Bond Movies: Stories of Agent 007

The term Bond movies refers to the cult film series whose main character is James Bond, an agent of the British Secret Service MI6, with the code name Agent 007 or simply 007.

A Long Film Series

Bond movies are one of the longest and most successful film series in history. It wasn't long ago (2012) when the twenty-third film, Skyfall, was released in theaters, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the first Bond movie (Dr. No, 1962). And the latest Bond movie, the twenty-fifth in the series, titled No Time to Die, was filmed in 2021.

Figure: Sean Connery, The First James Bond (source: Craiyon)

Actors

Six actors have portrayed Agent James Bond:

1. Sean Connery;
2. George Lazenby;
3. Roger Moore;
4. Timothy Dalton;
5. Pierce Brosnan;
6. Daniel Craig.

Production and Source Material

Eon Productions is the producer of Bond movies. Its films are referred to as official. Apart from the twenty-five official Bond movies, three unofficial ones (produced outside Eon Productions) have been made.

The source material for Bond movies consists of the novels and stories by Ian Fleming, although some later films had their own storyline and differed significantly from the original book versions.

The Iconic Agent 007

Agent 007 has become a global icon. Always suave, charismatic, and charming, he effortlessly saves the world and, with equal ease, charms beautiful women. Many of his original adversaries end up siding with him, although many pay for it with their lives.

Enjoying life to the fullest, Bond indulges in luxury cars, clothing, accessories, and drinks. Besides his favorite vodka martini – shaken, not stirred – with a twist of lemon peel, he also enjoys Dom Pérignon champagne.

His survival in various times and places, regardless of the political regime, is often aided by his wit and the ingenious gadgets provided by Q, the chief inventor of the British Secret Service. Remarkably, Bond manages to survive in different times and places without regard to the political regime, just as in the movies.

James Bond also enjoys visiting casinos, where his skill, elegance, and necessary luck often provoke his opponents to the brink of madness or generously save damsels in distress. His favorite games include baccarat, but he also enjoys playing roulette, dice, and in the film Casino Royale from 2006, he even plays the globally popular Texas Hold'em poker.

Characteristics of Every Bond Movie

• Bond Girl: Bond's companion;
• Bond Car: Bond's vehicle, equipped with the most advanced technology of the time, with the iconic vehicle of Agent 007 being the Aston Martin;
• Bond Drink: Bond's favorite drink, vodka martini shaken, not stirred, Dom Pérignon champagne, or even Velvet – a combination of champagne and Guinness;
• Bond Song: A song that plays during the typical opening credits following the film's opening scene.

Famous Bond Gadgets

• Walther PPK pistol, which replaced the original Beretta that was prone to jamming and endangering his life;
• Aston Martin DB5 car that first appeared in Goldfinger (1964), Aston Martin V12 Vanquish (Die Another Day, 2002);
• Jet pack from the film Thunderball (1965);
• Mini-helicopter Little Nellie (You Only Live Twice, 1967);
• Submersible car Lotus Esprit from the film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977);
• Omega Seamaster watch with a laser beam and remote detonator (GoldenEye, 1995);
• Ericsson mobile phone with a stunning beam and remote control of BMW (Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997);
• Q-Boat speedboat (The World Is Not Enough, 1999).

List of Bond Movies

A complete list of Bond movies with the year of the film's premiere, the portrayal of James Bond, and his bond girl(s).

Unofficial Bond Movies

Conclusion

The Bond movies have left an indelible mark on popular culture, captivating audiences for decades with their thrilling action, sophisticated charm, and iconic characters. From Sean Connery's suave portrayal to Daniel Craig's gritty intensity, each actor brought their own flair to the role of James Bond, making the character a timeless icon of espionage and intrigue.

As the series continues to evolve with the changing times, one thing remains constant: the enduring appeal of 007 and his adventures. Whether he's thwarting villainous plots, seducing femme fatales, or outsmarting his enemies with cutting-edge gadgets, James Bond will always be the quintessential spy, beloved by audiences around the world.

So here's to Bond, James Bond, and the thrilling escapades that have kept us on the edge of our seats for generations.

You Might Be Also Interested

• Evolution of James Bond: From Connery to Craig;
• Bond Songs: All Iconic Title Songs From Bond Films;
• Movies and Gambling;
• Columbo: Death Hits the Jackpot (1991).

Based on the original Czech article: Bondovky – filmy o agentu 007 Jamesi Bondovi.