Die Another Day [2002]

A review by Tom Sutherland

Synopsis: Bond (Pierce Brosnan) is in North Korea stopping an illegal diamond trade, but is betrayed and taken hostage.  MI5 abandon him and 007 sets off on a mission to seek information & revenge. His trail leads him to the usual elaborate locations: Hong Kong, Cuba, Iceland - and he picks up female American agent Jinx (Halle Berry)   He tracks down evil diamond encrusted Zao, who leads him to villain Gustrav Graves, a diamond dealer by day - but megalomaniac by night who wants to invade south Korea using his Icarus satellite.  007 regains his ties with MI6 & Q (John Cleese) who kit him out with the latest in gadgets.  Can he find out who betrayed him? Can he stop war and chaos? You already know the answer - but spectacular action pieces deliver the 20th Bond movie on offer.    

Review: Brosnan enters into his 4th bond carrying the 40th anniversary on his shoulders, and extensive  hype that always comes with the massive 007 machine.  His great performance in this film shows he was more than up for the challenge.  He has a certain swagger, confidence that wasn't as present in his other 3 movies. It almost looks effortless when delivering the latest round of quips.

From the opening gun barrel, the start delivers what promises to be a classic Bond movie - this time a fantastic hovercraft chase through a Korean minefield.

For the hardened Bond fans there are countless references to the previous films and long bond legacy. Timeless gadgets and one liners we remember from the Connery/Moore era pop up every now again. 

There are some truly excellent things in this movie for Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to be proud of.

The car chase between 007 and Zao, the diamond encrusted henchman, is superbly constructed, set in the backdrop of icy Iceland and Pinewood studios. 

John Cleese reprises the role as Q smoothly.  He and Bond seem to have an instant rapport that lends it self well to a jokey 5 minutes.

Halle Berry gives Bond as good as she gets as an American agent, and she does her fair share of baddie kicking. There is also a great bikini moment which pays homage to the famous Dr.No.

But in the birthday celebrations not all of the running time is what it promised. As with most of the 007 movies they always strive to better themselves - but has this one gone to far? Where are the crisp, clear real stunts pieces gone? Why have they relied so heavily on CGI? And frankly why have they relied so heavily on such poor CGI? It verges on embarrassing.

There is a distinct feeling the editing process has been rushed or not thought through properly as some scenes cut back and forth uneasily.  The story is sound, but hammed up completely by Toby Stephens.  The giant earth scorching laser could be taken directly out of Austin Powers and Dr.Evil.

Toby Stephens does provide some great moments, this is apparent in the fencing match that he has with James, that spills out into a full blown sword fight.  A scene that would rival the best of the 20 movies so far.

Director Lee Tamahori tried some brave and new things, but unfortunately seem to have forgotten about Bond, rather focusing on how many set pieces they can deliver and even spin off material with perhaps a forthcoming Halle Berry action movie.

They must learn to love Bond, its fans, its audience and stop worrying. As 40 years has proved, the formula does not need changing. Luckily, Brosnan holds this film together so well - it is still one to see.

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