I watched FRWL yesterday at night, and i thought it was an amazing movie. I noticed that, in this movie, what it lacked in action it had compensated in story. A great story. It could have not so many action like GE, or TSWLM, But it is a great movie. In my own "analysis", just like TWINE, FRWL was more based on the Ian Fleming's book, not to make a complete action movie like the nowadays Bonds. (Just saying, because more action ain't exactly a problem.)
Connery acted very well imo, and i got some laughs with his quotes and scenes too. My favourite was the Lektor's description being sent to M's office. One of the best scenes i've seen and that probably will be on the list after i see all Bond movies.
And then, now i may understand why there are some people on the MI6 Community that hates the FRWL game. I played it before seeing the movie, and i really am disappointed with EA. The game has invented plots and even mixed the story out, and now actually i don't like that game so much at all. The movie is a classic, shouldn't be changed as they did back at 2005.
Now may i see Dr No. Maybe this week i'll see it, i'm having a good free time.
Tell your compliments for this great film.
Mods, i needed to create this new thread because the old FRWL one is not bumping for some reason.
Comments
*cough cough* Under Fan Creations -> Reviews.
http://www.mi6community.com/index.php?p=/discussion/3462/from-russia-with-love-1963#Item_2
Right there on the right hand side.. yep.
it has a fantastic feel to it. when i watch it i think how it is years ahead of it's time.
there was no corners cut with FRWL and a fantastic cast as well.
Now make another step and read the novel. Its just as good as the film.
I must admit, while I love the novel, I actually think the film is better. Klebb's "lesbian-ism" isn't shoved down your throat in a laughable manner (Fleming couldn't really be subtle to save his life) and the showdown between Bond and Grant plays out in a more believable way.
Respectfully disagree. The novel has the best opening ie setting up the decision to kill Bond by introducing Grant, Klebb, Kronsteen and even General G in the series. Their backgrounds are beautifully described as is Kerims and the geopolitics of the whole area described by Fleming is fascinating.
I am wary of the term "shoving in someones face" as it connotates them forcing you to acknowledge something you don't want too. Very wary.
I really like the novel, don't get me wrong and, yes, I agree that the office in which the meeting is held is beautifully described. I like the way they go through Bond's file and make references to the previous adventures. I just think that, as a whole, the film doesn't feel quite as dated and seems a bit more "timeless" if that makes sense. That might have something to do with the change of SMERSH to SPECTRE.
I didn't mean to sound offensive when I said "shoving it in someone's face". All I meant was that Klebb's sexual preference was hinted at in the film which IMO was more effective. This could be down to Lenya's teriffic portrayal. I remember my jaw dropping when I read the equivilent passage in the book.
I've also had trouble accepting the whole "putting the cigarette case to the chest" scenerio. Ok it's not as over-the-top as some of the stuff in the later films but it's still fairly improbable. To me the way Bond tricks Grant in the film just seems a bit more believable.
Also the book doesn't have the stuff on Siamese fighting fish, which is probably one of my favourite scenes in the film.
FRWL is a great book (I've read it twice in the last four years) but I think its one of the few occasions I prefer the film slightly.
Long live FRWL - the best of the best.
Thanks. Yeah, i've been searching to do that, i'll need to see more Bond movies. And i'm loving doing that.
I'd read the novel if: 1 - they were sold in Brazil. 2 - if i had money to do that. :/ (yeah i'm still not working, focused on the studies first.)
Just so it's fresh in everyone's minds.
I really like FRWL. I don't think it's Connerys best film because I prefer TB, but it's still a great, top 10 worthy Bond film.
http://www.mi6community.com/index.php?p=/discussion/961/from-russia-with-love/p1
EDIT: Yep I just tried, doesn't bump.
This is my favorite Bond movie for so many reasons. Best henchman,(Shaw) best bond girl, best Bond(Sean), beautiful locations, gadgets, fights, 'that' train trip, it has the lot. Still unmatched for me. I just voted it my favorite on Facebooks poll. Love it.
But this one does just about everything right. Even the quips and one-liners seem less forced here and more in character. It also helps that it has the best cast of the entire series (SkyFall may arguably be an alternative), and everyone is perfect in their respective roles. Add to that one of the best stories and a pretty flawless execution... what more do you need? This is the real deal Bond!
In any event, From Russia With Love, could be the most serious entry of the entire series, always something I appreciate in James Bond. No Tarzan yells, double taking pigeons, crocodile disguises, sailing over San Francisco on the end of a mooring rope etc etc, just a very good Bond at what could be an ideal age, putting on a superlative performance. It does get a bit dull here and there maybe, but the strength of characters more than componsates. It is a release familiar with young and old, and even those who aren't that familiar with the James Bond series. For a serious, no nonsense Bond adventure you won't find one better. A polar opposite of say A View to a Kill or Moonraker in that respect
Totally agree with you Bain. I really like the novel, one of my favorites. You really get a much better sense in the novel of exactly how evil Grant is, and what makes him tick. And I like the way Fleming did something different, with the first half of the book simply being "The Plan." That said, the movie is better. The attache case, the helicopter, the boat battle. But most of all, as has been stated, the way that Bond escapes from Grant on the train is FAR more believable in the film than in the novel!
Well I don't know about the UK, but Dr. No was shown on network tv in the US for the first time on Sunday November 3, 1974. I know this for a fact because I had come home from college for the weekend and actually left the following Monday morning so that I could watch it!
It's not a deep relationship like with Vesper or Tracy... but in the Bond tradition of casual relationships it's very good in my opinion. They have chemestry, very funny together, and kulturny.
Also, Daniela had a kind of elegance about her (the way she used to brush her hair out of her eyes) that fitted the character.
Also her laugh is beautiful. Simply one of my favorite Bond girls!