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I can certainly see how all the ingredients are there, they just don't combine as well as they do in say Dr No or On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I could never call LTK my favourite, but I see where you're coming from.
Dario and Rev. Butcher would fit in well with Krebbs, Sluggsy and Horror, TeeHee, Grant, Shady Tree, Wint and Kidd, etc. Not every henchman has to be as flamboyant as Oddjob.
As for Sanchez, he was the best Bond villain of the decade, and considerably more than a "bog standard" drug baron--he wanted to unite the drug dealers of the world in a scheme to distribute cocaine that could be dissolved in gasoline. Beyond that, his odd name (Franz Sanchez) is a tribute to Fleming's mixed nationality villains. Even his extreme brutality is Flemingian--the stingrail tail he beats Lupe with is borrowed from Fleming's Milton Krest. Sanchez is a combination of that character with Scaramanga and Fleming's mafia villains such as the Spangs, but he has considerably more charm, thanks to Davi's performance. Touches like his pet Iguana also have a hint of Flemingian oddness. Sanchez is also a excellent character because he has an obsession with loyalty that gives him character and also allows Bond to destroy him. Like Scaramanga, he is intrigued by Bond, but he also respects him.
Pussy Galore was hardly the only tough Fleming heroine. Pam actually reminds me of Tiffany Case--an American among gangsters who can fend off men, take her of herself, and save Bond's bacon, but who also has emotional vulnerability. I'd even say that Pam's character is more like Tiffany than the bimbo movie version.
Had Fleming's M prohibited Bond from seeking revenge, Bond would have refused his orders as well. And in YOLT Bond deliberately refuses to tell M that Blofeld is in Japan, because he wants personal revenge.
Brown's M is a different character (more of a fussier bureaucrat) from Lee's more Flemingian M. Even so, Bond does not disrespect him anywhere in the film--his resignation is politely phrased, and unlike Fleming's Bond he never refers to M as a bastard!
I've already noted that Sanchez's scheme is pretty grandiose for a drug dealer. He also controls and writes checks for the President of the country he lives in. As for absurdity, the story has Bond waterskiing from a plane, performing wheelies with trucks, interacting with televangelists, and feeding people to sharks (as in LALD). And the plotline is arguably more fantastic than Fleming's CR, LALD, DAF, FRWL, Risico, TSWLM or TMWTGG. Not every Fleming novel involved robbing Fort Knox or stealing warheads.
There's plenty of class and elegance--the film goes out of its way to place Bond in a casino, wearing a tuxedo, for a lengthy set of scenes. It has as much class and elegance as Fleming's LALD, DAF, TMWTGG or the movie version of TLD. Oh, and Bond's attempted sniper assassination upon leaving the casino is yet another touch of Fleming, recalling TLD and Bond's recollections in CR.
And that's something the film calls Bond out on. Pam tells Bond to his face that his desire for vengeance has wrecked her own carefully-planned attempt to nab Sanchez, and the Chinese agents reveal to Bond that he screwed up their plans as well. Only after Bond fully puts his trust in Pam and Q is he able to defeat Sanchez. That insistence of teamwork might not be a trademark of Fleming, but it gives LTK depth. The film insists that Bond's single-minded pursuit of vengeance is counter-productive and must be tempered in order to succeed.
It's a good Bond film and dose capture some of the grit and graphic violence of some the Fleming Novels really well. It's also one of the most satisfying revenge movies ever made in my opinion. The cut available now on the UE DVD and Blu-ray is infact the infamous "R" rated cut of LTK that was only released in Japan. Leither's stump, Krest's exploding head, pieces of Dario hitting the camera and a longer shot of Sanchez immolating are all very intense, and possibly even more violent and gory that even Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, some of the films that influenced LTK at the time. The original SE DVD and vhs releases are the cut "PG-13" version. So there you have it folks. We have an "R" Bond film but don't tell the MPAA lol.
I also love how the film has a somewhat low key, yet thrilling PTS and the film takes it's time slowly following Bond on his quest for revenge that culminates in the spectacular Drug Plant and truck chase finale that has some of the best action in the franchise. Dario's death is a favorite of mine, "switch the bloody machine off" and the whole truck chase is like a more explosion filled epic version of the truck chase in Raiders, I'd argue it's slightly better.
All in all I find LTK a solid entry in the franchise.
It has a great story, two great Bond girls, very nice peace and Dalton giving his best Bond performance with a script completely written for him with very little humor.
Sanchez made a great Villan with Dario being one of the best more serious and threatening henchemen in the franchise but what makes it go to an 8 is the production design and the look of a tv movie.
The song is not so memorable and doesn't seem iconic at all, the tittles sequences look from a tv series and the whole vibe its very tv movie.
Its a movie i can watch more than once but lacks the Bond grandiosity.
:))
;)
Yeees or Thunderball and also the very maligned Die Another Day
Dalton is brilliant in this film, and he and the film are superior to TLD. I find it endlessly watchable, for me it feels like a Bond film at the same time being darker, so would always be my choice for a gritty Bond film.
