The GREAT From Russia With Love Debate! | With Calvin Dyson

WARNING: This extreme debate of two Bond fans, one who loves From Russia With Love and one who does not, is not for the faint of heart. If you have severe medical conditions, sensitivity to garrote watches, and get woozy at the sight exploding brief cases, then take caution when watching this video. No Bond fans were seriously hurt in the making of this debate....allegedly.
Special thanks to Calvin Dyson for being an amazing foil in this discussion!
Also now a podcast to take on The Go: anchor.fm/thebondexperience/e...
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When David is not running an advertising and marketing company, his hobby is The Bond Experience which is primarily a video blog where he discusses Bond experiences and the people and brands that help to create those experiences...
David has been featured and sourced for articles in Time Magazine, The Boston Globe, The Courier Times, USA Today, Star Magazine, MM&M, The Exchange, The Guardian, The New York Times, Bond on Bond, American Media Inc., AP Wire and online social media outlets. David has been a speaker at Johns Hopkin, Hofstra University, Columbia as a Bond Experience expert. His collection represents one of the most complete example of Bond lifestyle items. Invited to cover Tom Ford, Omega, Heineken, Coke, Orlebar Brown, NPeal, Floris, Lock & Co., Sunspel, Turnbull & Asser, and a multitude of location partnership events, David has represented social media experiences for many years. In addition David has provided props and decor for Johns Hopkin Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace Premieres as well as the Devereaux Foundation 007 Fundraiser. The mantra of living like Bond, one moment at a time emanates from a concept of experiencing the joy of collecting small moments in life that add up to amazing journeys and stories....
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The Bond Experience is not affiliated with any James Bond copyright holder and is an unofficial entity.

[@matthewconway4946]

This is certainly not an original observation, but David talking about how Calvin tends to prefer the more bombastic 007 adventures got me thinking... it's kind of amazing how a film like From Russia With Love exists in the same series as You Only Live Twice or Moonraker. Bond really does have something for everyone in terms of taste. Gritty Cold War era spy stories or over the top comic book action somehow comfortably exists within the same canon and I think that's something I've always appreciated about this series.

[@dougmcboat7276]

The Bond series is by far the most adaptible in cinematic history I think. The character can be placed into any time period and it works because James Bond is almost an anachronistic character. At the end of the day, he's what makes a Bond movie work, not the situations or plots he's placed into, and it means that you can write Bond into anything from the most serious to the most ridiculous stories and it works, as long as you write the character properly It helps that his existence on the big screen predates practicaally every other currently running franshise. His anachronistic nature is heavily aided by the fact that he has existed for almost 6 decades. Being written for that long makes him timeless almost on its own since he has existed in so many time periods by default

[@JarvNation]

That is true but I think the comic book style movies in the 70s was a product of Roger Moore's persona of bond, plus the preferences of the fan base. As movies grew with better production and better effects, Albert Broccolo decided to have Bond follow that path. It was good for awhile but also far too cheesy too often. I am glad Daniel Craig and Barbara Broccoli brought it back to its roots.

[@travlishallingquest5719]

How do you all think the 007 series should go forward in time, after the Craig era?

[@nebularain3338]

@@JarvNation The problem with Craig's Bond is that too much of the gritty style is just po-faced and boring. Moore's Bond works because it contrasts to Connory's, and Dalton's contrasted to Moore, and so forth. You really need that Dark chocolate/Milk chocolate switch up every so often, becasue both would become tedious if it stayed that way forever. We've had 5 ultra serious Craig films, so it's time for a bit of cheese and fun now.

[@bouya642]

@@nebularain3338 Tbh my favourite James Bond actors are Sean Connery and Roger Moore. I love all their James Bond films because they are so entertaining and fun to watch compared to Daniel Craig.

[@DomArcher007]

To be fair, this is what is great about Bond movies. They all touch on different genres and different paces. Just like in this case that From Russia With Love is a very different movie than The Spy Who Loved Me, yet both are excellent movies! It's just about taste in movies I'd say.

[@AustinBeeman]

20 years in the wine business here. If you drink red wine with fish the tannins will make the fish taste metallic. That’s why you don’t do it.

[@KnightOwl1881]

I had always wondered about the connection with the USSR. I’d put it down to white wines being hard to get behind the curtain so people got used to the metallic notes being brought out in fish

[@AustinBeeman]

@@KnightOwl1881 In the Fleming novel, it was meant to show that Grant was a vulgar barbarian pretending to be a British gentleman.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

​@AustinBeeman I bet he likes his eggs over easy and not scrambled what a monster

[@amafirenze-vi1uh]

​@@AustinBeemanI've just read the novel and there's no reference about fish and red wine

[@mikeydflyingtoaster]

I'm not sure if I should be proud about this, but even as a pretty young boy, I knew that red wine with fish stood out to me as odd. When I was vindicated in the following scene, I felt very sophisticated

[@notstirred1417]

Thank you gentlemen. I was trying to explain to my wife why I spend so much of my time watching you two. It's because your company is excellent. Thanks again.

