You know, there is only one year difference in age beetween Lynn-Holly Johnson and Carole Bouquet. Why did you say it was wrong for James to have sex with Bibi, and ok to have sex with Melina ? ;)
Not bad as an actor and can even be quite good in the right role with good writing. The problem has rarely been moore himself, just that he's in the cheesiest bond movies written for a series that was imaginatively bankrupt. If the same script was given to Connery or any other bond it wouldn't be all that much better. That said, his movies are some of my least favorite except for some of the horrendous Pierce Brosnan ones that came later one which also became really over the top like surfing a tsunami.
Also had a very very good soundtrack in my opinion. The chase soundtracks for the car chase in Spain and the ski chase in the alps are just magnificent.
This is one bad ass movie... Roger was BOND.... That man represents everything Bond is.... Handsome, brave and cool under pressure.... Roger Moore just lit up the screen....
Moore once stated in an interview that he couldn't take the character seriously. And that is exactly what makes his movie most enjoyable to rewatch. This is my favorite, but I may be biased because most of it was shot im my home country on my favorite island ...
This is definitely the most visceral and true-to-Fleming Bond that Moore ever did. It bored me to tears when I was a kid but it's aged very well. I actually didn't realize that was Tanner giving the mission to Bond! I always thought Tanner was first played by Michael Kitchen. Great review as always Oliver!
Going through all the Bond films since Sean died and just watched this one today. It has held up well. Visually beautiful and some real touches of class and elegance, in addition to a good story line and great stunts.
+LZ MONEY I had more fun with this one. Why does it always have to be the world vs russia in James Bond movies. It gets boring (that's why I take Tomorrow Never Dies over Goldeneye).
I agree. I think The Spy Who Loved Me was the only one of Moore's films where he was able to balance the more serious stuff with his own sense of humor.
My Favorite Roger Moore 007 film 1. For Your Eyes Only 2. Live And Let Die 3. Octopussy 4. The Spy Who Loved Me 5. The Man With The Golden Gun 6. Moonraker 7. A View To A Kill
My god, Octopussy? Better than The Spy Who Loved Me? Really? Yeah, of course, you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that, but allow me to be surprised by that. Anyway, for me Octopussy would be 6th. 1. For Your Eyes Only 2. The Spy Who Loved Me 3. Live And Let Die 4. The Man With The Golden Gun 5. Moonraker (would be 4th if it was not about the "star wars" fight in space at the end and the fact they used the Space Shuttle like a F-18, god I hate those "sci-fi" scenes, for a Bond Movie of course) 6. Octopussy 7. A View To A Kill
I really enjoy these films for being exactly what they are, beautiful time capsules from a time that is lost much for the worst. I always remember the winter sports section of the film the most. It's a very comfy thing to watch. I used to enjoy drinking Scotch whiskey heavily and watching these Moore Bond films, it was always an experience that I never regretted. I always felt like these movies brought classy, surreal experiences to regular low class Americans like me and I am thankful they were made because it feels like the "entertainment industry" is running head long off a cliff to never give people proper entertainment ever again.
Roger Moore was always my favorite Bond. I admit that it's purely because of nostalgia. I got to know the character through him and I watched his Bond movies with my father constantly. We still do, actually. Much to the annoyance of my mother. ;)
Love this film ! Easily in my top 5 Bond movies. For me this is Roger's best performance as Bond. Great review and glad to hear that you're a big fan of the score too. Hope you get around to doing more Bond retrospectives in the future.
In the video -- you mentioned 'FRONT PROJECTION' ... which it was, in fact, REAR PROJECTION. Other than that, very good review. SIDE NOTE: I was fortunate to have worked on the last outing as Bond by Mr. Moore in the San Francisco sequences for A VIEW TO A KILL ... and it was truly a wonderful experience. D.A.
Great review! This is actually the first Bond film I'd seen, and think that's why I always liked Roger Moore's portrayal best. Moonraker and Octopussy are also favorites of mine. Being young when they came out I think the humor appealed alot to me
If you scuba 🤿 dive you can easily see they aren’t underwater, there isn’t any air bubbles coming out of the regulator in the close ups, they done something similar in UFO 🛸.
I loved the part where he kicked the car off the cliff. I think the mix of comedy and seriousness in FYEO worked just as it did in The Spy Who Loved Me. Roger's films were great, he was an excellent bond for the time and he bowed out when the time was right. Miss you Roger. Still think he should have jumped into bed with the ice skater LOL
No self-aware humour, no silly stuff (after the pre-credits sequence), a more or kess realistic plot with a believable villain. Not just Moore's best Bond film, but one of the best of the entire series.
Another superb review Oliver, very well documented. I especially love the trailer you created for this movie ! The way you use Bill Conti's score is amazing ! The movie itself is quite good if slightly too long at times. One of Moore's best in my opinion !
Oliver, really impressed by your retrospective review, this is my one of my personal favourite bond movies along with Spy who Loved me. Having visited Corfu a couple of times, most of the locations are still there as they were in 1981.
I'm baffled by people who heap so much criticism on this film. It's awesome, beautiful to look at, wonderfully scored, well-acted, and a nice unique, more serious turn from Moore, which I'm glad to have. No matter how many UA-cam reviews someone does on this film, when they criticize it, I don't think of them as a real fan of the series as a whole.
