Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977)

Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977)

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“We’ve really got to stop meeting like this.”

Synopsis:
James Bond (Roger Moore) and a rival Soviet spy (Barbara Bach) are both put on the trail of a megalomaniac (Curd Jurgens) who has plans to destroy the world through nuclear warfare and create an undersea paradise.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Curt Jurgens Films
  • James Bond Films
  • Spies
  • Submarines
  • World Domination

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary writes that this “exceptional James Bond thriller” features “sets and gimmicks” that “were the most spectacular to date”, and notes that “the big budget was not wasted.” He argues that “Moore gives his best performance in the series” (though I don’t really see him making any new expressions), and that he and Bach “are an appealing couple, equal in every way.”

He goes on to posit that the “film is a real treat — a well-acted, smartly cast, sexy, visually impressive, lavishly produced, powerfully directed (by Lewis Gilbert) mix of a spy romance and a war-mission film.”

While I agree there’s much to enjoy in this film — including Claude Renoir’s “excellent photography” and Carly Simon’s hit “Nobody Does It Better” — I can’t quite agree with Peary that it’s spectacular (though it is likely Moore’s best film in the series). It is fun to see “Richard Kiel’s seven-foot-tall, metal-toothed henchman ‘Jaws’ [who] would appear in the next Bond film, Moonraker,” and who is thus allowed to survive near-death time and time again; his strength is authentically menacing, and he actually gives Bond a run for his money.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Claude Renoir’s cinematography
  • Ken Adam’s sets
  • Carly Simon’s rendition of “Nobody Does It Better”

Must See?
Yes, simply to see Roger Moore in the Bond series — and to check out Kiel as “Jaws”.

Categories

  • Historically Relevant

Links:

2 thoughts on “Spy Who Loved Me, The (1977)”

  1. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    If this isn’t spectacular Admin, I don’t know what is. Cubby Broccoli’s consolidation of his investment after a three year hiatus and Harry Saltzman’s leaving the franchise. He wanted to prove he could go it alone and he did with a massive box office return and mostly great reviews. It’s great fun all round despite some flaws and it does rehash both From Russia, with Love (1963) and especially You Only Live Twice (1967).

    Still lauded as arguably Moore’s best, although I personally think both For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983) are better. Moore is on great form, great score and the SPFX are spectacular … but the villains are disappointing and Barbara Bach isn’t much cop; her role only pays lip service to feminism, certainly by the end.

    Still, a classic but not must see unless you’re a Bond fan. But recommended nonetheless.

  2. For Bond fans only.

    Since I’m generally not a huge supporter of the series, I can leave this one for the real fans to evaluate… except for the observation that – its passable action sequences notwithstanding – the film feels somewhat lethargic.

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