[@erikdolnack2737]

I'm going to root for David in this debate, as Russia is easily one of the best Bond movies, in my opinion. It is an underrated masterpiece. Russia has the best villains of any Bond movie: Rosa Klebb, Red Grant, even this Blofeld is the best presentation of him. Daniela Bianchi is one of the prettiest Bond girls, and Pedro Armendáriz is the best Bond sidekick. The score is awesome, the gypsy fight is awesome, Connery is at his peak here. David is spot-on in stating that Russia has a certain classiness to it! It is the classiest, most tasteful of all Bond movies for me, it is almost elegant.Terence Young is a sort of wanna-be Hitchock, but that's why I love Terence Young. I see that as a feature, not a bug, that Young mimics Hitchcock so much. I wish Terence Young would have directed You Only Live Twice and OHMSS as well.

[@keithwysocki9003]

Don't forget Morzeny!

[@captainbrodude8251]

I disagree, Peter Hunt is perfect for OHMSS

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@captainbrodude8251 Same here. Peter Hunt did a great job and it is a damn shame that OHMSS was his only directing credit in the franchise.

[@captainbrodude8251]

@@ricardocantoral7672 he should have and wanted to do Diamonds are Forever

[@varanid9]

I just wish to hell Connery had starred in OHMSS; that would have made it the best Bond ever! DAMN, did he pick a bad friggin' time to walk!

[@AustinBeeman]

I didn’t think Tatiana was choosing who to shoot. I interpreted that as her trying to line up a difficult shot that she was not trained to take. And didn’t want to hit James Bond

[@vanessaward7687]

This is also how I read that scene

[@TequilaToothpick]

The way she waves that gun around she must have been trying to decide who to shoot.

[@Romans8-9]

@@TequilaToothpick I agree with you but it was a stupid attempt at creating tension when there was really no doubt who she was going to shoot because seconds earlier she had just prevented Kleb from killing Bond and so we are then supposed to believe she is considering shooting Bond?!

[@joeziadan]

Same. Plus why would she shoot Bond if she just prevented Klebb from shooting him.

[@spyboy1964]

Albert Broccoli said in an interview in the early sixties that he wanted the bond series to be a cross between North by Northwest and The Guns of Navarone. If you look carefully at what was produced, they accomplished their mission. So the imitation of Hitchcock in FRWL is purely intentional.

[@billkoenig1552]

I first saw From Russia With Love as part of a double feature with Dr. No, circa 1971. There are bits that are "old-fashioned" (the montage of the map as the train travels throughout Europe, accompanied by John Barry's score). But it remains my favorite of the series.

[@MetalJesus157]

This was the movie that sold me on James Bond. I was intrigued by Doctor No, but this movie got me hooked on the series.

[@xAlexHDx1]

From Russia with Love is one of the greats in my eyes, on my first watch of it I thought it was good but upon rewatches it's now one of my favourites.

[@adamloake]

I think the fact that Fleming was still alive for the filming of the first three films and how Thunderball started out as a screen play has such a big impact on these early films

[@regularsizedrudy5340]

These debates between you two guys fucking rule. Love em

[@rolotomassi7602]

I can't believe this film is being debated by Calvin (this is after Thunderball as well!) and is in my top 3 Bonds. What next, Casino Royale? When he said he would rather watch The Man with the Golden Gun I suddenly understood, he's gone mad during lockdown.

[@siamesevodka]

I don’t know… he’s always utterly hated Thunderball. On the other hand I am surprised that he’s debating FRWL because I always got the feeling that he just didn’t connect with it, and not actually disliked the film per se.

[@PungiFungi]

At least TMWTGG featured Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland and is funny and engaging compared to the bone dull FRWL.

[@Ramulken]

I always had a thought that the many endings feeling is due to SPECTRE having to scramble to save themselves. Up until the train fight- everything had been going their way and then once things go wrong, they start to panic and throw everything at bond.

[@spyboy1964]

Totally agree with you on that point. After Kronsteen's death the others in the organization are trying to salvage what's left of the operation, in order to avoid the same fate.

[@Ramulken]

@@spyboy1964 I agree- they use hitchcockian suspense really well up to that point as we are in the know and bond is not. Once Bond is aware of their plans then he is able to turn the tables and become the superhero audiences adore. I would like to quote from the lame and fascinatingly awful James Bond Jr theme song- “ no one can stop him- but SCUM always tries...” we know that bond will eventually succeed and the fun at the end comes from watching bond bat away Spectres attempts to kill him- From Russia with Love is three quarters suspense and one quarter action with a twist of Klebb.

[@davidjames579]

@@spyboy1964 I always forget Morzeny is on the boats attacking Bond. He was so confident, right up to killing Kronsteen. But then it seems like even he is scared by Blofeld into clearing up the mess. I get the impression Morzeny is quite high up in SPECTRE (he presumably could have killed Rosa Klebb), and so for him to go out into the field to kill Bond shows desperation.

[@spyboy1964]

@@davidjames579 Exactly. Blofeld's underlings know that anyone of them is expendable if the operation goes south. And nobody wants to be on the receiving end of that boot. P.S. - notice how Blofeld's treatment of his subordinates is very much like Darth Vader's in The Empire Strikes Back. The Bond series influence permeates all genres.