Made such an impression that I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be in Cortina Di Ampezza anytime it was winter and snowing. It’s still on my bucket list all these decades later.
Great that you mention the work of great DP Alan Hume. His best work is in "Runaway Train" IMHO . One of the best and more underrated action movies ever made. Hope that you find time to cover it in your retrospectives.
Thank you for this retrospective. You put in so much work and it shows. As such, you have my utmost respect. I also grew up with Roger Moore as James Bond. It is funny, because Pierce Broman was the Bond that I should have related more to(being a 90s kid). And while I love Brosman(he's my third pick, after Daniel Craig), Moore to me is James Bond. He captured that playful, yet serious aspect of the character. And while I know the books are more serious, I do like the Moore films for their style. That said, I'll admit For Your Eyes Only was a film I often skipped as a child. I loved the Spy who Loved me and Moonraker. But being a bit older, Moonraker actually is my least favorite film( a bit too over the top for me, despite Jaws being in it). While this movie is a bit long and the bad guy is forgettable, I love as you stated how grounded the film was. it was much more serious, but still had that humor. Also, the opening song still remains one of my favorites. And the soundtrack is amazing. So overall, this is a film that I have a much greater appreciation now, then I did when I was little.
I can't get used to Topol without a beard. It's just not right! Fascinating stuff, sir. I believe the swimming costume on the poster was worn back to front to make it more revealing.
Your reviews are so good and this is no exception. I particularly enjoyed this one as For Your Eyes Only is one of my favourites, but I do agree there's some slow moments, and the soundtrack is one of my fave's too. I love it when I learn something new about the film, I had no idea Carol Bouquet's voice was dubbed! I thought it was her voice all these years!A few years ago I did a job for EON as a model maker and visited their warehouse where they keep old Bond props and models and a lot of Derek Meddings models have still survived like the Universal Exports Helicopter, love all that stuff!Excellent retrospective!
Love these retrospectives. Came across them when looking for reviews on the Alien series. Please do more Bond Oliver, your opinions are really interesting.
Watching these always makes me smile, my dad and I watched your three Star Wars reviews that you've made recently and loved them, and I always enjoy watching a james bond review you do. I love the two dalton movies and Goldeneye is a bonafide classic for the ages, I actually thought FYEO was boring, but, I might have to check it out again, it actually looks much better than I remember!
It may seem bizarre today but you have to understand that Janet Brown was, at the time popping up absolutely everywhere, appearing on British TV on almost a daily basis as "The Iron Lady", almost as much as Margaret Thatcher herself. When the film came out, it certainly did not seem out of place and was, as I remember, absolutely hilarious at the time.
Excellent review - many people would agree with most of points you made, even the die hard bond fans like myself. You have a brilliant way of capturing the essential points of movies. 11:05 just one quick remark here, the picture actually shows Cubby’s wife Dana Broccoli, not his daughter Barbara. She got involved in 1987 for TLD and was indeed co-responsible for casting Brosnan as Bond later on
Roger Moore's take on Bond was never very faithful to the novels. That is probably why, through most of his tenure, he had to listen to critics saying they liked Connery better than him. But he was never given enough credit for actually having saved the Bond franchise. And he did so by intentionally not playing it by the book. He effectively modernized the character ant took it through the much more different eras of the 1970s and 80s. Unlike Ian Fleming's Bond, Roger Moore's Bond was fun. He wasn't misogynous or sadistic. He wasn´t static or conservative. He reflected the times he lived in. He changed, he learned and he evolved. He was my first Bond. And to me, he will allays be the best. Because he was by far, the coolest!
Fyeo was to take place after tswlm except Star Wars took the world by storm and Bond had to follow the fad. I'd say Moonraker was the reboot attempt but then they changed their minds afterward
It's my favourite Bond film and I cannot fault it whatsoever. It think it's perfect. Thank you for praising Bill Conti's score; it's stunning!! He actually took a lot of hooks from Ennio Morricone's spaghetti western scores. I can't remember which Sergio Leone film in particular, but I think it was one of The Good The Bad and The Ugly scores.
Great review as always, Oliver :) I re-watched this movie a few months ago, and thought it held up pretty well. Not Roger's best outing (The Spy Who Loved Me takes the cake there), but it's certainly in my top 3 of his.
saw this as a kid in the movies...going to a new 007 movie being always so special in those times......where did the years go...? Anyway 80s decade was INCREDIBLE and the BEST, after that life ended imo, really
It's my favorite Moore film. He does a great job again, and he's believable as a more serious Bond. My only real complaint is the underwater scene. It would be fine but it goes WAAAY too long. I do love Moore and he did great in the first 3 80s films, but for the 80s films I think we needed a new actor. I think a more energetic actor would've got them more as they were going for the more serious tone compared to his 70s films. I know they didn't have Tim in mind for FYEO, but if Tim was in all the 80s films, I think they would've been even better, and the 80s is my favorite Bond era. Great video once again!
+Alfred Valrie Ikr? He considered quitting multiple times but kept coming back. I'm glad he never botched the role in his later films like Connery did in YOLT and DAF.
