Review of From Russia with Love (1963) by Ben L — 16 Jun 2013

The few pieces of the Bond film framework that weren't provided in Dr. No came to fruition in this second installment of the franchise. Bond became more of an action hero here, and the character would benefit from that. Perhaps one of my favorite little details of Bond began here as well. This is where we meet Q, and Bond is given his first special gadget. It adds some intrigue to future scenes because you're always wondering when this special item will come into play. Of course all the important stuff, that made Bond a hit in his first film, is carried over to this edition. He still loves the ladies, rises above the chaos around him, and thinks one step ahead of his foes.

Naturally Connery continues to perfect his performance in the iconic role. He doesn't miss a beat, and if anything is more comfortable in the skin of this character. Daniela Bianchi is perhaps one of my least favorite aspects of this film. She doesn't seem to show a slow progression from duty to genuine love. We never see the conflict within her, she just goes from obligated seductress to desperate love-struck girl in a moment. Part of this is because they once again dub in her voice (as was done with Ursula in Dr. No.) I think this idea of casting a beautiful face without the needed voice is already wearing thin for me by the second film. The villains however make up for the bland Bond girl.

I love Bond against an entire organization, and SPECTRE seems to be an adequate foe. The storyline of these criminal minds manipulating James Bond is superbly written. Particularly great is Grant, who stalks around James throughout the film. This effect is amazing because it almost creates this ticking time-bomb feel as you just wait for him to strike. The final fight between Bond and Grant on the Orient Express may be one of the best fight scenes in the history of the franchise. It is intense, seemingly filled with emotion, and finally brings into play those Q gadgets they setup at the outset. Lotte Lenya is also delightfully vicious as Klebb, and her action sequence serves as a satisfying resolution to the movie. I really am quite impressed with this film and, despite some minor complaints with the leading lady, it is easily one of my top 5 Bond movies. I'm hoping to re-watch them all throughout the coming months, so we'll see how long this lasts.