Review of From Russia with Love (1963) by Uditha D — 22 Dec 2011

I thought Dr No was action-packed enough. Watching From Russia With Love made me realize what a vulgar error that was. Throughout its entire plot, it deals with all sorts of suspense, action and gadgetry that simply left me speechless and thrilled. Which is why I firmly believe that, though not my favorite, it has to be the best throughout the entire Bond pantheon.

All the elements in it that are staple Bond fodder - the girl, the gadgets (though not technical), the bad guys, and of course the fight scenes - are remarkably shot. The most thrilling sequence of this was that breathtaking battle between Connery's Bond and Robert Shaw's Red Grant. The dodges and the near-asphyxiation of Bond, and how he manages to gain the upper hand through the use of Q's ingenious gadget, was exceptionally delightful. But the final battle scene - with Rosa Klebb - was, though not more thrilling, more frightening, as though her spiked slippers really meant Bond's end. And as for its absolute finale - Bond kissing Tatiana Romanova (played to sexy appeal by Daniela Bianchi) while on board a gondola in Venice, and then discreetly throwing away that unnameable tape into the river, was quite a commendable ending too. The music just added to its chilling atmosphere throughout. Overall, I would rate this gemstone a 5 out of 5 stars.