorable friends TP, chris and Barbel. Any comments about your youth were made tongue-in-cheek, and I apologize if I offended you in any way. I think your opinions about the Bond films are always thoughtful and well-reasoned, even when I disagree, and certainly those opinions are as legitimate as those of us old-timers. I know you don't need me to tell you, but please do continue to express your opinions with the same candor, thoughtfulness and insight that you have demonstrated so far - they add immensely to this forum. (Plus you get extra credit for laying off the "Fat Connery" jokes! :)))
    "Felix Leiter, a brother from Langley."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    It's always me who is the Target for the 'Young Jokes' on here :# :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Indeed, it's always nice to have someone, you can give a clip round the ear to. :))
    I'm sure AJB has the whole cross section of human life, from the young to the old
    From sensible reasoned debate to Higgins. :p from people who have all the wrong
    Opinons to ME ! :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    Lets hope it stays that way :D {[]
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • DevilMayCare007DevilMayCare007 Posts: 196MI6 Agent
    Us young folks have to teach these old folks something about Bond :)) joking 99.9999% of the members of AJB know more about James Bond than me, but I do like hearing what y'all have to say about the films, novels, and etc. :)
    Top 10 Bond Films
    1. Thunderball 2. FRWL 3. Casino Royale 4. TLD 5. OHMSS 6. SkyFall 7. GF 8. TSWLM 9. GE 10. FYEO
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    {[] Absolutely. -{ I wouldn't say I'm the worlds greatest Bond fan , I leave that to
    Others. ;) I've learned lots of stuff here on AJB, I don't know the age of those
    Who've enlightened me but I'm sure some were older and some younger. -{
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • AlphaOmegaSinAlphaOmegaSin EnglandPosts: 10,924MI6 Agent
    In my Case it's 23 :))
    1.On Her Majesties Secret Service 2.The Living Daylights 3.license To Kill 4.The Spy Who Loved Me 5.Goldfinger
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Reminds me of the old quote ( If an atheist can quote the Bible) ;)
    " Age is no guarantee of Wisdom". -{ , even Bond says something
    Similar in Skyfall.
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • DevilMayCare007DevilMayCare007 Posts: 196MI6 Agent
    {[] Absolutely. -{ I wouldn't say I'm the worlds greatest Bond fan , I leave that to
    Others. ;) I've learned lots of stuff here on AJB, I don't know the age of those
    Who've enlightened me but I'm sure some were older and some younger. -{
    {[] -{
    Top 10 Bond Films
    1. Thunderball 2. FRWL 3. Casino Royale 4. TLD 5. OHMSS 6. SkyFall 7. GF 8. TSWLM 9. GE 10. FYEO
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