From Russia with Love (1963)

Based on the novel by Ian Fleming, this film sees James Bond back again to foil yet another of SPECTRE’s sinister plots.

The head of SPECTRE sends his Number Three, Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya), to recruit a woman to seduce James Bond (Sean Connery) under the guise of bringing a Lektor decoder to Britain.

The woman, Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi), poses as a Russian defector, looking for someone to help her get the decoder to Britain (the enemy).

SPECTRE are certain that M (Bernard Lee), Head of British Intelligence, will send Bond on this mission: a mission that will bring him to SPECTRE Island where recently released convicted murderer, Grant (Robert Shaw) can kill Bond once and for all.

Richard Maibaum’s screenplay, based on Fleming’s novel, is well written, balancing quieter moments with high-tension, high-drama moments perfectly. The characters are all clearly defined, with interesting conflicts, both internal and external, and the pacing is superb.

The cinematography, by Ted Moore, is also handled brilliantly. Typically, Bond films are not known for their outstanding cinematography - the focus tends to be more the intricate plots, clever gadgets, and numerous liaisons with numerous women. But in the case of this film, the camera work is absolutely a key part of the whole package. Light and shadow are balanced well throughout, and shadows are used often and by no means sparingly to full effect.

Syd Cain’s production design skills are put to good use in this film, too. The sets and locations in this film are magnificent - as they also tend to be with the majority of Bond films - with the majority of the action taking place in Istanbul, making the most of the natural environment and layout of the city.

John Barry’s music is at least adequate here. It may not be anything spectacular, but it serves its use well enough.

Cast performances also are adequate, the clear standout of course being Connery in the lead role he was certainly born to play. In my opinion, you can keep all your other Bonds; Sean Connery will always be James to me.

Director Terence Young has given us a thrill-ride of a film here, with plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat.

6 out of 10.