FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (1963) // James Bond Review and Whisky Pairing

Whiskey Lore Blog

"From Russia With Love" Plot

A Russian agent (Daniela Bianchi) and Bond (Sean Connery) are used to help Spectre secure a cryptography device from the Russians.

Whiskey Lore Review

This is the one movie where I think my mathematical formula fails me a bit. How did one of the great movies of the series end up at #8? Easy, a less than exciting watch, Fords and Chevy's instead of Astons, mostly lame humor, and one of my least favorite opening scenes in the series. Everywhere else, where it mostly counts, it is a winner.

Considered by many the best Connery movie, it has so many epic moments, with my favorite being the scene on the train when Donald "Red" Grant has Bond right where he wants him - on his knees. How will Bond get out of this one and why is he so calm?⁠ I own gold sovereigns because of this movie, yes even his suitcase is bad ass - thanks Q! The best villains and possibly Connery's best performance, coupled with a brilliant score, very Bond worthy locations, and a great Bond girl. Plus, just like the book, we learn all about SPECTRE before we learn about Bond. 

This is like the ultimate story line for the early Bonds. And just like the book, we learn about SPECTRE before we get to Bond. It's my second favorite book.⁠

The action in this movie is fantastic. If you ask me, it is the ultimate spy film of the era. As much as JFK loved the Bond books, I hope he got to see this before he died because the US release was delayed into 1964.⁠

Best of the movie: Rosa Klebb and Donald "Red" Grant are arguably the best villains of the entire franchise.

Memorable moment: The entire train ride. You don't know how much I want to take a ride on the old Orient Express route. Today it would require a EuroPass.

Where it goes wrong: Honestly, I think the opening scene where a fake Bond is killed is slow, boring, and worthy of skipping, which I always do.

Paired Whisky: Arran 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky

I paired it with Arran's 10 year to simply draw your attention to the fact some of this movie was filmed not far away in Scotland. Surprise, surprise. The helicopter scene and the boat scene both happened there - which makes the idea of them boating to Venice hilarious. That would be a heck of a trip in a speed boat!⁠

Whiskey Lore Rank: #8 (Score 7.35) > Next Movie

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