I am pleased to see that there is someone else like myself whom sees that the 80's Bond films were the best. It is also my own favored era for the franchise. I thought that the films were increasingly improving throughout that decade - whereas critics and opinions then did not - and still today they have themselves a sense of contemporary feel. I really give Roger Moore credit for having stayed with the series throughout this move towards more greater action and realism. He could have so easily pulled his weight as the star and changed this or that if he had wanted to, but he did not do so, and thus I think that should be considered part of his legacy that he did change with the modern times without too much complaint. Him and Timothy Dalton have been the only official actors that I have seen not have open resentments, caustic actions, or attacking words to say about the franchise as a whole. Moore never lost respect for the films and always gave it his best until the end even if he did get older which I never seen a problem with. For as tempting as it is for me to have liked Dalton throughout the whole of the 80's, I really think he began his era at the right time. I cannot imagine him having replaced Moore in Moore's final three. His final three films are definitely his; they would need to be drastically different films to have suited Tim convincingly (I do not see Dalton having hung from the mooring lines of Zorin's blimp or be disguised as a clown to stop a nuclear device). Dalton, for me, was the man of the present called the late 80's and the future called the 90's which did not happen unfortunately. He was the action Bond and the complicated Bond that fitted in so perfectly with then-contemporary action movies and stars; and oh-my was he so much more than that too! Timothy Dalton, for me, has been the best actor the film series has had to-date. Moore's final three would have needed a different actor. Perhaps the idea of having Lewis Collins could have worked for FYEO, OP, and AVTAK. We obviously will never know now.
+theearthmovesagain I think John Glen is a big reason these films were so watchable. He's a homegrown EON director, and he knew how to shoot the films right.
John Glen definitely was a reason for the aesthetic pleasures of the 1980's Bond films for sure. He certainly proved to be the right man for the job, and he has that feelgood story too associated with him as one whom had been with the series since OHMSS and having had the opportunity to rise up to the main director spot (so befitting too given the repertoire company feel the James Bond productions had taken once Cubby became sole producer). He had himself a contemporary eye for cinema, and even perhaps more impressive, he could be adaptive and absorbing of new ideas too. He could work with different types of scripts and actors well, and his first talent for editing really showcased through in the action sequences that had fast and seemless flow and cuts. His films only improved with each successive one too. I think, though, if any criticism of him can be laid against him, I think he sometimes cut out a bit too much exposition and story because of his desire for quick pacing, and I say sometimes a little background to characters or some establishing scenes are satisfying to an overall film. This was especially so the case in "Licence to Kill", but regardless, LTK remains one of the top best films in the entire series for me, and having even more "Licence to Kill" to watch would not be a bad thing at all! I wonder, though, if he could have returned for a sixth film however. I read once that Timothy Dalton had a falling out with him at the end of production on LTK - something to do with Dalton cutting his hand open on a stunt, I believe, that he thought Glen was responsible for causing him (it would make sense that this could have happened - David Hedison had injured his knee / ankle on a second take that Glen had asked for with the parachuting scene from the pretitle sequence). Then, years later, Dalton was originally slated for to star in a film whose original director was replaced by Glen ("Christopher Columbus: The Discovery") whereas Dalton promptly walked and sued for a breech of contact and fraud. This might be nothing really but, nevertheless, a question of possibilities. Neither man that I know of has ever said anything openly negative towards one another. Glen's place in the franchise is soundly footed and there to last.
Personally, this and the Spy who Loved Me are my two favorite Roger Moore films. I don't get people that say their favorite is A View to A Kill, it's always struck me as dull
+Oliver Harper I actually think AVTAK is the best Moore film, it's the most dark and serious of the Moore era. Zorin is the best Bond villain. The letdown is Roger's age and, because of that, the obvious use of stunt doubles in every action scene. If Dalton was in it, it would be the best Bond film ever!
Oliver Harper I like View to a Kill, but I will admit, it does have one big flaw: It's the most...outright 80s of the 80s Bond films, of that makes any sense. And this is from someone who likes 80s stuff.
I agree A View to a Kill have an amazing Soundtrack but far from the best Roger Moore bond movie tho im gonna go a whole other direction my personal farvorite Roger Bond movie are Live and Let Die :)
Does anyone else think it's odd how few sources mention that a stuntman DIED shooting the bobsled scene. I thought it must be an urban legend but, no, it's true. Paolo Rigoni died when he became trapped under the sled. The making-of documentary doesn't mention it and even the HUGE book, "Some Kind of Hero" which covered every nook and cranny of the franchise, totally omits his death!
Amadeus I think you are the only one who could honor that movie the most. Please, when you have the time, do the Retrospective / Review: Amadeus (1984) Love your work
Haha that opening with Blofeld had me in stitches when I first saw this film and the ending with Maggie Thatcher I'd completely forgot about that haha.. This is actually the last 'pre Craig' Bond film that I watched too as it was on tv not long back. That underwater effect they used looks flawless, the film is older than me and that effect still holds up, I wouldn't of even known had you'd not pointed it out in the review.
FYEO was the first Bond film I ever saw. I was too young to fully understand everything that was happening in the film, but it's still my favorite Bond film.
The first 007 movie I had seen in the theater when I was 11 years old. I was hooked immediately with the intro, watching Bond throwing Blofeld (I had no idea who he was on that day) into the chimney. For me, Roger Moore has always be my favorite Bond because of that.
