Review of From Russia with Love (1963) by Brian H — 30 Aug 2010
The vast majority of Bond movies are action extravaganzas where everyone's favorite agent must save the world by first infiltrating the villian's lair, then by blowing it up, usually singlehandedly. From Russia With Love, the second 007 movie, reminds us of something that's often lost amid all the bangs and booms -- JAMES BOND IS A SPY!. As in, "his first task is typically espionage and intelligence gathering, not halting World War III !".
There's no real global menace for Bond to thwart in this flick. The criminal organzation SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion - referenced in Dr. No, but introduced here) is still going after the low hanging fruit. Now they want to snag a Russian decoding device, and sell it back to the Russians. They predict that 007 will be there to snag it for the British, and will take the opportunity to rid themselves of pesky agent. (SPOILER ALERT) Bond will escape them!
Bond starts dealing with his signature gizmos and gadgets in this movie. We're introduced to Desmond Llewelyn as Q for the first of his 17 outings as Bond's Quartermaster, supplying him with nifty gadgets. In fact, in this movie he gets some of the most practical, all purpose toys in the entire franchise.
Not only does 007's equipment get an upgrade, so too does his romantic interest. Tantyana becomes the first in a long line of Bond Girls to begin the film working for the bad guys, but becomes a good girl after a night with our double-oh Cassanova.
Red Grant supplies the evil muscle, and spends most of his scenes as a mute menace, not speaking untill well over an hour into the picture.
Bombs, boat chases, train fights, and excellent locaction shot in Istanbul, From Russia With Love is one of the very best.
This review of From Russia with Love (1963) was written by Brian H on 30 Aug 2010.
From Russia with Love has generally received very positive reviews.
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