The film has been hailed one of the best Bond films (Image: REX/Shutterstock)
A James Bond film starring the ‘perfect’ 007 actor has been praised by fans as ‘underrated’, and it’s airing on ITV4 this evening.
You Only Live Twice, which premiered in 1967, sees Sean Connery reprising his legendary role as James Bond as he probes the enigmatic hijacking of American and Soviet spacecraft, a crisis that risks sparking World War III.
Following a staged death, 007 heads to Japan, where he joins forces with the Japanese Secret Service (Tiger Tanaka and Aki) to expose a SPECTRE conspiracy orchestrated by Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
The fifth Bond instalment featuring Sean Connery boasts a screenplay written by Roald Dahl and an unforgettable volcano lair set that rivalled the entire budget of Dr. No. Created by Ken Adam, the colossal set was constructed at Pinewood Studios at a cost of roughly $1 million.
Featuring Sean Connery, Tetsuro Tamba, Teru Shimada, Akiko Wakabayashi, Mie Hama, Karin Dor and Donald Pleasence, the film remains immensely popular amongst Bond enthusiasts, with many arguing it’s ‘underrated’.
Sean Connery has been praised as the perfect Bond (Image: REX/Shutterstock)
One reviewer on film ratings website Rotten Tomatoes said: « The fifth movie starring Sean Connery is the first James Bond film to discard most of Ian Fleming’s plot in favor of an entirely new story. », reports the Mirror.
« In this installment, Bond is dispatched to Japan after American and Soviet crewed spacecraft disappear mysteriously in orbit, each nation blaming the other amidst the Cold War.
« This marks the first time Bond meets Ernst Stavro Blofeld face-to-face in the movies, who might be the most dangerous and recognizable of Bond villains ever.
« With impressive sets, such as the volcano base, and the groundbreaking visual effects, it is not as good as its predecessors but it is worth seeing for its exotic locations and action scenes involving ninjas. »
Another viewer added: « It was a great watch. It was really fun watching the older style of filing techniques and movie effects. Sean Connery is a perfect fit for the role of James Bond.
This was Sean Connery’s fifth film (Image: undefined)
« This is my favorite James Bond movie with Sean Connery. Great story and excellent action sequences, especially towards the end. This might be one of my favorite James Bond movies of all time. You Only Live Twice is awesome and very underrated, » a third fan wrote.
A fourth said: « A true spectacle, possibly the greatest set design in all the series, one of the best title themes, a very unique setting, John Barry’s fourth wonderful score in a row, one of the most iconic villains in all of film even if he is not a series best.
« The first Lewis Gilbert final showdown is thoroughly entertaining. The only real shame is Connery’s luck of enthusiasm and his Japanese disguise.
« This fifth Bond movie was really good. Sean Connery does an amazing job once again as James Bond. The plot to the movie was action packed and thrilling throughout. Every time I watch a Bond movie I’m truly amazed to how creative the cast and crew are in bring Ian Fleming’s stories to life.
« Even in this one where Blofeld steals spacecraft to start a war. That’s pretty clever. If you haven’t seen this Bond movie yet, I suggest you do. You’ll love it, » recommended another fan.
A further viewer said: « Even with Connery clearly tired of playing the part, the film stands out for its great action scenes and special effects. It also scores Nancy Sinatra’s iconic and beautiful theme.
« This is what a bond film should be. Over the top of everything. Good performances from Donald Pleasence of Blofeld, as well as good fun bond girls, with a plot involving both military’s of Russia and U.S. during the cold war. With this, you won’t be bored a second.
« Everything blows up with gun fights. The Japanese culture infuses bright. The bond girls, whew! Mostly everything works. But unfortunately it’s more of a ‘been there, done that’ routine. Which is kind of sad in all honesty. Great fun, but escapist fare, » added another.
You Only Live Twice airs on Wednesday 4 February on ITV4 at 9pm.