I actually like this Bond film. Perhaps it's because I watched it after I had watched Dalton and I thoroughly enjoyed Dalton's portrayal. The music and great chase scenes are what do it for me.
You're a bit harsh with this movie, and with Carole Bouquet. I remember loving it when it came out when I was 14, and for me it still holds up. I actually like the fact that we didn't spend too much time with the villain and concentrated on watching bond going through his mission. This and Spy Who Loved Me are def RM's best Bond movies.
Great job, Oliver! This film will always occupy a place in my heart because the ABC network broadcast it very frequently on Saturday nights in the 80s. I'm like you--I grew up watching Roger on TV, but my first 007 film in the theatres was GoldenEye. You open my eyes to the fact that there really isn't very much here in terms of plot, but I think I will go on liking it anyway, particularly for Roger's performance and the kitschy disco feel of it all due to the soundtrack.
Get For Your Eyes Only on Blu-ray here goo.gl/qVyRPx
Get the soundtrack to For Your Eyes Only here goo.gl/XYJmQz
Why haven't you done more of the Bond movies?
Oliver Harper
Is that a Delorean at 14:23?
Oliver Harper is
Lotus Esprit
You know, there is only one year difference in age beetween Lynn-Holly Johnson and Carole Bouquet. Why did you say it was wrong for James to have sex with Bibi, and ok to have sex with Melina ? ;)
I don’t know why Moore gets so much flak, I just rewatched this a few weeks ago and it still holds up. Great flick.
Completely agree. He is my second favorite after pierce brosnan.
"Cos he's not like bond in the books" is the main criticism I hear.
Yeah, cos people actually read the books over the films lmfao.
It's mainly cause of the tongue in cheek humour, you either like it or you don't
Because his name isn’t Sean Connery, personally he’s grown to be my favorite bond, I love his smooth suave attitude and silver tongue 👅
Not bad as an actor and can even be quite good in the right role with good writing. The problem has rarely been moore himself, just that he's in the cheesiest bond movies written for a series that was imaginatively bankrupt. If the same script was given to Connery or any other bond it wouldn't be all that much better. That said, his movies are some of my least favorite except for some of the horrendous Pierce Brosnan ones that came later one which also became really over the top like surfing a tsunami.
RIP Sir Moore.
It was a sad day for sure.
He was actually my favorite 007.
Actually you don't say "Sir Surname". You say Sir and then the man's given name or full name. Never only his surname.
The most serious of the Moore era. It's a fun espionage adventure. Also, the stunts are spectacular.
Also had a very very good soundtrack in my opinion. The chase soundtracks for the car chase in Spain and the ski chase in the alps are just magnificent.
Rogers’s most serious film, and as a result it still holds up. Nice Bond watch.
This is one bad ass movie... Roger was BOND.... That man represents everything Bond is.... Handsome, brave and cool under pressure.... Roger Moore just lit up the screen....
My name is Bond. James Bond! What a classic line! And yes, Roger Moore was the best James Bond EVER!!!
Yes he was
He's definitely not my favourite but I still absolutely love the guy! His Bond is so awesome.
Moore was great but Connery was the best
Moore once stated in an interview that he couldn't take the character seriously. And that is exactly what makes his movie most enjoyable to rewatch.
This is my favorite, but I may be biased because most of it was shot im my home country on my favorite island ...
This is definitely the most visceral and true-to-Fleming Bond that Moore ever did. It bored me to tears when I was a kid but it's aged very well. I actually didn't realize that was Tanner giving the mission to Bond! I always thought Tanner was first played by Michael Kitchen. Great review as always Oliver!
for me it was my all-time favourite Bond movie as a kid lol. I found it very exciting, the chase scenes were superb
When I was a kid I remember thinking "I wouldn't mind being dragged through the water if I was tied to her" haha some things never change.
Carole Bouquet was one of the most beautiful of the Bond girls.
Still have the movie poster.....80s NEVER left me.....memories deep engraved....
In my opinion Roger's best Bond film and one the best Bond films overall.
Better than the Spy Who Loved Me? I agree it is one of Moore's best.
Going through all the Bond films since Sean died and just watched this one today. It has held up well. Visually beautiful and some real touches of class and elegance, in addition to a good story line and great stunts.
This and The Spy Who Loved Me were Moore's best.
Mmm Live & Let Die ahead of this, Spy Who Loved Me first, but I know it’s subjective.
@@sonnyblack0870 Yes, LALD also is Roger's Top-3 Bond flicks, it is very humorous, stylish and extreme.
@@mr.tramber Live & Let Die and The Man With the Golden Gun were the best I reckon.
Moonraker too.
Agreed . And also among the best in the franchise
I think its the best of the Moore films.
+Joe Horne I couldn't agree more
especially after watchin Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun & Moonraker
+LZ MONEY I had more fun with this one. Why does it always have to be the world vs russia in James Bond movies. It gets boring (that's why I take Tomorrow Never Dies over Goldeneye).
I agree. I think The Spy Who Loved Me was the only one of Moore's films where he was able to balance the more serious stuff with his own sense of humor.
Hard to choose between this and The Spy Who Loved Me as Roger's best (1 and 1A, you know?)
To be fair, the competition isn't that much. But it's a lot better.
