🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: John Glen
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller, Spy Film
- Release year: 1987
- Runtime (length): 2h 10min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (109K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Bond helps a defector, falls for a cellist who’s maybe a killer, and ends up fighting in Afghanistan against… everyone, probably, because geopolitics is *hard*.
🍿 The Living Daylights: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Defection and Deception
James Bond, portrayed by Timothy Dalton, is tasked with assisting the defection of KGB General Georgi Koskov in Bratislava. During the operation, Bond notices a female cellist aiming a rifle at Koskov. Disobeying orders, Bond wounds her instead of killing her, sensing she’s not a professional. This decision sets off a chain of events involving deception and betrayal. Koskov claims that KGB General Pushkin has revived the ‘Smiert Spionam’ policy (Death to Spies), leading to a series of assassinations.
Unraveling the Conspiracy
Bond investigates the cellist, Kara Milovy, and discovers that Koskov’s defection was staged. He convinces Kara to accompany him to Vienna, where they uncover a link between Koskov and arms dealer Brad Whitaker. As Bond gets closer to the truth, his ally Saunders is murdered, further complicating the mission. Bond and Kara then travel to Tangier, where Bond confronts Pushkin, only to discover that Koskov is embezzling government funds and that Pushkin isn’t behind the ‘Smiert Spionam’ killings.
Afghanistan and Opium
Kara, manipulated by Koskov, drugs Bond, leading to their capture. They are taken to a Soviet air base in Afghanistan, where they uncover Koskov’s scheme to use Soviet funds to buy opium from the Mujahideen. Bond and Kara escape with the help of Mujahideen leader Kamran Shah. They then sabotage Koskov’s operation by planting a bomb on the cargo plane carrying the opium. A final confrontation ensues where Bond dispatches the henchman Necros.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- James Bond (Timothy Dalton): A resourceful and determined MI6 agent investigating a complex conspiracy involving defecting Soviets and international arms deals.
- Kara Milovy (Maryam d’Abo): A talented cellist who becomes entangled with Bond while grappling with the deception surrounding her benefactor.
- General Georgi Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé): A scheming Soviet general who stages his defection to manipulate events for his own gain.
- Brad Whitaker (Joe Don Baker): A delusional arms dealer with dreams of military glory, involved in a dangerous partnership with Koskov.
- General Leonid Pushkin (John Rhys-Davies): The head of the KGB who becomes an uneasy ally to Bond in uncovering Koskov’s elaborate scheme.
- Necros (Andreas Wisniewski): Koskov’s lethal henchman, skilled in assassination, and a formidable adversary for James Bond.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- James Bond: “Stuff my orders! I only kill professionals.” – Bond refuses to assassinate Kara Milovy, the cellist, deeming her an amateur, showcasing his moral compass.
- Saunders: “Cheer up, 007. The operation’s a success. And officially, it’s still yours.” – Said sarcastically after Bond disobeys orders, highlighting the tension and bureaucracy within MI6.
- Brad Whitaker: “I’m a war buff, James. Always have been. But now… I’m a participant.” – Whitaker reveals his obsession with war and his desire to be more than just an observer.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $51,185,897
- Worldwide Gross: $51,220,890
💥 The Living Daylights Reviews
Personal Review
I remember seeing this in the theater as a kid and being blown away by the action. Dalton brought a different vibe to Bond – more serious and intense. The cello chase scene was especially memorable, and the snowy landscapes were stunning. It felt like a return to a more grounded, classic spy movie, even if some of the plot got a little confusing. Overall, it’s one of my favorites in the series – a solid blend of action, intrigue, and that classic Bond charm.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of James Bond movies”
- “Viewers who prefer spy thrillers with international settings”
- “Those who enjoy more serious and grounded takes on the 007 character”
- “People interested in Cold War-era espionage stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and action sequences”
- “Some suggestive content”
- “Brief partial nudity”
- “Depiction of Cold War tensions”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Timothy Dalton brings a seriousness to Bond that hadn’t been seen since Connery, but the plot is convoluted and the villains are cartoonish. Still, the action sequences are solid, and it’s a refreshing change of pace.
- Empire Magazine: “A decent Bond debut for Dalton, even if it lacks the iconic status of Connery or the sheer fun of Moore. The Living Daylights is a competent spy thriller with some memorable moments, but ultimately, it falls short of greatness.