[@davidjames579]

@@spyboy1964 I think Blofeld does what Napoleon did, although with a deadly angle: keep changing his favorite so they all fight to get that position.

[@Professor_Fate]

A small touch that Robert Shaw added to the character of Grant is that we always see him putting on and taking off a black glove before and after a murder. As though Grant were fastidious about killing.

[@lloydkline1518]

❤ the pre 🎬 movie scene spector agent grant killing faked James bond (.Sean Connery )

[@raminagrobis6112]

I'd add: as a kind of psychopathic ritual....

[@jhking8542]

Great conversation! Three additional points on David's side: -The introduction of Blofeld is so chilling, what a fantastic impact it has on the viewer to conceal his face. -Kerim Bey has simply the best character of all the Bond allies, so much so that you can see future movies try to replicate the same dynamic to varying degrees of success. 'I've had a particularly fascinating life..' -The first use of the song '7' - Incredible.

[@nineleafclover]

Regarding Kerim Bey, I always got the feeling that Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark was at least partially inspired by him.

[@davidb-h6709]

I just found your channel this week. Fantastic stuff. James Bond is one of the rare pieces of cinema that can unite several generations, where fanbases can debate without toxicity, and walk away as friends. I'm 28 and grew up in the Brosnan era. My grandfather uses to always tell me Connery was the best Bond. Now as I have grown older, I have to agree with him.

[@billkoenig1552]

Last comment from me: In the gypsy camp sequence, Terence Young is doubling Pedro Armandariz in the long shots. Earlier, it's Terence Young's hands who are holding the photo of Tatiana in the office sequence.

[@pavlovajack3561]

Maybe Calvin hasn't seen the full film. I mean, once you see and hear Connery order green figs on the hotel phone, I think the debate is over.

[@bobbycalifornia7077]

Haha I love/hate that. He’s going to do all that action on that light ass breakfast! 😂

[@spyboy1964]

@@bobbycalifornia7077 - He's trying to stay fit in this movie. Not get fat like he eventually did in Diamonds are Forever

[@DafyddBrooks]

haha

[@davidjames579]

@@spyboy1964 He's going to destroy all Free Radicals.

[@spyboy1964]

@@davidjames579 - yes and give up the white bread

[@jamiekmett8847]

Robert Shaw looks like David's dad!

[@davidjames579]

He looks like Daniel Craig (or vice versa). Robert Shaw that is.

[@garrick3727]

David always makes me think of Kevin Costner.

[@jadedemotions9891]

@@garrick3727 Kevin Costner with the voice of Adam West

[@davidjames579]

Given David's comment about loving seeing Bond have a Lifestyle Moment on screen where 007 kicks back, he must love the Deleted Scene from Licence To Kill of James hanging out in his hotel room, shirt undone, drinking, and checking his gun. It's so Bond, it's a pity it wasn't left in.

[@lc12591]

Golden Gun over From Russia?!???!!.....Cmon Calvin. Wow......

[@randomhuman97]

At the time I saw golden gun, I found it to be wonderful. 4 years back, I didn't Russia with love as much . Upon re watching both, only I felt very few scenes like the dancers changing room fight etc are good in man with the Golden gun. FRWL really rose above my rankings

[@leslauner5062]

Golden Gun can be debated as having a better villain. Christopher Lee is amazing.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@leslauner5062 Unfortunately, that villain had one too many scenes in which he appeared to be shockingly dumb. Scaramanga's scheme was to make a quick buck using solar power but he didn't even possess a rudimentary understanding of the technology he had. Bond was the one who ended up lecturing him in the intricacies of converting the sun's rays into energy. When the villain knows less about his own enterprise than the hero, you rob the film of all tension.

[@leslauner5062]

@@ricardocantoral7672 That's a pretty good point, but Scaramanga had style, menace and great theatricality when he killed, or practiced killing to keep his skills up. He always presented a genuine threat.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@leslauner5062 Lee was superb as Scaramanga. Ultimately, he was not helped by the weak script. I am curious about Tom Mankiewicz's first draft which heavily focused on the rivalry between Bond and Scaramanga.

[@rettization]

Calvin, thank you for mentioning Desmond Llewelyn's hands! They're so huge!

[@walkabou5]

I haven't watched this yet but From Russis With Love is my favourite Bond movie. Works as spy film. Has Connery at his best, Daniela Bianchi is gorgeous, Robert Shaw is awesome as Grant. Great plot, great Istanbul locations. For me, it's never been bettered.

[@Elementa2006]

Yeah, since From Russia With Love is my favorite Bond film, I'm with David on this debate.

[@eabcool]

David brings up the Hitchcock elements, but those come from the book. other than the helicopter. I never really thought Tanya was going to shoot Bond at the end

[@nslayton5]

I maintain that a good dramedy about Terence Young training Connery in culture for Dr No and FRWL would be a delight.

[@davidjames579]

Kingsman was partially inspired by this, with Colin Firth's character acting as a Professor Higgins to Taron Egerton's Eliza Doolittle. Funnily enough, Firth and also Daniel Craig were actually considered to play Higgins in a as yet un-filmed remake of My Fair Lady.