Yes the third act is quite good as people mentioned, but I myself could have done without the truck stunts. The rest of the tanker chase is thrilling stuff and ends with the best moment of the film - the revenge on Sanchez. Not to mention that the cocaine grinder sequence was quite tense as well.
LTK definitely succeeds in unnerving the viewer, that can't be argued. I was thoroughly shaken (not stirred).
Bravo =D>
brilliant film. =D>
I always had a soft spot for LTK. I was in the grips of my first wave of bond fever from 87-90. That was when I couldn't get enough of the super spy. TLD was a wonderful introduction into the world of Bond - it's my fourth favourite bond film - a perfect mix of EON bond and Fleming bond. I remember the build up to LTK - stories leaked out of the script taking elements of the LALD and MWTGG novels. The return to Fleming was something Dalton had spoken about every interview in TLD so it was natural that he would gravitate toward a more hard boiled bond in his next film. I had the soundtrack on tape, the single on vinyl, the novelisation and belonged to the James Bond club getting the 'Bondage' magazine...that must have been curious when my parents saw that arrived in the post for me! That break from 89-95 really dampened bond fever for me. So I instinctively separate the EON series into two distinct eras - classic Bond 62-89 and modern bond 95-present (Even though many would see classic bond from 62-02 and modern from 06 onwards) So LTK always contains added importance to me.
Soundtrack:
I have a love-hate relationship with kamen's score - sometimes I think it's wonderful - that gun barrel music sting gets me going every time. Excellent. As with most of Kamen's work it is an immediate and striking soundtrack. But it can be overbearing sometimes - I also find it lacks in the quieter, romantic moments - something Barry does very well In all three preceding bond adventures is a quality romantic/slower interpretation of the main theme. I like the rattlesnake shimmy they use as Sanchez's motif. But Kamen is so attached to lethal weapon I find it is more 80s action sound than bond sound. But I still love some of the tracks. Gladys Knight's work is solid and I appreciate it for trying a big bond theme - in classic Bassey style. Something that on the back of 80s pop songs and ballads hadn't been attempted for nearly 20 years. It's not a song I like on its own - but as a bond theme it's not bad.
The performances:
This has a good villainous cast - Del Toro is a standout in a small role, Anthony zerbe great as the slimy Milton krest and Davi's Sanchez is simply his finest hour as an actor. He plays it perfectly, calm and sinister. He is controlled but you can see the anger boiling inside him - the anger that erupts when he is betrayed and the way that Bond identifies this as his weakness and then preys upon it is masterful. Mi6 have smaller screen time - but M's scene is Robert Brown's best work in the role. Moneypenny gets little - and it was always a shame Caroline bliss didn't get to grow into the character after the promise of TLD. But they are made up for by Q. Desmond Llewelyn always said his favourite film was LTK because he got so much to do and it really is a joy to see him in the field aiding Bond. And it shows the mutual respect the two characters have. Sometimes with Moore and Connery the Q scenes tipped in to antagonism too often. But with Dalton you can see the professionalism and appreciation return. I like their dynamic because it is unlike any other Bond/Q relationship. The role of Pam Bouvier is good - particularly narratively - because it makes sense that she wants to defeat Sanchez. However, Carey Lowell is merely adequate. She doesn't quite convince in the tough stakes. Mainly because I think Lowell isn't a distinctive personality. You look at Honor Blackman and she is distinctive. Her voice, her smirk, the glint in her eye. Lowell is a little too bland. Talisa soto works well when she is under threat - in the opening scene with Sanchez, when bond has the knife to her throat, when she counters Milton krest's advances but she fails in the romantic scenes with Dalton and when she delivers that line to Pam and Q 'I love him so much' - I almost laugh at her delivery. Q's reaction to this scene of two bond love interests meeting is priceless though.
The action:
This is a real strength of LTK - the opening plane chase,barefoot skiing, the final truck cause-and-effect chase. The fight/torture scenes are also well handled - the shark pool mutilation of leiter is tense, as is the standoff with kilifer and the mulching scene with Dario and bond.
The plot:
For a non-novel based Bond this is actually one of the strongest narratives. The motives of the characters and their behaviour is consistent, logical and clear. Although I do think Sanchez's operation and the arbitrary attempts to vanquish it is a few layers too complex with all the drug to fuel conversion, stinger missiles, CIA double crosses, Hong Kong secret service and fake televangelist temples. But critically bond's purpose is crystal clear, his methods ingenious - and especially good to see him able to keep his bloodlust in check to see his plan through. He is also quick to adapt and observant of his targets to prey on their weakness. He also uses his professional training and experience for personal gain. That of revenge. It also gives bond moments of detective work which I always enjoy.
The script:
The tough elements of the script are solid. Sanchez and his goons or Bond and Sanchez interplay. Lines like 'problem eliminator', 'give her his heart' or 'you're only president - for life,' are excellent. But any romance is awkward and much of the exposition especially from Felix or Pam is inelegantly delivered. The scenes with Della are the weirdest. She seems to have an unhealthy fascination with Bond - and of course the ending with Felix laughing it up in the hospital bed is DAF levels of blase in the face of extreme tragedy.
