From Russia with Love

For a film that takes nearly an hour to really get going, and that the villains don't come up with a megalomaniacal plan to destroy half the world, it's still interesting throughout. This fact is aided by Young's brisk direction and the cleverly simple script that doesn't offer much in the way of action sequences, but I give respectful kudos for those few bits; particularly Bond's fight with Grant on the train is something that, given its physicality, is something that Bourne needed to rediscover 40 years later. (01/14/2012)

The most genuine spy film of all the Bond films. Connery's Bond met his match in Robert Shaw. SPECTRE and the Soviet Union got a proper hammering, without unnecessary frantic action scenes. It definitely belongs to the best of this genre. (08/03/2016)

The best Bond movie with Sean Connery. Or rather... The best Bond movie ever. Significantly different that the rest and more of a classic cloak-and-dagger movie. However it’s the most serious one and thrilling at the same time, a bit tongue in cheek with a lot of action and also quite realistic in places. For instance the fight in the train compartment is the type of a physical action which you don’t usually find in a standard Bond movie (well at least not until Craig’s arrival). (11/17/2004)

It's unbelievable how this film from 1963, which was already completely different in terms of filmmaking, managed to inspire and captivate me. Bond's lines and grimaces haven't aged even after 50 years. Some effects are naturally clunky, but the can be tolerated thanks to the pace and strong script. Excellent villains, a fantastic fight on a train, and above all, an incredible pace. Compared to the first installment, it's a huge leap forward. I expected to watch it more out of obligation, but I devoured it with unexpected enthusiasm. Even back then, they were able to beautifully utilize the settings – Istanbul and Venice – with a sense for excellent cinematography. (12/23/2013)

If I have to pick one of Connery's best Bond films, then it's From Russia with Love. It’s the most interesting film in terms of plot and it doesn’t have a lot of action, but when it does, it's worth it. Be it the legendary (and rightly praised) train compartment fight, the helicopter chase or the gypsy camp ambush. One hundred percent honest work every time. As far as the plot goes, there is no shortage of interesting twists and turns, but the most fun of all is watching Bond and Romanov's evolving relationship. Add to that, of course, John Barry, Young's meticulous direction, which suits this slower but ever more suspenseful film more than anything else, Blofeld and the witch of all witches... You simply cannot be dissatisfied with it. (05/22/2010)