[@lasnico_7]

Red Grant is an even more interesting caracter when you've read the book. There is at least one whole chapter only about his biography if I recall that well.

[@tremelo8508]

From the book, I get the impression that Grant is basically Bond without Bond's vices.

[@neiljones1938]

I would like to see a remake of this one. They should just film the book and make it an 18 certificate.

[@TheFlickLabpodcast]

Tatiana's 'coming around' moment for me was the moment when Klebb said 'you will be shot!' if you don't follow these orders. Doesn't really encourage to return to mother Russia, especially if you have a handsome British agent to help you defect. I also never saw her confused about who she's going to shoot by the end. She was simply looking for the right aim during a chaotic moment and providing excitement over 'will she accidentally shoot Bond instead'. Besides, moments earlier she already helped Bond by pushing Klebb away from the door. And her finishing thoughts are 'what a horrible woman'. Tanya being unhappy on the train - this I've simply seen as her dislike of Nash or there being a 3rd party interrupting their romantic train trip. After all, she was so much in love that tea with Bond was more important to her than even Kerim's health (- 'theres been a terrible accident!! -no tea?') ;) Then again, perhaps she felt uncomfortable as she knew it's probably something that Smersh (Spectre) did and it would make a mess of their relationship. I fully agree that Tanya's falling for Bond moment could've been made more clear, but I've been of the view that perhaps she really DID fall in love as soon as she got the intel and the photograph! Mad as it may be. Thanks for the thought-provoking discussion. -Karri

[@marcioginsberg]

Necros (The Living Daylights) is clearly inspired on RED GRANT (From Russia With Love)

[@spaceodds1985]

IMO FRWL is The best Connery Bond film, and one of the best films of the series (it is in my top five favourite films of the series) Connery has never been better as Bond than in this film, it has the best henchman of the series (Red Grant) And It has the best fight scene of the series (Grant and Bond’s fight) The film also IMO balances plot and character with action brilliantly, and in turn the pacing brilliantly chugs along on a perfect speed. Connery is great in the role, Pedro Armendariz as Kerim Bay is the best ally of the series to date, the set pieces are small scaled and suspenseful, also Barry’s score is fantastic. Yes, Hitchcock’s influence is all over this film, but so are many other films (Repulsion is a direct descendant of Psycho, but the film became its own animal and IMO it was a far superior film to Psycho)

[@davidjames579]

Michael G Wilson said in recent times "We always aim for From Russia With Love, and end up with Moonraker". Which is funny considering Moonraker is one of Calvin's favourites.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

@@davidjames579 Is it Moonraker ? I thought he always said Thunderball.

[@shamrockballs1066]

Re: Repulsion - Said nobody ever

[@pavlovajack3561]

I would love to see Calvin review the Hitchcock film Marnie. Connery had the Bond allure in that.

[@markward4867]

And Woman Of Straw.

[@Zeppelin180]

I think the line cut out at the end is “what a performance”. Repeating what Grant has said earlier (also cut out).

[@rkb4571]

Totally agree that this film emphasises lifestyle moments, which is in keeping with it being very close to the book. For this reason, I really like the use of the Bond theme when he is in the hotel - as David says, these moments are part of that lifestyle side of things so prominent in the books, and so when we see him loosening his tie, ringing up and asking for figs for his breakfast, pouring himself a martini while checking the room for bugs, the theme is appropriate because *that’s what* a spy does on an ordinary day in the field.

[@leslauner5062]

I'm sorry, Calvin...but that helicopter scene in "Tomorrow Never Dies" is absolutely impossible. You cannot tilt a helicopter forward like that and have it slowly hover and inch forward. It cannot be done. When a helicopter pitches forward like that...it shoots forward very quickly.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

Almost like it's a movie or something

[@leedaero]

I watched this film as a 10 year old at the cinema. It knocked me off my feet. Watching the early Bond films as they came out gives one a different perspective. Over time the later films just turn Bond into cartoonish Superman.

[@Dohsoda]

My favorite James Bond film. I didn't come to this realization until I watched the series in order for the first time and begin to rank them.

[@petermccormick5932]

It's so interesting that Calvin said he watched this film last, and that might have factored into his enjoyment. I am the exact same way! It was the last Bond film I initially got to, and it has consistently been one that I haven't connected with (and almost never revisit).

[@gethinjenkins-jones8666]

Knowing how strict SMERSH are..surely Tatiana is facing an execution when she goes back to Russia as she was responsible for the loss of the lector in the first place.

[@davidjames579]

I guess she got a new life in the UK. Although not permanently with James. Maybe she's on his At Home List along with Sylvia Trench?

[@rattusrattus761]

She did just accomplish a significant service for the British government. She would have certainly been granted safety. Especially since she effectively defected anyway.

[@gethinjenkins-jones8666]

@@rattusrattus761 Interesting point, though I think SMERSH would be onto her just the same, and if we're going with the lore of the novels, they wont fail, as it says that they never fail

[@rattusrattus761]

@@gethinjenkins-jones8666 The thing is, SMERSH wasn't created by the books. It was a real organisation in the USSR set up by Lavrentiy Beria, so whether or not they fail isn't necessarily for the books to decide. Aside from that, in the books and film they ultimately did fail. The idea that they never fail is probably more a matter of reputation.

