From Russia With
Love
From Russia With
Love
Director: Terence Young
Producers: Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman
Writers: Ian Fleming (novel); Johanna Harwood (adaptation); Richard Maibaum
Title Song: Lyrics by Lionel Bart and Sung by Matt Monro
Opening Action Sequence: A man disguised as Bond is hunted and killed by Red Grant during training for the S.P.E.C.T.R.E. organization.
Bond Visits: Istanbul; Yugoslavia; Italy
Film Gross: $24,796,765--United States; $78,900,000--Worldwide
While in Istanbul, James acquires the assistance of Kerim Bey (Pedro Armendariz), his contact and friend, who has a score to settle with some members of S.P.E.C.T.R.E.
S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s plot begins to backfire as Bond charms Tatiana and she
falls for him. Together they manage to ruin S.P.E.C.T.R.E.'s plans
and safely escape confrontations with Rosa Klebb (Number Three in the
S.P.E.C.T.R.E. organization) and Red Grant (Robert Shaw), a killer who is
twice as strong and nearly as smart as James Bond himself.
Review: Few Bond films are as exciting or as complicated as
From Russia With Love. This movie manages to tell another great
story (adapted by Johanna Harwood and Richard Maibaum, the same team that
wrote the Dr. No screenplay) but also contains much more suspense
and excitement than the previous 007 film. As an added bonus, "Q" is
briefly introduced, and 007 gets his first ingenious gadget--a
briefcase with
lots of hidden goodies.
Sean Connery returns with even more confidence than he had in the first picture, and succeeds in yet another portrayal of an extremely dangerous man. By this movie, it is clear that he is very familiar and comfortable with the role that will make him a star. His intimidating swagger, casual sophistication, and unfazed approach to any dangerous situation are brought to their highest level in this film. From Russia With Love is the 007 film where Connery leaves his most permanent impression in the series that would follow.
The film is appropriately tongue-in-cheek, aided by the fact that the audience never really knows what the big deal is with this Lecktor gizmo. But do we really care? No, because Russia delivers as a fun and exciting film. All we're required to know is that everyone seems to want the Lecktor very badly. Enough said.
From Russia With Love is also a much more physical film than Dr. No. There is an unforgettable fight scene on the Orient Express (one of the best 007 brawls ever), as well as a chaotic shoot-out at a gypsy camp. Another fantastic highlight is the helicopter chase, which gives James good reason to stay fleet of foot. These types of masterfully filmed fights and chases, in confined spaces or in the open air, are precursors of the kind of stylish fanfare that would accompany many of the following films.
Unlike the physically inferior Dr. No, who was all brains and no brawn, Robert Shaw plays musclebound (but intelligent) Red Grant, who gives 007 a run for his money. Grant has an air of brutal sophistication about him, which makes him unnerving but fascinating to watch.
The rest of the cast is enjoyable as well. Daniela Bianchi plays a much more intriguing and motivated Bond Girl than Ursula Andress' Honey Ryder, and Pedro Armendariz (in what would be his last film) is extremely likable as Bond's jovial sidekick. From Russia With Love is a stronger, more confident film than its predecessor, and is still one of the most enjoyable Bond films.
Grade: A
From Russia With Love Villains