From Russia With Love

XXXXX

It's difficult to believe that this movie is 45 years old (counting from the year of this review)!!!

(Sir) Sean Connery made six EON (or "official") movies with him starring as James Bond. They were: (1) Dr. No (1962) (2) From Russia with Love (1963) (3) Goldfinger (1964) (4) Thunderball (1965) (5) You Only Live Twice (1967) and (6) Diamonds are Forever (1971).

As you can see from the above list, "From Russia With Love" is the second spy film of the British Bond series. As well, it is the second to star Connery as the fictional MI6 agent Commander James Bond (code number 007).

This movie is based on the 1957 novel of the same name as the movie by Ian Fleming (1908 to 1964).

Briefly, SPECTRE (SPecial Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion) has devised a plot to steal a decoding device from the Russians, sell it back to them, and teach the British Secret Service a lesson for foiling Dr. No's plans. ("Dr. No" was the title of the very first Bond movie.) Bond begins his mission by being sent to Turkey to assist in the defection of Corporal Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi whose voice was dubbed), the main Bond girl.

The title song is presented as a lively instrumental version during the opening credits and eventually segues into the James Bond theme music. The title song is actually partially sung with lyrics by singer Matt Monro in the movie on the radio and sung to completion during the rolling of the end credits.

This movie has several "firsts" that would continue in the Bond series: the Ernst Blofeld character (Blofeld is the head of SPECTRE and is addressed as "Number One"), a gadget for Bond, a helicopter scene, a postscript action scene after the main climatic scene, a theme song with lyrics (as described above), and the line "James Bond will return" in the end credits.

A note on the gadgets. The fact that there was not as much attention to gadgets and vehicles was critically appreciated. But there are a few gadgets for both Bond and even the villains have gadgets! This movie also marks the first appearance of Desmond Llewelyn (who appeared in 17 Bond films) as Major Boothroyd, known as Q. (Q also appeared in the previous film, "Dr. No," but was played by a different actor and was addressed as "Armourer" and Major Boothroyd).

Sean Connery brings his characteristic savoir fare to the movie. There are actually three major villains in this movie and all three are memorable: Kronsteen ("Number Five") played by Vladek Sheybal, Rosa Klebb ("Number Three") played by Lotte Lenya, and especially Donovan "Red" Grant (a SPECTRE assassin) played by Robert Shaw.

This movie was filmed in Istanbul, London, England, Scotland, Switzerland, and Venice.

When first released, this movie made about seventy-nine million dollars. That's about five hundred and fifty-six million in today's dollars.

The DVD (the one released in May, 2007) is flawless in picture and sound quality. This movie has been digitally restored and I'm sure the picture is just as good (if not better!!) than when it was released 45 years ago. There is also superior sound. As well, there is one extra in the form of an audio commentary.

Finally, here is some information to consider. This DVD is actually the first disc of the two disc "Ultimate Edition." Bond fanatics might want to purchase this two disc Ultimate Edition since the second disc has "the best collection of special features ever assembled for Bond." (Unfortunately, this Ultimate Edition is no longer available but it can be purchased second-hand.)

In conclusion, this is one of the best Bond movies ever made and was Sean Connery's favourite. It was so good that a video adaptation of it was made!!!

(1963; 2 hr, 55 min; wide screen; 32 scenes)

<>

XXXXX

The fight scene on the train is one of the best action sequences ever filmed for a Bond film or any other in its time. Sean Connery is at his rugged best. I can remember how shocked I was at the beginning of this film when I first saw it in the theaters .... shocked that a SPECTRE agent had so easily vanquished my idol, the great James Bond. Of course, this deceitful illusion is soon clarified and we get to see Mr. Connery at his swashbuckling best! Great film from start to finish!

"From Russia With Love" plays more like an old fashioned spy thriller without a great deal of the high tech glitz and over-the-top plots found in later Bond offerings. Overall, an entertaining movie.

There was no better Bond than Sean Connery, especially when compared to Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton and Lazenby. This was the second in the series and had not acquired the really high tech explosions and cast of thousands, which often distracted in the later films.

Bonds come and go, but "From Russia With Love" (1963) is a screen classic in its own right. The second 007 adventure makes the most of its increased budget with expansive locales (Turkey, Italy and even Scotland), ruthless villains (memorably portrayed by Robert Shaw and Lotte Lenya) and Sean Connery in terrific form. Terence Young directs this Ian Fleming adaptation with a firm hand. "From Russia With Love" remains Connery's favorite Bond film . . . and it's easy to see why.