[@davidjames579]

@@rattusrattus761 Yeah, and I think James and by extension M would ensure she was looked after.

[@seanwalsh72]

This From Russia With Love discussion was a lot of fun guys. I enjoyed listening to the different perspectives each of you brought the debate. I personally love FRWL, probably my second favorite film in the series and David pretty much went through all of the reasons why I love it so.

[@harryherman5371]

Great discussion lads, always like to see you on my notifications. Especially after a long day.

[@bondjamesbondsandiego0075]

Calvin is crazy! From Russia with love is one of the best Bond movies ever!

[@spyboy1964]

It seems that Calvin prefers the sillier bond movies over the more serious ones

[@rmartins1984]

@@spyboy1964 I know that personal taste factors in but I just don't understand how people could rank Octopussy or A View to a Kill higher.

[@spyboy1964]

@@rmartins1984 I totally agree with you, but to each his own. Calvin just seems to love camp

[@jokkemursula8731]

@@rmartins1984 I honestly would rank Octopussy above From Russia with Love. That's simply because - while FRWL may objectively be a better film - Octopussy is a more enjoyable experience for me.

[@rmartins1984]

@@jokkemursula8731 That's fair. I think there is a difference between 'best' and 'favourite' films. The benefit of having a 25 film series is that there is a lot of variety.

[@DafyddBrooks]

Sean Connery and Terrance Young are who brought the REAL phenomenon behind all 007 movies :) I just wish Young made Goldfinger aswell!!

[@DeltaStar777]

Love your joint videos, such great chemistry, keep up the great work guys!!

[@marklechman2225]

Two of my favorite BondTubers together, excellent!

[@sammerrell3802]

John Barry mentioned that he originally used the main Bond theme as a general introduction to the character in any scenario. It was only from Goldfinger on that he began using it for action sequences. It's perhaps due to us being used to this association with action from all the later films that we find it so jarring here? I think it wouldn't have bothered audiences at the time with no frame of reference on it. As an aside, I actually find it more jarring how underused it is in the Craig era. It just feels like such an elephant in the room that they don't use it when it's blatantly called for. Like so many things from this era, it feels like the filmmakers are almost ashamed of Bond film heritage.

[@AlmightyBruce]

The train scene is FANTASTIC!!!

[@stevemac631]

Both Sean Connery and Terence Young regarded FRWL as the best Bond film. They were not wrong.

[@finslaw]

Gee I would have thought they would place OHMSS.

[@brendanhaley3668]

I love Cold War and book Bond. Craig's Casino Royale Bond is so close to being Connery's Dr No Bond. It could almost be Craig's Bond's second mission. Cold War stories were great, part of my childhood through so much medoa of the 70s and 80s. I loved this topic, thanks guys!

[@alexdas2000]

I feel the subtle moment we see Tania falls for Bond is when he shows her the dress on the train

[@oldschoolcool76]

On the train - still one of the most realistic and believable movie fight scenes i have ever watched. It just feels so full-on intense, unchoreographed and messy, just like a real fight in that enclosed space would be.

[@kevinobrien9626]

"Any of the opposition around ...?" He looks down his nose as he says it ... the thinly-veiled contempt ... rubbing it in Bond's face.

[@adityasanthanam1945]

I have to agree with David. From Russia With Love is my favourite Bond film, and I thought it was universally loved by Bond fans. It is classy, Connery at his best, it has some of the best supporting characters, and great fight scenes. It is special and genuinely serious. Even though I love the fun Bond films and Roger Moore, this is my favourite film.

[@justice4all72]

Depending on my mood will dictate how much or how little I'll enjoy watching this one. Sometimes the pacing is just too slow. Tatiana is my all time favorite Bond girl, she is absolutely beautiful. Love these debates keep them coming!!

[@Edward-dd9tf]

Hitchcock would have made FRWL a "Hitchcock" film instead of a Bond picture. It would have looked a lot like To Catch a Thief and been more whimsical than Young's movie.

[@andreb.thomas5926]

My favorite Bond movie...period. Chao. Retired Vietnam era veteran, ex Detroiter, expatriate currently living in Colombia.

[@gedillt6498]

I love these debates, please do more!! :)

[@saunders9047]

Absolutely love watching you two discussing these films, intelligent, knowledgeable and respectful of each others opinions, exactly how Bond movies should be debated. I've even learnt from this to maybe love FRWL slightly less, though my only real issue with this film would be that the helicopter/boat scenes feel out of place as they look unmistakably Scottish. Keep up the great work!

[@raminagrobis6112]

Indeed. When they board on that boat, with Connery donning the captain's cap, one has the crystal-clear impression they're going for a ride on the Loch Ness, not at all on the Adriatic!

