268 replies to this topic

[DaveBond21]

I'd hate to see these films with anyone else in them

I would hate to see any of the films re-made.

I'm still sitting on the fence with this one... I probably wouldn't mind seeing a different spiel on some of the novels that weren't followed very closely in the films...

In a way FYEO was a remake of FRWL... decoder and all.

I don't mind seeing elements from the novels yet to appear in a movie, being used, but I don't want to see re-made adventures, and I don't think the Bond producers have plans to do this either. Also, I think they always prefer to have the fans in suspense about the storyline, not know exactly how things will turn out.

[americanbond]

Actually I'm probably back to having a Moore film as my favorite - they are just so much more fun!!!

[LadySylvia]

In a way FYEO was a remake of FRWL... decoder and all.

I don't think so. Both FRWL and FYEO deal with decoders. In the 1963 film, Bond is being set up by SPECTRE to steal the Lektor from the Soviets - using Tatiana as bait. In the 1981 film, Bond has to find the missing ATAC decoder (which is British) before the Soviets can get their hands on it . . . and deal with a vengeful Melina at the same time.

Like I said, although both movies deal with decoders, each has a completely different plot.

[Napoleon Solo]

Doesn't "Gogol" (for want of remembering what his actual name in From Russia With Love was) give us Grant's background in the beginning? Including his tenure in Dartmoor prison. Also, doesn't he mention some other details of Grant's bio?

I've always found the portrayal of Grant to be in line with his character in the novel.

Yes. I believe the character's name is Morenzy (or something close to that). In this film, Walter Gotell is dubbed. In any case, the character played by Gotell gives a quick summary of Grant's background and it dovetails with Fleming's description in the novel, though it obviously goes into much less detail.

[Turn]

In a way FYEO was a remake of FRWL... decoder and all.

I don't think so. Both FRWL and FYEO deal with decoders. In the 1963 film, Bond is being set up by SPECTRE to steal the Lektor from the Soviets - using Tatiana as bait. In the 1981 film, Bond has to find the missing ATAC decoder (which is British) before the Soviets can get their hands on it . . . and deal with a vengeful Melina at the same time.

Like I said, although both movies deal with decoders, each has a completely different plot.

But there are, arguably, other similarities:
-The villains set up Bond to do their dirty work for them then trying to kill him as they plan to make off with the goods
-A blond henchman tries to kill Bond in both films; Loque never speaks and Grant doesn't speak until the final third of the film
-Bond has older partner who helps him, Kermin in FRWL and Columbo in FYEO
-The main heroine shoots a villain to save Bond's life
-Large-scale fights with extras in which a villain is shot at the climax
-Both films had scenes shot in Italy
-Tatiana Romanava is used as bait for Bond to get the Lektor and set Bond up to be killed; Melina is used as bait in Cortina to kill her and Bond
-Bond is set up to be executed in both films
-Bond is betrayed by someone who is supposed to be an ally in both films
-Walter Gotell is in both films working against Bond

[DaveBond21]

Oh, and it's Daniel Craig's favourite Bond movie.

[sharpshooter]

From Russia With Love is one awesome film. I appreciate it a lot more now. It is driven by a strong plot, great supporting characters and an emphasis on information and wits.

One thing that stands out in the film, is how cool Sean Connery was. He was the man. A term I've heard to describe him was a lazy predator - that is correct.

[Skudor]

Oh, and it's Daniel Craig's favourite Bond movie.

Always reassuring!

[O.H.M.S.S.]

My favorite episode after On Her Majesty's Secret Service. From Russia with Love is a great Cold War spy thriller. The cast is just brilliant, not only Sean Connery as Bond but also Robert Shaw and Pedro Armendariz. Terence Young is probably the best director ever to do a Bond movie. The cinematography by Ted Moore benefits the mysterious atmosphere, so does the first music score entirely composed and conducted by John Barry. The memorable scenes are countless. This not only a great Bond film, it is a truly perfect film in general too.

And what do you people think of the character Kronsteen by Vladek Sheybal? I always felt he was overlooked and that he was one of the best villains of the series.

