Retro Dude

You Only Live Twice is quite the memorable classic. A hollowed-out volcano, a rocket-firing gyrocopter, an army of ninjas battling the forces of villainous organisation SPECTRE headed by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Donald Pleasance) are all elements that bring to life this often beloved entry in the Bond series. In some ways it does represent a change in tone for the series, taking away more of the serious spy thriller aspects of previous entries (especially From Russia With Love) in favour of a more fantastical adventure that is larger than life but slightly grounded in real ideas and concepts (the space-race for example). I don't feel that either style of Bond is necessarily better than the other, and certainly there have been films which have attempted to combine both styles (as did the previous entry; Thunderball) which some may prefer rather than being stuck with one or the other. It's all up to personal preference of course. In this reviewer's mind, this fantastical 007 adventure has a lot going for it. Aside from the aforementioned elements there is also the stunning Japanese locations brought to life by cinematographer Freddie Young, whose vibrant colours complement the elegance and scale of Lewis Gilbert's remarkable direction. The cast is another highlight for me, particularly the Japanese characters who populate most of the film. Tetsuro Tamba's Tiger Tanaka is a warm but professional ally to James Bond, who even seems to form somewhat of a 'bond' (no pun intended) with the famous spy as their on-screen chemistry builds really well throughout the adventure. The Bond girls aren't half bad either. Akiko Wakabayashi plays her character Aki (Agent 294 of Japanese SIS) as a tough action girl with a knack for rescuing Bond from danger in her cool Toyota. Although it is a pity that she falls subject to the Bond formula of having to be one of three girls in the film she is still a welcome presence, as is Karin Dor's villainous Helga Brandt. Although Helga feels more like a repeat of Thunderball's Fiona Volpe, Dor does give a more sympathetic performance when she faces the wrath of SPECTRE No. 1 for failing to kill Bond. My personal favourite of the girls is also the final one; Mie Hama's Kissy Suzuki, who also the honour of marrying (albeit in staged wedding used only to give credibility to Bond's cover) James Bond when he is disguised as a Japanese fisherman. Hama may not get the same sort of action as Wakabayashi but she is probably the most attractive of the film's girls and does prove vital to helping Bond save the day. Perhaps the most famous of the cast besides Sean Connery is Donald Pleasance as Blofeld. Although his portrayal has been parodied in the years since, on recent viewings I have really come to admire just how menacing and down-right creepy Pleasance is in the role. With his scar-covered eye and White Persian Cat he makes for quite an enigmatic presence in the finale. Sean Connery's performance as the world's most famous secret agent is enjoyable as usual, but one does detect some traces of him being exhausted by the brutal schedule of the filming. Granted, it is understandable considering his fatigue with the role and the unwanted press intrusion he was facing at the time. Even so, I would not call him totally bored-looking; he still delivers one-liners with class and never fails to be the coolest guy in the room. Nevertheless, I would still put You Only Live Twice down as one of the series' strongest entries. A highly memorable cast and script with beautiful locations is a great recipe for success; 9/10.