[@connorfreeman1990]

If you two had a podcast, I'd subscribe in a second

[@jacobkilby]

I think FRWL is definitely top 10 material, what lets it down is the pacing of the film, you could definitely lose some of the action and the plot would still be pretty similar

[@ricardocantoral7672]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the pacing. This film is only slow if you watch a good deal of contemporary, main stream, action cinema that has a cut every two seconds.

[@Slider6294]

@@ricardocantoral7672 That's my thought too. There is recency bias with every ridiculous stupid Hollywood action film being nonstop action. No time left to breathe, to develop characters, build tension, you know, the things good cinema SHOULD do. I'd go so far as to say there's a generational gap now on people who appreciate such things because of the evolution of modern action films.

[@robertharvey2604]

I really love From Russia. It's my second favorite Bond film. It's a great spy thriller. It has the best ensemble cast. Red Grant is my favorite henchman. He's coldly brilliant. He and Connery are a joy to watch. It's probably Connery's best performance as Bond. In an attempt to be objective, I will say that I'm not a big fan of the PTS. The "Bond is dead...oh, wait he isn't" is a gimmick that wasn't necessary. Also, the helicopter and boat scenes seem tacked in to add more action. Otherwise I think everything is great. The fight scene is still one of the best. Great video!

[@randomhuman97]

For its defence, the pre title would've shocked the audience back when only 2 007 movies are out.

[@davidmccallum3879]

You guys are great! Just a couple of notes. I thought there was a little bit of humour in Dr No, not as serious as mentioned here. Hitchcock influence in FRWL a good or bad thing is clear for all to see. The train sequence with Bond and Grant is easily one of if not the best scene in any Bond movie.

[@seanwarren5613]

Wonderful discussion Gentlemen. For me, I'm firmly in the LOVE camp but completely understand and appreciate CD's points. Best, TRK.

[@wjkesq9918]

Regarding the boat scene, at least the makers looked at a map as you can take a boat from Trieste across the Gulf of Trieste to Venice. That said, every time the Orient Express has been routed through Trieste it also has stopped in Venice. So, why not just stay on the train???

[@SamnissArandeen]

I'm in the David corner on this one! It was watching From Russia With Love that kicked me from casual fan to Bond diehard as a boy.

[@Superior_Productions]

Easily my favorite Bond film, I'm totally with David on this

[@hvitekristesdod]

Calvin, I just realized I like Quantum of Solace more than Goldfinger... but it’s okay, we can both still live happy and fulfilling lives despite our handicaps

[@user-xm7oh5ss8t]

I really enjoy the banter between you two. Awesome points made by both. Your discussion regarding Tatiana's reaction, her behavior at dinner after their fight, and the climax of the movie. I thought of another viewpoint that wasn't mentioned. We must remember that she is also on a mission, under the threat of death. So, in keeping with the mission, she's professing her love even after he's smacked her around. Then the dinner scene, if you have ever had a big fight with a woman and immediately go to dinner, she is not going to be the best company, and then of course she was drugged later in the dinner. Her real genuine feelings toward Bond are not really known, and she may just be playing her role. At the end when she has to decide whether to kill Bond or Klebb, it may not have been her feelings toward Bond that motivated her. She had to decide at that point, whether to complete her mission, at which she would probably be killed by Klebb, who threatened her before, and the possibility of being able to escape to the west with Bond's help. She easily and cheerfully gave up the wedding ring, which would indicate no feelings towards being married to Bond. As a former Russian cypher clerk, she would most likely be accepted into British Intelligence in the cypher section. Just my thoughts. Great discussion, keep up the great work.

[@denniscummings7658]

Here is what was edited out in the boat scene at the very end. A bit earlier Grant is taunting Bond with the roll of film taken earlier in the suite with Bond and Tatiana. He tells Bond just before the attache explodes "What a performance". At the films finale Bond is examining the film while in the boat with Tatiana telling her "He was right u know..What a performance". This is exactly what was edited out.

[@dennisjames6753]

Another fun video. I'd like to see a GREAT Never Say Never Again debate!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

NSNA can not be defended outside of the casting and the performances. Klaus Maria Brandauer as Largo is easily one of the best villains of the series.

[@juliebaldwin2735]

I think Tatiana's 'I love you I love you I love you' is largely borne out of fear - she's young, naive and in a really dangerous situation, and she doesn't know she can trust this clearly very strong, intimidating guy. I think it's self-preservation at that point, she's almost desperately acting out the role she believes she's supposed to act (that she's in love with him), in the hope of 'bonding' (hehe) herself to him so he won't hurt her. The 'true' love comes later in the film, after she realises the deception practised on her by Klebb, Grant etc. and she's overwhelmed by the incredible adventure she's just had with this really good looking guy ;-)

[@heatherjoyce3878]

I also agree with this. She is scared and feels like this is the moment it could all come crashing down for her! I also agree that moment when she kills Klebb to stay with Bond is her actually coming over to him.

[@ALIEN-DUDE]

I love how the bond experience always finds an excuse to flex the james bond props he has in his possession.

