As many of you will know, this film looks at the relationship between Bond and 'M', and has to look at the consequences for the latter character as her past comes back to haunt her.
The film opens in great style with 007 trying to receive a hard drive which contains the names and aliases of agents working undercover in terrorist organisations. During the Op. Bond is shot at, and presumed dead.
Meanwhile, MI6 is under attack, and from someone very close to home. M is without her best agent, and sees her very future in jeopardy with the loss of the hard-drive. An early retirement is in the pipeline as Ministers are after her blood.
But it would seem that the reports of 007's dead are a little premature, and with a deadly attack on MI6 iteself, it sees Bond return to the UK and help 'M' with the investigation. What they uncover is a trail that leads 007 to Shanghai. He encounters the stunningly beautiful 'Severine', and Bond is keen to meet her employer. Bond is taken to a deserted island, and comes face to face with 'Silva' the mastermind behind the attack on MI6, the theft of the hard-drive, but more importantly, has a personal vendetta against 'M'.
Unfortunately for 'Silva' he soon finds himself back in the UK, and in the hands of the security services for the crimes that he has committed. There is a reckoning between he and 'M' and it becomes clear that 'Silva' is a former MI6 officer, and he was left to rot in the East when there was a trade off, and he blames 'M' for his incarceration, and subsequent torture. And has a score to settle. So alas nothing has gone to plan.....or has it? Could it be that this is what he planned all along?
Whilst 'M' battles the bureaucrats, 'Silva' makes his escape from his cell. And wreaks havoc in London, especially on the Underground. 'Silva' makes his way to the Hearing that has 'M' in attendence, his plan is to end the life of the woman he blames for his misery. There is an inpressive shoot-out, and things are still unresolved. Knowing that 'Silva' always seems to have the upper hand with his expertise in all things relating to the web, Bond decides to even the playing field. And sets things for the big finale, at a location that really does pay homage to the history of James Bond 007.
After the justified lukewarm reception that was received by "Quantum of Solace", it is wonderful to see that the Producers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the film charged with celebrating the Golden anniversary of 007 has the very best talents involved.
Daniel Craig has settled brilliantly into the role of James Bond, silencing those critics when he was first announced. One does not doubt for a moment that here is a letahl killing machine, and man who will kill without a moments hesitation. But it is not all killing, he has also wonderfully displayed a sense of vulnerability that Bond needs, whether it is falling in love with 'Vesper Lynd' or the clearly evident love and respect he has for 'M', Bond is not all about death and destruction. The commitment that Craig has to the role can be no better be illustrated than by the physical element, especially when it comes to the many action scenes in the film. His involvement with the many stunts and action sequences is to be commended from the highest level. His performance as 'Bond' has grown over the past few years, and it is such a pleasure to see him on screen as 007, a role that has made him, for me, the best actor to play the role, since the film series began back in 1962.
What can once possibly say about Dame Judi Dench that has not already been said a thousand times over? She has made the role of 'M' her own. I doubt few thought it possible that anyone could surpass Bernard Lee as the much put upon head of the Double O section. But this truly amazing actress has taken a character that we sometimes only get a fleeting glimpse of, and made us fall in love with her, in the same way I guess that she has with James, or rather a deep affection that she has for him, and he very much has for her.
From the number cruncher we were first introduced to in "GoldenEye", to the beloved Section Head we have in "Skyfall", it is constantly a pleasure to see Dame Judi Dench on screen, and here with her biggest role to date, as her past comes back to wreak a terrible revenge.
Javier Bardem is one of the finest actors in Europe, even the world, and has of late carved quite the niche for himself playing villains. Who could forget his Oscar winning performance in "No Country For Old Men"? So naturally he was the perfect choice to play 'Silva' a man hell bent on seeking recompence for his pain suffered whilst imprisoned, and blaming 'M' for his downfall. A blonde Bond and now we have a Blonde Bond Villain, well they do say that Blondes have more fun, and most certainly seem to do here. 'Silva' certainly does like to have fun with 007, judging from a rather close encounter. At times softly spoken, with more than a gleam in his eye, Bardem makes 'Silva' one of the most menancing Bond villains we have seen for some time. I know that long gone are the days when we have a villain who wants to take over the world, but 'Silva' is quite the piece of work, and the fact that his goal is a single individual, for me makes him even more dangerous. And like, Dench, it is a delight watching Bardem on screen in a quite brilliant performance. At times it is such a quiet, understated performance, chilling, and there is a moment when he does something that could rival 'Hannibal Lector'.
I could go on at length about the other cast members, but am aware of how long this review is already. Ben Wishaw makes a delightful debut as 'Q', the youthful adolescent, barely looking old enough to buy a lottery ticket, brings the character right up to date, especially with the Cyber threat affecting MI6, it takes a younger man with the knowledge of Computers to go into battle. I look forward to seeing more of him in the role in the next film.
Another actor who could well be returning is Ralph Fienes, who plays 'Mallory', an MI6 official. Naomie Harris and Berenice Mahlohe provide the glamour in the film, and two stunningly beautiful ladies they are too.Harris especially does shine as fellow agent 'Eve'.
And of course one could not discuss the cast without mentioning the legend that is Albert Finney. So wonderful to see him back on the big screen after a virtual retirement. (I am not counting his barely noticable appearance in "The Bourne Legacy"). As ever he is a delight to watch, providing the film with a touch of humour, and an all round lovely performance in the role he plays.
It was quite a surprise when Sam Mendes was announced as being given the Director's chair for this latest 007 movie. One would not normally associate him with this kind of film. He certainly has a knack for hiring the very best talent to work on his movies, but would he have the capability to take on the much tougher challenge of directing a James Bond film? The answer is so obviously yes. A man with the immense of talent of Sam Mendes would certainly be upto to that challenge, but he has well and truly surpassed it, creating the best Bond film in 13 years, and possibly one that will stand the test of time as one of the very best Bond films ever.
The photography in Bond films of late, it would be fair to say, have come under attack, and quite rightly so. The creative team have tried too hard to compete with other action films, and it has made some scenes virtually unwatchable. I knew we would not have that problem with this film as Director Sam Mendes hires just the best Cinematographers in the business, which is why so many of his films are Oscar nominated for Cinematography. With "Skyfall" he has hired fellow Brit and 9 nine Oscar nominee Roger Deakins, one of the most respected DP's there is. And he does a most remarkable job. I cannot recall a Bond film that has been better shot, or looked more beautiful, or give the feeling that it has been shot with a passion. Such an excellent job has been done here.
Bond composer regular David Arnold is sadly missing from this new film, although Thomas Newman does a great job of writing the score. There are some classic Bond music moments in the movie, and I would have no objection to seeing Mr. Newman compose another 007 score in the future.
Daniel Kleinman is back working in the opening title sequence, and coupled with that is the beautifully haunting theme song from Adele, making the opening title sequence for "Skyfall", for me, the best in the last 50 years, and that is saying something.
I could go on for longer, but am keen to post this review. Just know that every box has been ticked, the acting, directing, photography, editing, costumes, music, action sequences, so much love and affection from every department is evident in this 23rd James Bond film.
I have seen the film three times so far, and hope to see it a few more yet. It really is that good, Bond films have rarely been as great as this. Believe the reviews, they do not lie. This is Bond at his very best.
As this is the year of the Bond's 50th, just a little thank you to Ian Fleming, Albert R. Broccoli, Harry Saltzman and Sean Connery......four men instrumental in this anniversary year we celebrate.
The Sky may fall, but Bond does not.......10 out of 10
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JAMES BOND - 007
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