[DaveBond21]

My favorite episode after On Her Majesty's Secret Service. From Russia with Love is a great Cold War spy thriller. The cast is just brilliant, not only Sean Connery as Bond but also Robert Shaw and Pedro Armendariz. Terence Young is probably the best director ever to do a Bond movie. The cinematography by Ted Moore benefits the mysterious atmosphere, so does the first music score entirely composed and conducted by John Barry. The memorable scenes are countless. This not only a great Bond film, it is a truly perfect film in general too.

And what do you people think of the character Kronsteen by Vladek Sheybal? I always felt he was overlooked and that he was one of the best villains of the series.

I agree with you on Kronsteen. And also that is what made Blofeld so sinister. Kronsteen is a brilliant strategist and evil villain - but look how scared he is of his boss!! Same goes for Klebb.

[Turn]

And what do you people think of the character Kronsteen by Vladek Sheybal? I always felt he was overlooked and that he was one of the best villains of the series.

I agree with you on Kronsteen. And also that is what made Blofeld so sinister. Kronsteen is a brilliant strategist and evil villain - but look how scared he is of his boss!! Same goes for Klebb.

I too kind of like Kronsteen. He just has that look and makes just enough of an impression to be memorable. His arrogance makes for something different from most minor villains.

Good observation about the fear Blofeld strikes into his people. I hadn't really thought about that before. You get a bit more of that in TB and YOLT with the execution of those who fail Blofeld. Wint and Kidd would have been knocked off earlier in DAF had they been playing by the previous rules.

[DaveBond21]

Good observation about the fear Blofeld strikes into his people

All we hear is his voice, but we can see the faces of Klebb and Kronsteen shaking in their (poisonous and non-poisonous) boots.

The same thing was done with Dr No. At first we only hear his voice - but we can see from Professor Dent sweating and mumbling just how frightened he is of failing his boss.

[vavu007]

One of the more interesting aspects of this movie is how the viewer gets a slightly different idea of who Grant is here than in the book. In the book (and this should explain why he doesn't kill Bond right away) it is made clear that killing is Grant's ONLY real pleasure. At the SMERSH briefing he is called asexual. Yet during the Spectre Island sequence, we are left with the impression that the girl giving him a massage (she too is in the book) is more of a recreational playmate. It doesn't change the story, but does seem to leave out an important detail about what drives this guy.

[Licence_007]

FRWL is in my opinion the best Bond film to date. Everything about it is just magnificent from the acting and the fights to the music and locations. A brilliant Bond film with only one short part I dislike, which is the initial meeting with the Gypsies, but as soon as the gun fight starts, the film picks up again.

[LadySylvia]

I would not call FRWL the best Bond film to date. But I do believe that it was certainly one of the best.

[Licence_007]

I would not call FRWL the best Bond film to date. But I do believe that it was certainly one of the best.

Which one would you call the best LadySylvia?

I was watching the extras on the FRWL DVD last night and was quite saddened to hear what happened to the actor that played the part of Kerim Bey. Was quite suprised that it was his son in LTK that played the President that meets with Sanchez.

[RazorBlade]

Number me among those who wish the entire bond franchise was closer to the tone, style and quality of FRWL (and OHMSS). We often imagine all kinds of things on cbn, now imagine RM and PB being challenged as actors, TD actually looking better to the public instead of as miscast, SC feeling more satisfied with the franchise and a whole slew of films I would absolutely have to own.

[LadySylvia]

I would not call FRWL the best Bond film to date. But I do believe that it was certainly one of the best.

Which one would you call the best LadySylvia?

I was watching the extras on the FRWL DVD last night and was quite saddened to hear what happened to the actor that played the part of Kerim Bey. Was quite suprised that it was his son in LTK that played the President that meets with Sanchez.

Even after so many years, I still view OHMSS as the best Bond film. But that is simply my view. I consider CASINO ROYALE as a very close second best.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Even after so many years, I still view OHMSS as the best Bond film. But that is simply my view. I consider CASINO ROYALE as a very close second best.

I heartily agree with you, madam.

[Red Barchetta]

I love FRWL! My favorite Bond of them all!

There's so many classic Bond elements to the story, and Red Grant is, by far, the best villian Bond has faced (IMHO).

