A spy action-adventure and adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 007 novel series. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, this is yet another addition to the long running franchise produced by Eon Productions
I watched this on the second night after its release in the UK. It was a bit strange sitting in a cinema that was almost full to capacity after a lengthy period of lockdown, and the subsequent sporadic and scanty attendance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as we all waited in anticipation to watch the much expected James Bond release – No Time To Die... and we were not disappointed.
Now retired from serving as 007 - an MI6 British Secret Service agent, James Bond (Daniel Craig) has learned to open up again after the death of Vesper, a double agent who had won his heart, and also betrayed him in the 2006 prequel, Casino Royale. He looks absolutely taken by his new love, Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), a beautiful psychiatrist.
However, Swann had many secrets, most of it not unrelated to Spectre, a global crime syndicate that was the subject of Bond’s mission in the previous instalment, 2015’s Spectre.
The story is premised on a mysterious and rather ironic discovery; Spectre has stepped on some very dangerous toes. Of course, unsurprisingly, bio-chemical weapons are thrown in the mix, and we all know how they always manage to get into the wrong hands!
Rami Malek blew my mind with his skilful delivery of the character Lyutsifer Safin, a deeply wounded and delusional terrorist on a crazy path of vengeance. Once again, he displayed the remarkable performance that earned him multiple awards for playing Freddie Mercury in 2018’s factual musical-drama - Bohemian Rhapsody. I would also like to mention that Ben Whishaw makes an excellent Q, an MI6 creative and technical genius.
As expected, despite his retirement, Bond is once again embroiled in the daring quest of trying to save the world, and he will have to work with a new double 0 agent…
It certainly wouldn’t be a Bond movie if the CIA wasn’t in on the action, and we see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Felix Leiter, a CIA field operative, and Bond’s good friend.
The film was shot across 3 or 4 locations, and some of the views were very scenic, as we see some old architecture, all of which add some softness to the “hardcoreness” of the film.
I did not think that a Bond film could be any more jam packed with action, but I was proven wrong. There were some really fit-impossible, daredevil, and diehard action scenes that were supported by awesome special effects, fantastic moving shots, and unique camera angles. It was all so very thrilling, and as always, I questioned a couple of them😉
The plot was full, and the film was over 2 hours long. Not shocking, as there was a lot riding on this, being Craig’s last appearance as James Bond. If the film packed a punch, Craig definitely was packing his ponch. After many years of playing this role, at some point, age does creep up on you. Don’t get me wrong, he looked fit enough for his age and for the character of Bond, however, he did look drained and worn, giving credence to the stories about him being tired and exhausted from playing the character.
All in all, it was an incredible film! Very entertaining and exciting. Great performance by a well-known cast, and a beautiful and befitting soundtrack by Billie Eilish. I thought the film had a couple of minor inconsistencies, but as I cannot be too sure, I'll let them pass. An absolutely must watch. My rating? 10 out of 10.
Currently showing at Cinemas.
Further Information
Director
Screenwriters
Played James Bond / 007
Played Lyutsifer Safin
Played Madeleine Swann
Played M / Gareth Mallory (Head of MI6)
Played Ernest Blofeld (Leader of Spectre)
Played Flix Leiter
Played Eve Moneypenny
Played Q
Played Nomi (New 00_ agent)
Played Bill Tanner (M’s chief of staff)
Played Logan Ash (A CIA agent)
Played Valdo Obruchev (A scientist)
Played Paloma (An agent who worked briefly with Bond)
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