- Variety: “Dalton is a welcome change from Moore, bringing a harder edge to the character. ‘The Living Daylights’ is a well-paced actioner that showcases Bond’s intelligence and physicality, even if the storyline gets a bit muddled.
Audience Reactions
Timothy Dalton’s portrayal was a welcome change from the campy Roger Moore era.: Viewers appreciated the more serious and grounded tone of the film and Dalton’s commitment to the character.
The action sequences, especially the car chase and the fight on the cargo plane, were top-notch.: Fans praised the practical effects and exciting stunt work that made the action feel real and impactful.
Overall Consensus: A solid Bond film that marked a shift towards a more serious and grounded portrayal of the character, with exciting action sequences and a complex plot, though some found the villains and overall tone less entertaining.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Timothy Dalton was initially considered for the role of James Bond in 1969 but felt he was too young at the time.”
- “Pierce Brosnan was originally cast as Bond for this film, but due to contractual obligations with ‘Remington Steele,’ he had to withdraw, leading to Dalton’s casting.”
- “The film’s title song, performed by A-ha, is one of the few Bond themes not written by John Barry, though he did compose the film’s score.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Living Daylights?
The Living Daylights is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can also be purchased through online retailers like Amazon and at most major stores that sell movies.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Living Daylights, you might like these similar films:
- For Your Eyes Only (1981): A Bond film that emphasizes espionage and down-to-earth action over outlandish gadgets, similar to The Living Daylights’ approach.
- The Day of the Jackal (1973): A suspenseful thriller focused on a professional assassin, with a meticulous plot and international intrigue.
- Three Days of the Condor (1975): Conspiracy thriller involving a bookish CIA researcher who finds his colleagues murdered and must outwit those responsible.
- Argo (2012): A modern thriller based on a true story involving a daring CIA operation in Iran, focusing on espionage and political tension.
🛒 The Living Daylights Related Products
- The James Bond Archives: No Time To Die: The official behind-the-scenes book, tracing the entire history of the James Bond film franchise. The ultimate companion for Bond fans, perfect for exploring the rich legacy.
- GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo Switch Online): Relive the classic Nintendo 64 shooter with online multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch. Experience the iconic levels, characters, and split-screen action.
- James Bond 007 Eau de Toilette: A sophisticated fragrance that captures the essence of James Bond. A blend of masculine notes for a timeless and confident scent.
- Aston Martin DB5 1:18 Scale Model: A highly detailed replica of Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5. A perfect display piece for any Bond enthusiast.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Living Daylights features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Living Daylights” – performed by a-ha
- “Where Has Everybody Gone” – performed by The Pretenders
- “If There Was A Man” – performed by The Pretenders
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Living Daylights is generally considered a solid entry in the James Bond series, marking Timothy Dalton’s debut as 007. It offers a more serious and grounded take on the character compared to Roger Moore’s era, with a complex plot and exciting action sequences. While opinions vary, many fans appreciate its faithfulness to Ian Fleming’s novels.
The Bond girl in The Living Daylights is Kara Milovy, played by Maryam d’Abo. She’s a cellist who becomes entangled in the plot involving Soviet defection and arms dealing. Her character is more innocent and less overtly sexualized compared to some previous Bond girls.
The primary villains are General Georgi Koskov, a renegade Soviet general played by Jeroen Krabbé, and Brad Whitaker, an arms dealer portrayed by Joe Don Baker. Koskov orchestrates a complex scheme involving embezzlement and opium, while Whitaker provides the arms and resources to facilitate the plot. Andreas Wisniewski plays Necros, Koskov’s deadly henchman.
The Living Daylights features several international locations, including Gibraltar (opening sequence), Austria (Vienna), Czechoslovakia (Bratislava), Morocco (Tangier), and Afghanistan. These locations add to the film’s globe-trotting adventure feel.
🔥 Bonus Content
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS | Aston Martin V8
Prepare to be amazed by the Aston Martin V8’s incredible stunts in ‘The Living Daylights’! Get a glimpse of the thrilling behind-the-scenes action with exclusive insights from the stunt supervisor.
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS | Opening Scene
Witness the adrenaline-pumping opening scene of ‘The Living Daylights’! See Timothy Dalton in action as he fearlessly executes his own daring stunts, as revealed by the stunt supervisor.
The Living Daylights (1987) Retrospective / Review
Dive into a thought-provoking retrospective of ‘The Living Daylights’! Join the conversation as a seasoned critic examines the film’s significance and shares their unique perspectives.
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