[Licence_007]

I would not call FRWL the best Bond film to date. But I do believe that it was certainly one of the best.

Which one would you call the best LadySylvia?

I was watching the extras on the FRWL DVD last night and was quite saddened to hear what happened to the actor that played the part of Kerim Bey. Was quite suprised that it was his son in LTK that played the President that meets with Sanchez.

Even after so many years, I still view OHMSS as the best Bond film. But that is simply my view. I consider CASINO ROYALE as a very close second best.

Good choices. OHMSS is in my top five. Casino Royale still hasn't climbed into it.

[RogueSpy007]

I love this film. I recently watched it again. It's definitely one of my favorite Bond films. Plus I adored Daniela in it.

[DaveBond21]

I love this film. I recently watched it again. It's definitely one of my favorite Bond films. Plus I adored Daniela in it.

It's always worth watching, once a year.

[Licence_007]

It doesn't seem to matter how mahy times I watch this film, it always sticks out as the best. Ever since I was 7 this film has alway seemed the epitome of Bond to me, with maybe OHMSS reaching it. ON my look back at the series, I can finally see why Connery is so loved.

[Turn]

It doesn't seem to matter how mahy times I watch this film, it always sticks out as the best. Ever since I was 7 this film has alway seemed the epitome of Bond to me, with maybe OHMSS reaching it. ON my look back at the series, I can finally see why Connery is so loved.

Wow, age 7? I admit it took me years to appreciate FRWL. The spectacle is what seems to stand out to you when you are younger. Although I saw OHMSS for the first time when I was just 7 and was kind of haunted by it for years.

[tdalton]

It doesn't seem to matter how mahy times I watch this film, it always sticks out as the best. Ever since I was 7 this film has alway seemed the epitome of Bond to me, with maybe OHMSS reaching it. ON my look back at the series, I can finally see why Connery is so loved.

Wow, age 7? I admit it took me years to appreciate FRWL. The spectacle is what seems to stand out to you when you are younger. Although I saw OHMSS for the first time when I was just 7 and was kind of haunted by it for years.

Agreed. It took me many years to appreciate FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, but now I consider to be one of the best Bond films of them all (and, really, just a great film in general).

[DaveBond21]

It doesn't seem to matter how mahy times I watch this film, it always sticks out as the best. Ever since I was 7 this film has alway seemed the epitome of Bond to me, with maybe OHMSS reaching it. ON my look back at the series, I can finally see why Connery is so loved.

Wow, age 7? I admit it took me years to appreciate FRWL. The spectacle is what seems to stand out to you when you are younger. Although I saw OHMSS for the first time when I was just 7 and was kind of haunted by it for years.

Agreed. It took me many years to appreciate FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, but now I consider to be one of the best Bond films of them all (and, really, just a great film in general).

I was well into my 20s before I realised what a great film it is. I think as a kid, I preferred DAF, TSWLM and Moonraker.

[tama_drummer91]

FRWL is without a doubt my favorite Bond film. It has such a classy look to it and still looks beautiful today. While Sean may not be my favorite Bond, he was really at his peak here(along with the next 2 Bond films). There are many aspects of the movie that make it my favorite, like many of you have already mentioned. One huge reason that makes FRWL the greatest Bond film is that it is very smart. The script is awesome, as well as its pacing. Other great factors involve the hottest and most beautiful Bond girl(Tanya), best henchman (Grant), the realistic gritty fight scene between Bond and Grant on the train, the shootout at the gypsy camp, the gypsy fight, the helicopter scene near the end, Daniela is so hot she needs to be mentioned again, and the beautiful photography. What is missing? Also, a great score gives the film that extra push. Awesome Bond movie, as well as a great film period.

[DaveBond21]

One huge reason that makes FRWL the greatest Bond film is that it is very smart

Yes, it has a clever plot.

[sharpshooter]

Yes, good strong plot.

The main aspect of FRWL that I like is the setting of the train. It is tight to move around in and full of possible spies. I also like the carefree and laidback feel it has while onboard the train, Bond and Tanya just mucking around to pass the time, both falling sleeping etc. It doesnt rush, and you really get involved in this sequence.