Review of From Russia with Love (1963) by Nikki W — 07 Mar 2014

Sean Connery's second outing as James Bond is very enjoyable especially as he gets to grips with Bond's suave nature.

I love the flirtation he has with Miss Moneypenny even when he's in the company of another female!

This time he's the one who seems to fall as he meets beautiful Tatiana Romanova seductively played by Daniela Bianchi.

The villain of this film is even more mysterious than the former Dr. No; known only as 'Number 1' and with a gorgeous cat in his lap he is out for blood and will not except failure. His henchmen/women are ruthless; in particular Rosa Klebb played by Lotte Lenya, who brings an almost uncomfortable flirtatious quality to her character as she briefs Romanova on her mission and her reappearance later on is also brilliantly devious.

Much of the movie takes place on the Orient Express and Bond's encounter with Red Grant played by Robert Shaw is an effective action sequence that will become a trademark of the series. I'm also a big fan of the many cleverly concealed 'gadgets' that continue to make James Bond a spy you don't take for granted!