The scene of the french girl in her swimsuit made this one of my favorite Bonds when I was a teen.
My Favorite Roger Moore 007 film
1. For Your Eyes Only
2. Live And Let Die
3. Octopussy
4. The Spy Who Loved Me
5. The Man With The Golden Gun
6. Moonraker
7. A View To A Kill
My god, Octopussy? Better than The Spy Who Loved Me? Really? Yeah, of course, you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that, but allow me to be surprised by that. Anyway, for me Octopussy would be 6th.
1. For Your Eyes Only
2. The Spy Who Loved Me
3. Live And Let Die
4. The Man With The Golden Gun
5. Moonraker (would be 4th if it was not about the "star wars" fight in space at the end and the fact they used the Space Shuttle like a F-18, god I hate those "sci-fi" scenes, for a Bond Movie of course)
6. Octopussy
7. A View To A Kill
one of my top bond films..
I really enjoy these films for being exactly what they are, beautiful time capsules from a time that is lost much for the worst. I always remember the winter sports section of the film the most. It's a very comfy thing to watch. I used to enjoy drinking Scotch whiskey heavily and watching these Moore Bond films, it was always an experience that I never regretted. I always felt like these movies brought classy, surreal experiences to regular low class Americans like me and I am thankful they were made because it feels like the "entertainment industry" is running head long off a cliff to never give people proper entertainment ever again.
This is actually my favorite bond film.
Best line: shirts your granddad would wear in the summer, very funny stuff
"You were supposed to observe Gonzalez. Not let Miss Havelock perforate him."
You gotta do all the Bond films, Oliver! They're as essential an archive as the Beatles discography!
I had to watch this again after hearing Roger Moore passed away.
Roger Moore was always my favorite Bond. I admit that it's purely because of nostalgia. I got to know the character through him and I watched his Bond movies with my father constantly. We still do, actually. Much to the annoyance of my mother. ;)
You nailed the pacing issues. Yes. Well done, once again, Oliver.
The first Bond film I saw in the cinema, and it left a lasting impression, I think through Bill Conti’s terrific score.
I remember the newspaper headline of its review for FYEO. It stated: “The Spy Who Bored Me.”
Love this film ! Easily in my top 5 Bond movies. For me this is Roger's best performance as Bond. Great review and glad to hear that you're a big fan of the score too. Hope you get around to doing more Bond retrospectives in the future.
Great job. For some reason your James Bond reviews are my favorite reviews of yours.
The Margret Thatcher characterisation in the film at the time I first saw it, and still does today, put me in mind more of Fanny Cradock.
With 'Spy who loved me' it's my favourite Bond with Moore. Wonderful 007 film.
In the video -- you mentioned 'FRONT PROJECTION' ... which it was, in fact, REAR PROJECTION. Other than that, very good review.
SIDE NOTE: I was fortunate to have worked on the last outing as Bond by Mr. Moore in the San Francisco sequences for A VIEW TO A KILL ... and it was truly a wonderful experience.
D.A.
Great review! This is actually the first Bond film I'd seen, and think that's why I always liked Roger Moore's portrayal best. Moonraker and Octopussy are also favorites of mine. Being young when they came out I think the humor appealed alot to me
wow I never noticed that underwater effect with the slo-mo... once you said it I see the bubble effect but its pretty remarkable
If you scuba 🤿 dive you can easily see they aren’t underwater, there isn’t any air bubbles coming out of the regulator in the close ups, they done something similar in UFO 🛸.
By the way, your editing is top notch. Gives a whole new meaning to the films you review. Very cool.
I loved the part where he kicked the car off the cliff. I think the mix of comedy and seriousness in FYEO worked just as it did in The Spy Who Loved Me. Roger's films were great, he was an excellent bond for the time and he bowed out when the time was right. Miss you Roger. Still think he should have jumped into bed with the ice skater LOL
No self-aware humour, no silly stuff (after the pre-credits sequence), a more or kess realistic plot with a believable villain. Not just Moore's best Bond film, but one of the best of the entire series.
Want to say I love all you videos Oliver, I find them all interesting, and very engaging, (I've probably watched a few of them more than once)
+James Chambers Thats nice to hear James!
You are very welcome.
1981
2021
Damn! 40 years and my parents were teenagers during that year!
Another superb review Oliver, very well documented. I especially love the trailer you created for this movie ! The way you use Bill Conti's score is amazing ! The movie itself is quite good if slightly too long at times. One of Moore's best in my opinion !
Oliver, really impressed by your retrospective review, this is my one of my personal favourite bond movies along with Spy who Loved me. Having visited Corfu a couple of times, most of the locations are still there as they were in 1981.
I'm baffled by people who heap so much criticism on this film. It's awesome, beautiful to look at, wonderfully scored, well-acted, and a nice unique, more serious turn from Moore, which I'm glad to have.
No matter how many UA-cam reviews someone does on this film, when they criticize it, I don't think of them as a real fan of the series as a whole.
Made such an impression that I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be in Cortina Di Ampezza anytime it was winter and snowing. It’s still on my bucket list all these decades later.
Cortina IS stunning ! Hope you can make it
one day..!!
Great that you mention the work of great DP Alan Hume. His best work is in "Runaway Train" IMHO . One of the best and more underrated action movies ever made. Hope that you find time to cover it in your retrospectives.
