Review of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) by Tyler H — 25 Oct 2012

It's sad that George Lazenby quit being Bond after this film because it is decent. I would compare this movie to Casino Royale because of the emotional depth to the film. However, it was far ahead of its time because of the darkness to it.

In the Connery Bond movies, the films had a sense of escapism. This movie, though it has those escapist qualities, still showed some of the horrors of the life. I can say, this is probably the only Bond movie where I felt truly affected by the ending.

George Lazenby may not command the screen as well as Connery, but he does the character justice and doesn't just doesn't do an impression of Connery. Bond is trying to capture his slippery nemesis, Bloefeld.

With the assistance of Draco, he finds out Bloefeld is in the Alps. However, Draco's daughter catches his eyes. This is the only woman (up to this point in the series' cinematic history) that Bond has a deep connection towards.

The movie successfully balances the suspense of Bloefeld's sinister plot and the romance. However, my one problem for the movie is not pacing (like most of the Connery films) but actual editing. Some of the fight scenes (though more stylized and quick) cut too quickly between punches.

Also, there are some instances where some things are just unnecessarily sped up. These things are small instances in the movie so it isn't that bothersome, but it is something worth mentioning. Anyway, definitely check this movie out.

It may be strange at times (especially during the whole brainwashing bits) but it a good film. It may be the most unappreciated Bond films but it is one of the best I have seen so far.