[@gocanuckurself1]

That thumbnail though 😂

[@chrispopsjunior8978]

My favourite of the Connery James Bond fliks, shame, understandably though it is coz they did the same with Dr No, that Broccoli and Saltzman introduced Spectre into the plot, which was one of Fleming's best...still they also introduced the 007 theme, one of Barry's finest and most exciting pieces of music

[@RandalBauer11]

19:50 In fairness to From Russia with Love and its multiple endings - they've never bothered me as much as the multiple climaxes to something comparable like Spectre, where the screenplay just screams that it needed another draft before it went to camera. The helicopter/North By Northwest pastiche, subsequent boat chase and finale with Rosa Klebb in Venice are each exciting in their own way.

[@keithwysocki9003]

And each happens in rapid succession, so it doesn't slow down the narrative. I think the endings of FRWL are almost serial-like - a series of exciting escapes. By comparison, I love Casino Royale, but I think the endings drag a little - just a little too much of Bond/Vesper in love where it seems pretty clear that something is going to go awry, but it also seems like the story has been resolved so there is a lull.

[@nickbode5211]

Gotta say, I agree with Calvin on this one. I’ve always hated this film’s multiple different endings after the train climax with Grant, and I find the story a bit slow in the middle. Love these debates!

[@ausmurray9437]

From Russia With Love is one of the finest films in the series. Surprised this film would even need to be debated, same with Thunderball and The Living Daylights. All three are amongst my top five.

[@nslayton5]

This discussion actually made me rewatch the film, with two friends who had never seen it or even a Connery Bond. They loved it! Even more so than Brosnan or Craig. I forgot just how smooth it worked. I remembered the post-Orient Express scenes being a bit slow but this flowed so well. The most Hitchcockian Bond and Connery was never better. I prefer spycraft Bond and this is better than Thunderball or Goldeneye by a mile.

[@Matt.Pattinson]

One of my favourites for sure. So many elements for me. Connery is probably my favourite Bond. I like the mission, the train scenes, Kerim Bay is a great ally, the villains are great (provably my favourite Blofeld) I love the attache case and the Hitchcockian style really appeals to me. I am not particularly sold on Romanova though and I do think it drags a bit during the gypsy scenes. And who knew examing your hotel room could be so thrilling?

[@theoconstantinou2839]

I just wish that we got to hear Matt Monro during the opening credits. I think the throwing the film away & waving in goodbye was a “if Red Grant thought that was “good” he hasn’t seen anything yet” hmmm

[@DIEGhostfish]

8:23 I was reminded by someone that in a Battletech novel some random objective mercenaries are sent after and left high and dry on was "Dr. McGuffin's Prototype" He told everyone he nearly dropped the book.

[@johnhansen1501]

It seems so weird to set this story in a friendly country. Surely such a simple story - go in, make contact, get out - should be set in a hostile or at least unfriendly country, where Bond had to avoid being caught, so we could have a little danger instead of folklore. When does Bond make a decision or a discovery that has real importance for the mission. But it looks good and great style moments!

[@SpydyrUnlimited]

Ironic for this video to be released as I just purchased the survival rifle, all stars align!

[@nikolaiquack8548]

I think the moment where Tanya slowly begins to turn is the scene with the dress on the train. That's when she realizes that she's got a better shot at a free, good life if she goes with Bond.

[@henryhammond7393]

I was of the Brosnan generation growing up with Bond movies. This was my first Connery film. You would expect that coming off the more cinematic larger than life action flicks of the 90s this one would have bored me but no, it pulled me in... probably thanks to ‘Dr. Evil’ being in it 😅

[@kieranthomas7453]

Just rewatched FRWL this morning… just before the guy who looks like Edward Norton (Venz?) boards the train he leaves his colleague on the platform. Is the guy he leaves behind the same guy who plays Krilencu? Thoughts?

[@maxking235]

Great discussion chaps! A couple of points on your discussion. I think your underestimating the effects of Mother Russia’s control over their people. Especially a good, rather naive person, like Tatiana. Of course her heart belonged to Bond, but going against the fear and the duty to serve Russia, even if Tatiana knew Klebb was working for SPECTRE all along, I imagine it would be very hard to go against that part of her psyche. So I see Tatiana’s hesitating in shooting Klebb believable. After the tense and claustrophobic earlier part of the film, I enjoyed having the protracted action sequences in the helicopter battle and the boat chase. Really opened the movie out after being so suspenseful. Though, the screams of the SPECTRE agents as the flames engulf them, is a bit harrowing to say the least. For me, however, From Russia With Love is the pinnacle of the Bondian tree. Keep up the good work David et al!

[@Aidan.w]

Although I'm not the biggest fan of From Russia With Love, I do like how it could easily have been a standalone movie outside of the bond series, because of how strong it is a complex but subtle spy movie.

[@Tony-Down-Under]

My first Bond films were the classics. Dr No - VHS From Russia With Love - DVD Goldfinger - DVD Thunderball - DVD You Only Live Twice - VHS On Her Majesty's Secret Service - DVD Spy Who Loved me - DVD For Your Eyes Only - DVD Octopussy - DVD Living Daylights - DVD Goldeneye - DVD Those were my childhood Bond films growing up. I did lean more towards Goldfinger, YOLT, Spy Who Loved me and Goldeneye as a kid.

