Discuss From Russia with Love
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VERY Underappreciated Bond Movie
posted by Maria KellySTAFFMOD on July 16, 2017 at 12:17 PM
I have a hard time understanding why JB's second outing seems to be forgotten by everyone, even most Bond fans. Sure, it was made before the films went gadget-crazy, but this was a great spy movie. The story was good, Lotte Lendye and Robert Shaw made terrific villians, Daniella Bianci was the usual beautiful Bond girl.
But my highest praise (except for Connery) is for Pedro Amandariz as Ali Berim Bey, the MI6 head of station in Istanbul. He was simply awesome! He proved himself to being for the usual Bond sidekick. IMHO, Amandariz should have gotten an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor!
Is there anyone out there who would like to discuss this Bond gem? I'd be happy to hear from you!
Reply by thebarnman
on July 16, 2017 at 1:03 PM
What can I say? It's been about 30 years since I've seen it last. The rating on the movie is 7.5 on IMDB and just for the heck of it; I checked out the original trailer. That woman dressed like a maid with the knives coming out of her shoes remind me of Mindy Sterling who played Frau Farbissina in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997.)
Is this the one with the long fighting scene in the train? If so; that's classic! They've kind of repeated that fight in one of the more recent Bond films.
Reply by Maria Kelly
on July 16, 2017 at 2:01 PM
@thebarnman
Yes, that's the one. In fact the fight between Connery and Shaw was considered one of the best fight scenes in movie history!
And it's interesting that you mentioned the scene being repeated in other Bond movies. I remember a similar scene in The Spy Who Loved Me, but for some reason I never thought about it being a sort of remake scene of FRWL.
And as for Spectre there were so many tips of the hat that it made me dizzy trying to keep up!
Reply by rudely_murray
on July 17, 2017 at 8:18 AM
Actually, I believe this has always (deservedly) been one of the most highly-regarded of the series. Certainly, it's a colourful, well-paced and very enjoyable spy thriller and one of the few which would play just as well if the central character was not named James Bond.
Lotte Lena is star of the show for me - probably the most chilling and memorable Bond villain. Robert Shaw and Pedro Armendariz are good, too and - unlike most Bond girls - the charismatic Daniela Bianchi is actually given room to create a believable character.
Reply by Dawn Of The Ed
on July 17, 2017 at 9:40 AM
One of my all time favorite Bond films. Not sure about it being underappreciated though. Most Bond fans I know consider it a classic and one of the best of the series.
Reply by Kutanamar
on June 21, 2018 at 1:47 AM
As much as I enjoy the "campy" gadget filled bond films. This one is my personal favorite.