Review of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) by Kai82 — 21 Dec 2020
The tenth James Bond movie and many say it is the best of the Roger Moore era. While I do not agree completely it has a lot of great moments atop of an enjoyable story and one of my favorite villains with jaws.
Most remarkable is that there is a female character who is not a damsel in distress, clumsy or plot device like so many characters in the franchise. After one of the most rememberable intros in the franchise that ends with one of the best James Bond moments the actual story starts.
A British and a Soviet submarine vanish without traces and the USA and Soviets are suspicious of each other. A harsh conflict seems unavoidable if nothing is done. James Bond is send to investigate these incidents together with top Soviet spy Anya Amasova after both agency's negotiate a truce.
The story is interesting and well written for the franchise standards. I see why many say it is the best script of the era and I will not disagree. It has the action, mystery and a great climax. Then there are the actors.
Roger Moore delivers as he has become the James Bond version we like and cherish (I will again not participate in the Sean Connery or Roger Moore topic). With Barbara Bach as Anya Amasova (code name Triple X) we got a competent, dangerous and intelligent female spy.
The portrait of women was not praiseworthy in the early franchise so I was impressed and thought it was a good decision. Then we get to the antagonist. I am in the minority here that likes Curt Jurgens as Karl Stromberg.
He is not in my top villains list but I think he delivers. Jaws however is one of my favorite characters in the franchise and even outside of it. Richard Kiel was just amazing as his character becomes a fan favorite and I even think a spin off would have worked.
He is intimidating, a force to be recognized as has an engaging smile;-). Also this is maybe the James Bond movie with the most gadgets and Q is just marvelous as are the bad guys manufactures. The sets look also pretty good for this time and there is a rumor that Stanley Kubrick was involved.
The soundtrack is however a bit weak. Nobody does it better is my least favorite title song of the franchise. Overall this is an enjoyable Roger Moore James Bond movie. It has all you expect and want and I recommended it for fans.
I give a bonus point for Jaws to get a 10/10 rating.
This review of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) was written by Kai82 on 21 Dec 2020.
The Spy Who Loved Me has generally received positive reviews.
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