The cinematography:
For such a dark theme as revenge the film is incredibly brightly lit. A bloody tale bathed in pastels and sunshine. Along with Kamen's work it reeks of 80s action. It feels flat and a big element of LTK not quite feeling like classic bond style. But as the years roll by I don't mind it as much - because if this was a modern film with this theme and content it would be lit so darkly you'd need to turn up the brightness on your tv just to see it.
It's place in the world:
I remember LTK's reaction was muted, because to the average viewer it was a well made action film - not an event like bond films once were. I had read the bond novels by then and I thought it was a good film capturing the spirit of the novels like few had even attempted to. It was violent, smart and intense. I was wondering where the series would head next - and I think they would have reverted back to the TLD blend a little with the next one. Especially without having the revenge theme to drive the plot. My biggest bond regret is no Dalton films in 91 and 93 (or risico and property of a lady as I call them) if I could change one thing it would be that. Overall it would be in my top half of bond films. Dalton is my bond - he is the man who fed my bond fever. TLD is my favourite of his but LTK is a great film with some unique qualities and a brave attempt at breaking with formula and style that set the trend for Casino Royale and Quantum of solace.
Agreed @Mendes4Lyfe.
I don't think that theirs anything wrong with her acting anyhow. She was good in the whipping scene.
By reading it I don't have to suffer Dalton's over-earnest trying too hard performance "DELLA!!!", that utterly boring and ridiculous truck chase and that sodding winking fish!!!!
LTK works much better on the page!
I remember when I became a Bond fan around the time of TWINE and I got the whole series on VHS. I also recall I could not understand how TLD and LTK were not considered among the very best of the series.
When I began reading the novels prior to the CR premiere I got even more convinced at how faithful Timothy Dalton's portrayal was to Fleming.
As for LTK, it's my number one for the moment. It has the sort of tormented protagonist that became popular in the action genre post-Nolan, but here it's all fresh and new. Fortunately without too much political correctness. For instance, with Pam you've got the more competent female type and with Lupe the kept woman type of girl. This film doesn't choose to go all out bimbo with the girls but neither does it want to point out how 'modern' it is in giving us a competent type of girl. They are there and the film doesn't hit you in the face with it.
Dalton's intense determination gives the film, along with the personal mission, an energy boost. It always bothered me that his friendship with Leiter, which was so prominent in the books, was never put to full use in the films. Here they make up for it.
Bond also goes Yojimbo here and proves how smart and intelligent he is during the course of the film, infiltrating the organisation and eventually outsmart every single one of them.
I have no problem with the sets either, the temple is a beautiful site and Sanchez' white villa is as extravagant as you might expect from such a character. The cinematography seems to bother some people too, I think it's actually very good. For instance, have a look at the colour composition when the camera zooms out after the boat scene with Pam. Another example is the westernlike brown/yellowish colour pattern during the finale, I could almost feel the dusty heat in which Bond was battling his way to Sanchez.
Another nice touch is the reference to Tracy. Well-acted by Dalton, giving us a short but beautiful moment for this character who is condemned to keep his emotions mostly to himself. Bond's personal mission here is also triggered by his best friend's wife who, much like his own wife, is killed on their wedding day. When he sets Sanchez on fire after that spectacular climax, the circle is full. Then we get one of the most moving moments of the series: Bond, realizing this, sits down against a rock, looks at the whole scene, sighs and fights his tears.
That's something else than breathing like an animal on a floating elevator.
Finally I'd have to say I love the eighties atmosphere though I can understand that's not for everyone, but I always smile when the end credits start and Patti gives it her all with 'If You Asked Me Too'. At that moment I know I've seen an exceptional Bond film which has satisfied me once again.
Sure LTK is not full of 60's chique, but I'll gladly watch Goldfinger if I'm looking for that. Licence to Kill, on the other hand, is a unique mix of brutish action and elegance alla Fleming.
P.S., even the detractors must love Q's large amout of screentime.
See I don't think that is well acted. This moment is over-acted. About as subtle as him yelling at Della "MY WIFE WAS MURDERED YOU KNOW!!!!"
Moore actually did a much better reaction in TSWLM when Anya brings up Tracy.
One of Moore's best little moments as Bond.
What has always puzzled me about that scene is, how does Della not know? Bond has obviously been a big part of their time together and he acts as best man (I assume) and she obviously has a lot of affection for him; just puzzled how she never knew.
Exactly. I got the feeling Felix hadn't known her for long before marrying her (And lets be honest he looks more like her father!)
That unbelievable scene near the end always cracks me up. Leiter recovering in Hospital and getting all cheery about going fishing when he's up and about! I should imagine his poor wife's funeral would be heavier on his mind!
Bond's History. ;)
Quite. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the movie, just a few things like those mentioned that don't add up.
It was scrapped as an idea ?