"His name is James Bond, a British assassin."
As all past Bond films, this one opens with the prerequiste action sequence that usually does not have much to do with the actual storyline.
This one actually is important to the storyline as it ends up with Bond being captured and tortured for about a year. The story starts off the
Pukch'ong Coast in Korea where Bond replaces a diamond courier who is enroute to see Colonel Moon. The plot quickly thickens when
someone in Bond's organization betrays him to the good colonel and his right hand man, Zao. The action becomes hot and heavy with an
amazing hoovercraft chase sequence that eventually ends up with the capture of 007 and the death of Colonel Moon as he falls over a
waterfall. There are some fantastic stunts in this sequence.
"Your freedom came at too high a price."
Bond is captured by the colonel's father a general who imprisons him and has him tortured for 14 months until he is used in a prisoner
exchange with Zao. In all that time he refuses to talk but he also garnered the ire of M (Judi Dench) for not comitting suicide when
captured. She assumes that since MI6 denied his existence, Bond must have talked and gave out secret information that may affect MI6.
Once he is returned M revokes his double 'O' license and is put in lockup from which Bond escapes of course.
"You only get one shot at life. Why waste it sleeping."
Once he is out Mr. Bond personnal mission is to re-capture Zao and find out who had betrayed him. It was interesting to see how Bond
escapes from his MI6 prison. This is the first time he has used this metod and it adds to Bond's abilities. His escape leads him into a river
where we find out that he has been held captive in Hong Kong. Using Chinese intelligence agents he receives the information that leads to
the location of Zao.
"Time to give the American her bath."
Havana, Cuba is 007's destination. In Havana he discovers that Zao is on the Isle De Organos. Let us take a break here to let you know
that the scene we have all seen of Halle Berry coming out of the sea is gorgeous. It flashes images of Ursala Andress as Honey Rider
coming out of the ocean in the first Bond feature, Dr. No. Ms. Berry is a knockout in this film as Jinx and this role should open up many
more doors for her in the business. Already before the film has even been released the producers are seriously contemplating releasing a
Jinx feature. Time will tell if we see a possible new franchise. When you see Jinx in action as the perfect female version of Bond you will
understand why the producers feel she can star in her own feature film. I will be there to see it if and when it is released. Here's hoping
people. Watching her chase a helicopter with two guns blazing is awesome but her escape from the authorities shows just how skilled and
foolhardy she can be. Killing in the line of duty seems very easy for this vixen and so is jumping into bed with Bond. Jinx is an operative for
the NSA and works for hardnosed boss Damian Falco played very sparingly by Michael Madsen. Falco has absolutely no love
for Bond and shows it every time he has screen time.
"My son. What have you done to yourself?"
Zao manages to escape from both agents. James Bond heads off in pursuit and it takes him back to England where he meets wealthy
business man Gustav Graves and his mysterious assistant Miranda Frost. The three are involved in a real and deadly fencing match
between Gaves and Bond. Both take this fight very seriously and it is a long spectacular fencing exhibition that turns very deadly. This is
also the scene where Madonna has her cameo role. Madonna also performs the title song over the imaginative, as usual, opening titles.
Danny Kleinman has rivalled Maurice Benders work on the opening titles as they are simply gorgeous.
"You have no idea how much Icarius is about to change the world."
M and Bond meet again which leads to a reconcilliation betwen the two. Bond presents the diamonds he recovered from Zao which have
the engravings og Graves diamond mines. After a quick training mission with Q, once again played perfectly by John Cleese, he
returns to his mission with the customary new toys he is given on his assignments. This time out he receives the light refracting Aston
Martin. It is not just a throwaway tool this time as it is used in some of the best sequences in the film. The car chase sequence between
him and Zao, in Iceland, is incredible to watch.
"So you live to die another day, colonel?"
Once in Iceland you will be treated to some amazing stunt work and effects that will leave you breathless. This is where the heart of the
story takes place. Besides the action there are many revelations about the characters that will surprise you. The connection between
Graves and Zao is revealed as well as the deadly menace that is about to be visited on the planet. There are many surprises and I do
not want to reveal any of them in this review.
"I'm Mr. Kil."
"Now ther's a name to die for."
A tall, dreadlocked killer who, of course, takes glee in killing is Mr.Kil who played by Lawrence Makoare is added to the long line of Bond
henchman with interesting names. Mr. Kil and Jinx have some dangerous encounters together by the time the climax arrives.
"You see Mr. Bond, you can't kill my dreams, but my dreams can kill you. Time to face destiny."
"I told you I was a Jinx"
The daring rescues and escapes are a thrilling example of real stunt work over CGI fake stunts. Hair raising scenes abound in
DIE ANOTHER DAY, so believe me you will definitely get your monies worth from this new Bond outing.
"You British still believe you have the right to police the world."
The one annoying thing about this Bond movie as well as others is the incredible amount of product placement displayed. At times
it's almost akin to watching an infomercial. Ford, which gets more exposure than any other company in the movie has reportedly paid
$35-million; 24 other promotional partners have sunk $120 million on marketing campaigns. The Bond movies are expensive to make due to
the expensive sets ans stuntwork involved so tie in money is extremely important to the health of the franchise, but man it is still extremely
annoying at times. It seems obvious that some scenes are included for the sole purpose of displaying prducts to the audience. Hopefully
this time of thing will not lead to a time when advertisers start to virtually finance an entire production. Some movies with your
commercials, sir? The subtlety of product placement in Bond films has quickly gone the way the dodo. Advertisers shown are British Airways,
omega watch, Norelco Spectra razors, Finlandia Vodka, cars, jet skis, Ericsson cell phones and even Heinkekin beer among many more. Alright
I have belaboured this point enough and it really is not worth saying more about it.
"We've reached the end Mr. Bond."
Oh and in case you're worried, rest assured James Bond 007, the indestructable spy should come out of this adventure victorious against
the evil doers. New Zealand director Lee Tamahori would not have it any other way.
"You put your house in order or we will do it for you."
Pierce Brosnan is sitting on top of the world right now with this Bond release. He has been signed to do his fifth Bond epic and justifiable so, as
he has been the best Bond since Connery and the producers are well aware of this fact. I personally hope she keeps this role for quite awhile
until the age thing creeps it's ugly head into the picture. The women still drool over him and men want to be him; so I ask why would he want to
give up this role? Brosnan is only surpassed by Connery in the Bond role. He easily is more impressive that Roger Moore or Timothy Dalton.
Of course George Lazenby is not even a contender for the role. Do we dare to even mention David Niven and Woody Allen who played Bonds
in CASINO ROYALE that was made outside of the franchise.
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