You Only Live Twice (1967)

User Review

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  Barneyonmovies

  6 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: 'You Only Live Twice,' is actually a very well laid-out Bond film. We begin with a rather brilliant opening sequence in space in which a US spacecraft is stolen, and - with the Russians being blamed - Bond is sent on a mission to Japan to investigate the true source of the crime. Unlike in Thunderball, we have no idea what the villains are up to, and we instead follow along with Bond as he makes his usual reckless jabs into the plot until he strikes gold. That crucially means there's a great amount of mystery to keep you engaged, but it also allows Bond to explore a really interesting part of the world - a travelogue element here which is perhaps the most fascinating of all the early Bonds. Couple that with some spectacular set-pieces (including what is perhaps set-designer Ken Adam's most impressive works of all) and you've got yourself the foundations for a Bond adventure that could have rivalled Goldfinger for sheer enjoyment.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The problem this time however, surprisingly enough, is Connery himself. Yes, whilst before in this series his out-of-place brutishness and reckless enjoyment was the primary reason we stayed behind him as a character, this time around he walks through the thing looking bored and disinterested - reportedly because of pay disputes and the invasions on his private life that came with the role. Because of that, we've noone to root for or be interested in unpickung, and without him on top form - no matter how great the mystery is - it's rather hard to stay engaged overall.
  
  VERDICT: A pretty well laid-out Bond mystery, 'You Only Live Twice,' could have been one of the series' best. Unfortunately though, a bored performance from Connery ruins it all.

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