Anthony's Film Review - Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Sean Connery's return as Bond doesn't sparkle like diamonds, but it has enough amusing action...

After a hiatus following You Only Live Twice in 1967, Sean Connery returns to his role as James Bond. Initially, he refused to play Bond for good but was lured back by a large salary, which was out of desperation to bring back what many fans wanted. Connery was considered the only true Bond at the time, and for most, George Lazenby was a disappointment. In my opinion, it was nice to see him again back in his tux, but in Diamonds Are Forever, he clearly looks older. Before, he was thin and fit. Here, he's becoming more of a middle-aged Bond. At least he still has the suave persona that makes this secret agent unique.

The other characters in this film are mostly average, with a few exceptions. Tiffany Case (Jill St. John) is good-looking but is limited in intelligence towards the end. Plenty O'Toole (Lana Wood), on the other hand, is one sexy woman. I like the idea of Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd as a pair of cold-blooded killers, especially with that suspenseful tune that can be thought of as their little theme.

My least favorite character in this movie would have to be Blofeld. Charles Gray, who previously played Agent Henderson in You Only Live Twice, is this menacing villain with the white cat, but he doesn't seem too menacing. Aside from the fact that he doesn't have the bald appearance that Bond fans have associated with Blofeld, he seems too much like an irritable old man instead of someone with a cold dislike of the world around him.

What I still like about Diamonds Are Forever are some of the action scenes. The elevator fight, the car chase in Las Vegas, and the climactic battle scene are all done well. I like the stunt involving a car through a very narrow alley, even though it also involves one of the biggest film mistakes in the Bond series. Overall, there's plenty of it to keep me watching.

Still, I consider Diamonds Are Forever one of my least favorite Bond films because it has the feel of a cheesy action comedy rather than an action film with real suspense and thrills. Goldfinger was truly golden while Diamonds Are Forever didn't sparkle too much. It's the start of a low point in the Bond series. The proceeding two films, to me, prove to be at a similar level of quality. It's still part of the official series, though, so I try to enjoy what I can from it. Let's just say that the film is not entirely a bad one but could be better.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Diamonds Are Forever, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my reviews of the following:

Official James Bond Films

Unofficial James Bond Films

Casino Royale (1967)
Never Say Never Again