Review of No Time to Die (2021) by Idohaker — 08 Oct 2021

No time to die is a fit end for the Daniel Craig era, doing justice to the story told over the last 4 films and finishing off Craig's bond arc. The action was top notch (the Ana De-Armas scene was especially kick-ass), I liked all the supporting cast (even ones I didn't like before like Leà Seydoux's Madeline Swann which was finally flashed out after being completely flat in Spectre). Lashana Lynch's character, Q and bond's daughter (she was so bloody cute) were the standouts for me among them. The soundtrack by the legendary Hans Zimmer is exciting and touching. You quite feel this is the end for bond in this movie, for example when Felix died which was really sad but showed that this group are at the end of their road.

The reason I think this is still a 9 and not a 10 like casino royale or Skyfall is because Rami Malek's Safin is quite weak and moustache twirly. His backstory is interesting and gives him depth but his reasons for what he does are really one-dimensional bad guy stuff. although I did like the scene where he gave bond a choice between him and his daughter, which was quite allegorical to bond's needing to choose between staying a cold-blooded robot killing machine, or finally become human again even tough it pains him after vesper's death.

Craig himself as always shines as bond and being my personal favorite . He has incredible depth and he is a really well-rounded character who you can relate too even tough he is freaking James Bond! Casino royale was the perfect origin story and it explained how bond became bond (becoming emotionally detached, a killing machine of sorts, and trusting nobody but himself after vesper's betrayal and tragic demise). That also perfectly explains why he ditched Madeline the minute after thinking she betrayed him, not wanting to repeat the past trauma of letting all his guards down and falling for someone who betrays him.

The last two movies wrap that story arc quite nicely by making bond trust people again and open up again thanks to his relationship with Madeline who helps him deal with his past trauma, forgive vesper, forgive himself and move on; and also now his daughter who makes him reconsider his priorities. The end for me was bittersweet. It was sad to see Craig's bond bite the dust after the amazing 15 year old run he had, but yet I felt content as I think bond was at peace in his demise. Knowing he was never going to be able to be with his family, but finally moving on and opening up again, having a family and a group of people who love and support him, making the sacrifice for them, and dying a meaningful death for the safety of the world. A satisfying sendoff to my favorite bond. You have left big shoes to fill and you will be missed.