"Never Say Never Again" is a 1983 spy film and the second adaptation of Ian Fleming's 1961 novel "Thunderball", which was previously adapted into a film of the same name in 1965. The movie stars Sean Connery in his seventh and final appearance as James Bond and is directed by Irvin Kershner.
The film was produced by Kevin McClory, who had previously collaborated with Fleming and screenwriter Jack Whittingham on the original screenplay for "Thunderball". McClory retained the rights to the story and characters of "Thunderball" after a legal dispute with Fleming, which led to a settlement that allowed him to produce the film independently of the Eon Productions series.
The Plot
"Never Say Never Again" follows James Bond as he is forced out of retirement by M to investigate the theft of two nuclear warheads by SPECTRE, a criminal organization led by Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Bond travels to the Bahamas, where he meets Domino Petachi, the mistress of Emilio Largo, the villain responsible for stealing the warheads. Bond and Domino team up to stop Largo and SPECTRE from using the warheads to blackmail the world's governments.
The Cast
In addition to Connery, "Never Say Never Again" features a cast of notable actors, including:
- Klaus Maria Brandauer as Maximilian Largo, the film's main villain
- Barbara Carrera as Fatima Blush, Largo's henchwoman
- Kim Basinger as Domino Petachi, Bond's love interest
- Bernie Casey as Felix Leiter, Bond's CIA ally
- Edward Fox as M, Bond's boss at MI6
The Music
"Never Say Never Again" features a score by Michel Legrand, with the title song performed by Lani Hall. The song was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1984.
The Legacy
"Never Say Never Again" received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising Connery's return to the role of Bond and others criticizing the film for its lack of originality. Despite this, the film was a box office success, grossing $160 million worldwide.
The legal dispute between McClory and Fleming over the rights to "Thunderball" continued after the release of "Never Say Never Again", with Fleming's estate regaining control of the story and characters in 2013. As a result, "Never Say Never Again" is not considered an official James Bond film by Eon Productions, the company that produces the majority of the films in the franchise.
[James Bond Part 14] Never Say Never Again (1983): Frequently Asked Questions
Who played James Bond in "Never Say Never Again"?
Sean Connery played James Bond in "Never Say Never Again", his seventh and final appearance in the role.
Is "Never Say Never Again" an official James Bond film?
No, "Never Say Never Again" is not considered an official James Bond film by Eon Productions, the company that produces the majority of the films in the franchise.
Overview of the Film
Never Say Never Again is a unique addition to the James Bond franchise because it was not produced by Eon Productions, the company responsible for the majority of the Bond films. Instead, it was produced by Warner Bros. The film stars Sean Connery as James Bond, marking his return to the role after a 12-year hiatus. The film's plot revolves around Bond being sent to investigate a stolen nuclear warhead and his encounters with the villainous Maximilian Largo.
One of the unique aspects of this film is its plot. While it shares similarities with other Bond films, it also diverges from the formula in many ways. For example, the film is not set in the usual exotic locations that are typical of Bond films. Instead, it takes place primarily in the Bahamas. Additionally, the film features a more mature Bond, who is not as reliant on gadgets and has to rely on his wits and charm to get the job done.
Critical Reception
As mentioned earlier, Never Say Never Again has received mixed reviews over the years. Some critics have praised it for its more grounded approach to the character of Bond, while others have criticized it for not living up to the standards set by previous Bond films. However, despite the mixed reviews, the film has still managed to gain a significant following among Bond fans.
One aspect of the film that has received universal praise is Sean Connery's performance. Connery brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and his portrayal of a more mature Bond is one of the film's highlights. Additionally, the film's villain, Maximilian Largo, played by Klaus Maria Brandauer, has also been praised for his performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, James Bond Part 14, Never Say Never Again, is a unique addition to the James Bond franchise. While it has received mixed reviews over the years, it still manages to stand out as a Bond film that takes a different approach to the character. With Sean Connery's return to the role and the film's more grounded approach, it is no wonder that it has gained a significant following among Bond fans.
If you're a fan of the James Bond franchise or just looking for a unique take on the character, be sure to check out Never Say Never Again.