That soundtrack.....sounds so awesome!
For Your Eyes Only (1981) is my favorite James Bond film ever made!!! 😊❤️
Thank you for this retrospective. You put in so much work and it shows. As such, you have my utmost respect. I also grew up with Roger Moore as James Bond. It is funny, because Pierce Broman was the Bond that I should have related more to(being a 90s kid). And while I love Brosman(he's my third pick, after Daniel Craig), Moore to me is James Bond.
He captured that playful, yet serious aspect of the character. And while I know the books are more serious, I do like the Moore films for their style. That said, I'll admit For Your Eyes Only was a film I often skipped as a child. I loved the Spy who Loved me and Moonraker. But being a bit older, Moonraker actually is my least favorite film( a bit too over the top for me, despite Jaws being in it).
While this movie is a bit long and the bad guy is forgettable, I love as you stated how grounded the film was. it was much more serious, but still had that humor. Also, the opening song still remains one of my favorites. And the soundtrack is amazing. So overall, this is a film that I have a much greater appreciation now, then I did when I was little.
Rate your Favorite Bond actors mine are :
1).Sean Connery
2).Timothy Dalton
3).Roger Moore
4).Pierce Brosnan
5).George Lazenby
6).Daniel Craig
Night I like your top 4, but mine is somewhat different: 1. Roger Moore 2. Sean Connery 3. Pierce Brosnan 4. Lazenby 5. Dalton
Happy 60 , Carole Bouquet !
The current blond actor who is more of a mixed martial artist wannabe is the worst Bond in the series. He lacks charisma, class and wit.
JM C Precisely!!!! He makes a god action persona but an awfull 007.
1. Pierce Brosnan
2. Daniel Craig
3. Roger Moore
4. Timothy Dalton
5. Sean Connery
6. Geogre Lazenby
RIP Sir Roger!
On the soundtrack (available on iTunes) the music used for the downhill ski chase is called "Runaway."
I can't get used to Topol without a beard. It's just not right! Fascinating stuff, sir. I believe the swimming costume on the poster was worn back to front to make it more revealing.
I used to see this on TV all the time! I never knew the name of the movie, but the ski scene was what stuck with me at a young age.
great job on the review man... love the work and been a fan for a while
Your reviews are so good and this is no exception. I particularly enjoyed this one as For Your Eyes Only is one of my favourites, but I do agree there's some slow moments, and the soundtrack is one of my fave's too. I love it when I learn something new about the film, I had no idea Carol Bouquet's voice was dubbed! I thought it was her voice all these years!A few years ago I did a job for EON as a model maker and visited their warehouse where they keep old Bond props and models and a lot of Derek Meddings models have still survived like the Universal Exports Helicopter, love all that stuff!Excellent retrospective!
Love these retrospectives. Came across them when looking for reviews on the Alien series. Please do more Bond Oliver, your opinions are really interesting.
One of the greats!
I like it, the car chase, alpine ski pursuit , submarine duel, are my favorite scenes
I love your bond reviews, it's clear you get whats bond is all about.
Watching these always makes me smile, my dad and I watched your three Star Wars reviews that you've made recently and loved them, and I always enjoy watching a james bond review you do.
I love the two dalton movies and Goldeneye is a bonafide classic for the ages, I actually thought FYEO was boring, but, I might have to check it out again, it actually looks much better than I remember!
Great vid, this is my favourite bond film(second is Spy who loved me). I had no idea Mileena's voice was dubbed.
I actually really love For Your Eyes Only... It's one of my favorites. You're totally right about the soundtrack, it really grows on you.
Thanks Oliver. While we're on the subject, does the ATAC remind anyone of an old supermarket checkout till?
+Jim X haha yes it does!
Jim X Wouldn't be surprising if a cash register was used as a basis for the actual ATAC prop.
Oliver Harper Maybe they used a cash register as a basis for the ATAC prop.
Yet despite all the flaws you pointed out, For Your Eyes Only remains my all time favorite Bond film.
Although Moore's over the top films were fun, I really liked For Your eyes only and would have liked to see more films like this that he did.
It may seem bizarre today but you have to understand that Janet Brown was, at the time popping up absolutely everywhere, appearing on British TV on almost a daily basis as "The Iron Lady", almost as much as Margaret Thatcher herself. When the film came out, it certainly did not seem out of place and was, as I remember, absolutely hilarious at the time.
Excellent review - many people would agree with most of points you made, even the die hard bond fans like myself. You have a brilliant way of capturing the essential points of movies.
11:05 just one quick remark here, the picture actually shows Cubby’s wife Dana Broccoli, not his daughter Barbara. She got involved in 1987 for TLD and was indeed co-responsible for casting Brosnan as Bond later on
14:00 Luigi Ferrara is in fact an Italian informant, not a well-connected Greek business man
Roger Moore's take on Bond was never very faithful to the novels. That is probably why, through most of his tenure, he had to listen to critics saying they liked Connery better than him.
But he was never given enough credit for actually having saved the Bond franchise.
And he did so by intentionally not playing it by the book.
He effectively modernized the character ant took it through the much more different eras of the 1970s and 80s.