[@djtforever1414]

I saw this film twice at the cinema last year - once at a James Bond film festival and the cinema played it a few weeks later to honour Connery. I like it more than ever. It used to be in my middle ratings.

[@Double0films]

I do agree with Calvin on this one, this definitely isn’t towards the top of my ranking of the Bond films. I think Alfred Hitchcock was considered for directing this film. Obviously he didn’t in the end. I’ve seen a fair few Alfred Hitchcock films and maybe I’d have preferred it if he had directed it. I do like the villains in this film a lot and I do think Kronsteen is underrated but sometimes I enjoy the scenes with the villains more than the scenes with Bond which doesn’t seem right. However I do like Sean Connery’s acting here a lot and it’s probably better than his acting in Dr No. Of Course the train scenes are brilliant. I also like the helicopter scene, boat chase and the ending with Klebb but the ending as a whole has never felt smoothly done.

[@hvitekristesdod]

It’s my fourth favourite just under LTK and above Skyfall and FYEO. Love hearing different opinions from you guys though! Keep up the good work :)

[@johnrigs6540]

Oh no!! Can’t believe I missed this one!! That being said..... Boy... Gotta go against the Great Calvin here! Surprising too - as this film is as close to a Hitchcock film as any film in the series... And we all know how much Calvin loves Hitchcock! I get the feeling that he feels that Young is sort of imitating Hitchcock - but of course not on the level of the master. I do get what he means though - it is definitely much more of a straight up thriller than the traditional 007 adventures that most people are familiar with. I would put this one behind only Goldfinger and Thunderball as Connery’s very best. These collaborations are just pure Gold guys - and I always learn more about each film you discuss and look at it afterwards with fresh eyes. And as a 56 year old fan who has seen and read about these films for almost 50 years.... That’s pretty darn incredible! Do one on each and every film in the series!

[@paulandrew6457]

Gonna watch this later tonight. I enjoy the duels between you and Calvin and am open to having views on FRWL changed. I think its an excellent film but overated I was disappointed they made it a video game - Goldfinger lent itself more to a video game adaptation guess they had to make it FRWL for Connery to return to voice the part as it was his fave Bond film. Not all the elements that make a Bond film are there in From Russia With Love for me it's a good spy thriller with not many bags and whistles and it is second rate Hitchcock in parts it's more for the fans who like things to be taken more seriously. Im missing the fun that were in the Moore and Brosnan films. Where are the fun moments in FRWL? Perhaps I missed them. LOL

[@gary6514]

It would be great if you guys would review the 1965 movie The Hill which for me is Connery's greatest performance.

[@alexlamas6324]

I love Calvin's KZbin channel. I think he's an excellent presenter with great talent and a wonderful style, he is endlessly entertaining at what he does and quite an affable chap. However... His taste in Bond films is entirely questionable. There is no universe where From Russia with Love is not better than The Man with the Golden Gun. That is just not a reality in any world imaginable.

[@randomhuman97]

It's not about better. It's about enjoyment . Which movie would you pick when you're stressed? I wouldn't watch FRWL. . . Rather watch DAD even though it's no way as good as FRWL

[@alexlamas6324]

@@randomhuman97 Well since FRWL is my 2nd favorite Bond film after Casino I have to say From Russia. Not only is one of the best directed, best acted, best edited and best written Bond films worthy of any classic film list, it's a highly suspenseful, classic spy Cold War thriller that grabs me from beginning to end, plus Istanbul is one of the best characters in the film. Watching DAD would only stress me out more knowing how clumsy and poor the 2nd half of that film is.

[@brycewilson5886]

I must live in Calvin's world as well because I'd watch Golden Gun above FRWL, LOL

[@davidjames579]

Everybody's taste is questionable. That's why we have debates.

[@rviles2323]

It’s a reality for me. The man with the golden gun had a better plot in my opinion, it was more entertaining, and it reached me more. From Russia with love failed to match those three departments for me. Another thing also is that Connery’s performances didn’t impact me the way Moore’s performances did.

[@lanejoyner5175]

That thumbnail is awesome

[@dougsims4242]

Calvin makes some great points particularly the Hitchcock comparisons. Great debate and perfectly embraces difference of opinion is healthy if done respectfully. Personally I really love FRWL but as discussed there are Bond movies I watch much more frequently to simply feel good that are on very few Top Ten lists...... Tomorrow Never Dies, Octopussy and The Man with the Golden Gun anybody?

[@MorganOwen8958]

This Bond film probably has the best ensemble of villains in the entire series. Rosa Klebb is a great main villain. Red Grant is probably the best villain henchman ever. Kronsteen is a great side villain. And Blofeld is Blofeld.

[@machtrebel]

“Dreadful? Kronsteen was not interested in human beings - not even in his own children. Nor did the categories of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ have a place in his vocabulary. To him all people were chess pieces. He was only interested in their reactions to the movements of other pieces. To foretell their reactions, which was the greater part of his job, one had to understand their individual characteristics. Their basic instincts were immutable. Self-preservation, sex and the instinct of the herd - in that order. ” Excerpt From: Ian Fleming. “From Russia With Love”. Apple Books.