Review of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) by Siarra F — 07 Feb 2011

If you like the Daniel Craig Bond films, then you will most likely enjoy this one. With that said, I loved the hell out of this one. I don't know if this is due to the fact that not many people have seen this one compared to all the others, or that it's just a different type of Bond film.

While it is agreeable by many that had Connery done this one, then it would have been his best; but he opted out, and made it Lazenby's only best. Does that sentence even read right? Lazenby's Bond is actually pretty damned good.

He had the physique, the look of tough,and I think he really carried the role quite well. The opening teaser scene is one of my favorites. The opening beach fight is superbly choreographed, and the sound effects make you feel every punch and kick (especially in the DTS Surround version).

The fight leads into one of the most riveting Bond theme songs ever, and sets the pace for the remainder of the film. The score sounds like movement which this movie has plenty of. I will tend to agree with some other critics that there are some lulls which make you wonder if you left the iron on, but whenever either there's an action scene, or Diana Rigg appears, all eyes return to the screen.

LOL. That's not to say that everything between the action and Diana Rigg is not good, or interesting; but it just means that when the action starts, you sit there and thank yourself for giving this movie a chance.

This movie is an important story in the Bond mythos (books included), because of the relationship Bond has with Tracy, and, of course, there is the ending. I won't spoil it for you, but I think Lazenby pulls off a good performance at the end that shows Bond at his most vulnerable; something Connery's Bond never let us see.

This film probably has more women in it than the total population of the Earth, and they're all hot! LOL. There is an interesting contrast between Bond's relationship with Tracy and the horde of women he hangs with throughout the latter half of the film.

On one hand, the horde are his playthings, and Tracy is the one who he has a serious shot at having a long term relationship with. She is the only woman who can hold her own not just in the action department, but also in the relationship one.

Whereas we get the sense that the horde of women just want James for a fling, Tracy doesn't need him for anything in any department. Basically, they have a real love unlike a certain Jedi and Natalie Portman.

Bond can have any woman he wants (and does), but Tracy is the one he can see himself giving it all up for. Aw. LOL. Anyway, this Bond film has its share of kickass chases and fights, and is one of the more violent Bond movies (up to that time, anyway).

Again, the cinematography throughout this one is top notch; at times, unrivaled. There's lots of aerial camerawork here that would give a midget standing at sea level even a mild case of vertigo, whatever the hell that means.

Basically, this one's spectacular not for its special effects, but for it's visuals and story. I really liked this one. I didn't want to spoil it all for you folks who haven't seen it, so you'll have to go watch it to see what I'm talking about.

Oh, and yes, I think it's way better than Diamonds Are Forever. The only good thing about Diamonds is that Connery donated his Bond salary to a school. Good thing it made some major mulah.