Unlike Ian Fleming's Bond, Roger Moore's Bond was fun. He wasn't misogynous or sadistic. He wasn´t static or conservative. He reflected the times he lived in. He changed, he learned and he evolved.
He was my first Bond. And to me, he will allays be the best. Because he was by far, the coolest!
James Wan should use that underwater technique for Aquaman.
Aquaman is gonna be the Thunderball of superhero films.
I don't think they'd be that clever. They'd probably use CGI, and too much of it, so Aquaman turns out looking like the Star Wars prequels.
LOL, misread 'Star Fish prequels'
I still see For Your Eyes Only like a reboot for the series due to the drastic change in tone after Moonraker.
The shift in tone isn't that drastic. Yes, the film has a harder edge than most Moore era Bond films but it wasn't deadly serious.
Fyeo was to take place after tswlm except Star Wars took the world by storm and Bond had to follow the fad. I'd say Moonraker was the reboot attempt but then they changed their minds afterward
My favorite James Bond.First one i saw as a kid on vhs copy in the early 90s.Thank you so much for the review.
One of my favourite Bond movies.
It's my favourite Bond film and I cannot fault it whatsoever. It think it's perfect. Thank you for praising Bill Conti's score; it's stunning!! He actually took a lot of hooks from Ennio Morricone's spaghetti western scores. I can't remember which Sergio Leone film in particular, but I think it was one of The Good The Bad and The Ugly scores.
I love this film and I love your review.
Top job.
Great review as always, Oliver :) I re-watched this movie a few months ago, and thought it held up pretty well. Not Roger's best outing (The Spy Who Loved Me takes the cake there), but it's certainly in my top 3 of his.
This is a great movie. Also great retrospective again.
saw this as a kid in the movies...going to a new 007 movie being always so special in those times......where did the years go...? Anyway 80s decade was INCREDIBLE and the BEST, after that life ended imo, really
It's my favorite Moore film. He does a great job again, and he's believable as a more serious Bond. My only real complaint is the underwater scene. It would be fine but it goes WAAAY too long.
I do love Moore and he did great in the first 3 80s films, but for the 80s films I think we needed a new actor. I think a more energetic actor would've got them more as they were going for the more serious tone compared to his 70s films. I know they didn't have Tim in mind for FYEO, but if Tim was in all the 80s films, I think they would've been even better, and the 80s is my favorite Bond era.
Great video once again!
I love Roger. The fact that he was 58 and doing these movies is phenomenal to me.
+Alfred Valrie Ikr? He considered quitting multiple times but kept coming back. I'm glad he never botched the role in his later films like Connery did in YOLT and DAF.
I am pleased to see that there is someone else like myself whom sees that the 80's Bond films were the best. It is also my own favored era for the franchise. I thought that the films were increasingly improving throughout that decade - whereas critics and opinions then did not - and still today they have themselves a sense of contemporary feel.
I really give Roger Moore credit for having stayed with the series throughout this move towards more greater action and realism. He could have so easily pulled his weight as the star and changed this or that if he had wanted to, but he did not do so, and thus I think that should be considered part of his legacy that he did change with the modern times without too much complaint. Him and Timothy Dalton have been the only official actors that I have seen not have open resentments, caustic actions, or attacking words to say about the franchise as a whole. Moore never lost respect for the films and always gave it his best until the end even if he did get older which I never seen a problem with.
For as tempting as it is for me to have liked Dalton throughout the whole of the 80's, I really think he began his era at the right time. I cannot imagine him having replaced Moore in Moore's final three. His final three films are definitely his; they would need to be drastically different films to have suited Tim convincingly (I do not see Dalton having hung from the mooring lines of Zorin's blimp or be disguised as a clown to stop a nuclear device). Dalton, for me, was the man of the present called the late 80's and the future called the 90's which did not happen unfortunately. He was the action Bond and the complicated Bond that fitted in so perfectly with then-contemporary action movies and stars; and oh-my was he so much more than that too! Timothy Dalton, for me, has been the best actor the film series has had to-date. Moore's final three would have needed a different actor. Perhaps the idea of having Lewis Collins could have worked for FYEO, OP, and AVTAK. We obviously will never know now.
+theearthmovesagain I think John Glen is a big reason these films were so watchable. He's a homegrown EON director, and he knew how to shoot the films right.
John Glen definitely was a reason for the aesthetic pleasures of the 1980's Bond films for sure. He certainly proved to be the right man for the job, and he has that feelgood story too associated with him as one whom had been with the series since OHMSS and having had the opportunity to rise up to the main director spot (so befitting too given the repertoire company feel the James Bond productions had taken once Cubby became sole producer). He had himself a contemporary eye for cinema, and even perhaps more impressive, he could be adaptive and absorbing of new ideas too. He could work with different types of scripts and actors well, and his first talent for editing really showcased through in the action sequences that had fast and seemless flow and cuts. His films only improved with each successive one too. I think, though, if any criticism of him can be laid against him, I think he sometimes cut out a bit too much exposition and story because of his desire for quick pacing, and I say sometimes a little background to characters or some establishing scenes are satisfying to an overall film. This was especially so the case in "Licence to Kill", but regardless, LTK remains one of the top best films in the entire series for me, and having even more "Licence to Kill" to watch would not be a bad thing at all! I wonder, though, if he could have returned for a sixth film however. I read once that Timothy Dalton had a falling out with him at the end of production on LTK - something to do with Dalton cutting his hand open on a stunt, I believe, that he thought Glen was responsible for causing him (it would make sense that this could have happened - David Hedison had injured his knee / ankle on a second take that Glen had asked for with the parachuting scene from the pretitle sequence). Then, years later, Dalton was originally slated for to star in a film whose original director was replaced by Glen ("Christopher Columbus: The Discovery") whereas Dalton promptly walked and sued for a breech of contact and fraud. This might be nothing really but, nevertheless, a question of possibilities. Neither man that I know of has ever said anything openly negative towards one another. Glen's place in the franchise is soundly footed and there to last.
Especially the roger Moore ones are generally very fun to talk about in the sense that some are very much comedy and some are action
Personally, this and the Spy who Loved Me are my two favorite Roger Moore films. I don't get people that say their favorite is A View to A Kill, it's always struck me as dull
+Yourgs Vazouras I don't think i've met anyone who says A View to a Kill is their fav?. It has a fantastic score and main song though.
+Oliver Harper No, I have to admit, the A View to a Kill theme is an awesome piece of pure mid 80's synth pop
+Oliver Harper I actually think AVTAK is the best Moore film, it's the most dark and serious of the Moore era. Zorin is the best Bond villain. The letdown is Roger's age and, because of that, the obvious use of stunt doubles in every action scene. If Dalton was in it, it would be the best Bond film ever!
Oliver Harper I like View to a Kill, but I will admit, it does have one big flaw: It's the most...outright 80s of the 80s Bond films, of that makes any sense. And this is from someone who likes 80s stuff.
I agree A View to a Kill have an amazing Soundtrack but far from the best Roger Moore bond movie tho im gonna go a whole other direction my personal farvorite Roger Bond movie are Live and Let Die :)
RIP Sir Roger Moore.
Does anyone else think it's odd how few sources mention that a stuntman DIED shooting the bobsled scene. I thought it must be an urban legend but, no, it's true. Paolo Rigoni died when he became trapped under the sled. The making-of documentary doesn't mention it and even the HUGE book, "Some Kind of Hero" which covered every nook and cranny of the franchise, totally omits his death!
Amadeus
I think you are the only one who could honor that movie the most.
Please, when you have the time, do the Retrospective / Review: Amadeus (1984)
Love your work
Haha that opening with Blofeld had me in stitches when I first saw this film and the ending with Maggie Thatcher I'd completely forgot about that haha.. This is actually the last 'pre Craig' Bond film that I watched too as it was on tv not long back.
That underwater effect they used looks flawless, the film is older than me and that effect still holds up, I wouldn't of even known had you'd not pointed it out in the review.
Love your retrospectives Oliver! Can you make a playlist of just the Bond movies? I would love to watch them back to back.
FYEO was the first Bond film I ever saw. I was too young to fully understand everything that was happening in the film, but it's still my favorite Bond film.
Please do a retroperspective of "A View To A Kill".
I'd love to hear your opinion on the film :)
Here, here! I'd loved to hear what Oliver has to say about AVTAK.
+Carlos Aubert I would love to hear his opinion nonetheless.
This was my first Bond film and despite having watched it several times I can't really remember that much about the plot, just the action.
For you eyes only is my favorite of the roger Moore films it perfectly has the action and comedy in tone very well to be a good film
01:59 Sir Roger always gets me with that nod!
Of all the nearly Bonds, Lewis Collins is the one I would have loved to have seen.
Great to see back stage shots of Roger on set relaxing and enjoying himself...
Moonraker was the first Bond film I saw in the theatre. This was the second and I always had a massive soft spot for it.
The trailer you made at the beginning gave me chills!
you do amazing wrork. always a great joy given when your videos pop up on my subscription page :)
Loved the song, 11 years old at the time and felt like I was in Heaven!
The first 007 movie I had seen in the theater when I was 11 years old. I was hooked immediately with the intro, watching Bond throwing Blofeld (I had no idea who he was on that day) into the chimney. For me, Roger Moore has always be my favorite Bond because of that.
An underrated Bond film, I think. One of my favourites. I love Bill Conti's groovy soundtrack: Disco Bond!
I actually like this Bond film. Perhaps it's because I watched it after I had watched Dalton and I thoroughly enjoyed Dalton's portrayal. The music and great chase scenes are what do it for me.
What if Timothy Dalton did For Your Eyes Only
@@vishalnarayanasamy8767 I have no idea what was going through my head when I wrote this, haha! I’m confused.
You're a bit harsh with this movie, and with Carole Bouquet. I remember loving it when it came out when I was 14, and for me it still holds up. I actually like the fact that we didn't spend too much time with the villain and concentrated on watching bond going through his mission. This and Spy Who Loved Me are def RM's best Bond movies.
Excellent review sir!!! Bravo!!!!
Loved it!
Great job, Oliver! This film will always occupy a place in my heart because the ABC network broadcast it very frequently on Saturday nights in the 80s. I'm like you--I grew up watching Roger on TV, but my first 007 film in the theatres was GoldenEye. You open my eyes to the fact that there really isn't very much here in terms of plot, but I think I will go on liking it anyway, particularly for Roger's performance and the kitschy disco feel of it all due to the soundtrack.