Movie Review: You Only Live Twice (1967)

You Only Live Twice (1967) is a quintessential James Bond film, packed with action, intrigue, and the glamorous allure of the 1960s spy genre. Directed by Lewis Gilbert, the film takes Bond out of his familiar European settings and places him in the heart of Japan, where he faces a larger-than-life villain and embarks on an espionage mission that spans the globe. Based on Ian Fleming’s novel, the film maintains the essence of the Bond franchise while also upping the stakes with elaborate set pieces, high-tech gadgets, and a plot that introduces some of the most memorable moments in Bond history.

Plot Overview:

The story begins with the apparent death of James Bond (Sean Connery), who is reported missing after an attack on a British ship in Hong Kong. In a clever twist, Bond is presumed dead, but this is part of a covert operation designed to allow him to go underground and investigate a new global threat. Bond is secretly revived, and MI6 sends him to Japan to uncover the mystery behind a series of hijacked American and Soviet spacecraft. The hijackings are traced to a mysterious organization that operates from a hidden base, with suspicions pointing toward the enigmatic criminal mastermind known as Ernst Stavro Blofeld.

Bond’s investigation takes him to Japan, where he teams up with Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tamba), the head of the Japanese Secret Service, and the beautiful Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi). The trail leads Bond to a volcanic island where Blofeld has built a massive secret lair inside a hollowed-out volcano. In true Bond fashion, Bond must confront Blofeld’s evil plan to start a global war by sabotaging the American and Soviet space programs. Along the way, he encounters beautiful women, perilous traps, and high-stakes action sequences.

The film culminates in a daring assault on Blofeld’s volcano base, where Bond takes on his forces in an all-out battle for the fate of the world.

Direction and Visuals:

Director Lewis Gilbert delivers a stylish and fast-paced entry in the Bond series, embracing many of the tropes that would define later installments in the franchise. You Only Live Twice features sweeping shots of exotic Japanese locations, from bustling Tokyo streets to serene gardens and towering mountains, all juxtaposed with the high-tech, futuristic elements of Blofeld’s lair. The contrast between the ancient and the modern adds an additional layer to the film’s visual appeal.

The film’s action sequences are among its highlights. From a daring helicopter chase to an exciting fight atop a moving monorail, You Only Live Twice delivers thrilling, large-scale action that pushes the limits of the Bond formula. The volcanic lair, with its hidden entrances, secret passageways, and high-tech gadgets, has become one of the most iconic settings in Bond history.

One of the most memorable and significant elements of the film is the introduction of a more outlandish, over-the-top set design, which would define later Bond films. The film embraces the fantastical elements of the story, from the dramatic set of the volcano lair to the explosive spectacle of the film’s climactic battle. These larger-than-life elements have become a staple of the franchise, establishing a tone that would persist throughout many of the future films.

Performances and Casting:

Sean Connery’s return as James Bond in You Only Live Twice is marked by a blend of charm, confidence, and a bit of weariness. By this point in the series, Connery had firmly cemented his place as the definitive 007, and while his portrayal in this film is still sharp and commanding, there are hints of him starting to tire of the role. That being said, Connery’s performance remains magnetic, and his charisma and physicality continue to anchor the film. His chemistry with the film’s leading ladies—Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi) and Kissy Suzuki (Mie Hama)—is charming, though neither character is given much depth beyond being Bond’s love interests. Nonetheless, the bond between Bond and his Japanese allies adds to the global dimension of the plot.

The character of Ernst Stavro Blofeld is portrayed by Donald Pleasence, marking a significant moment in the series. Pleasence’s Blofeld is perhaps the most iconic iteration of the villain, thanks to his chilling performance, which combines a calm, calculating demeanor with an underlying malevolence. Blofeld’s appearance here, with his distinctive bald head, scarred face, and menacing voice, has become the defining image of the character, influencing later portrayals of the supervillain in both Bond films and popular culture.

The film also features several important supporting characters, including Tetsuro Tamba as Tiger Tanaka, the head of the Japanese secret service. Tanaka is a strong and competent ally to Bond, and his character brings an element of honor and wisdom that complements Bond’s brash and reckless nature. Akiko Wakabayashi as Aki is a beautiful, competent ally to Bond, though her character is not given much screen time before her abrupt departure from the plot. Mie Hama plays Kissy Suzuki, another Bond girl, though her role is similarly limited in terms of screen time and character development.

Action and Gadgets:

As with most Bond films, You Only Live Twice delivers numerous action sequences that are designed to thrill audiences. The film opens with a spectacular fight on a cargo ship, featuring gunfights, explosions, and even a dramatic helicopter chase. The subsequent sequences, including a fight on a monorail and an infiltration of Blofeld’s base, are full of heart-pounding moments that keep the tension high. The action is supported by a variety of Bond gadgets, many of which are provided by Q Branch. While the gadgets are somewhat more subtle than in some of the later films, Bond does use a range of tools, including a specially designed belt with hidden compartments, to help him on his mission.

The most outrageous gadget of all, of course, is the space capsule, which plays a central role in the hijacking subplot. While the gadgets are often more functional than fantastical in You Only Live Twice, they still provide Bond with the necessary tools to combat the villainous schemes at play.

Themes and Impact:

You Only Live Twice incorporates several themes that are familiar to the Bond franchise: espionage, betrayal, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil. The film also introduces the concept of global superpowers—represented by both the U.S. and the Soviet Union—coming together against a common enemy, reflecting the political climate of the 1960s. This heightened sense of global stakes adds a layer of urgency to the story, and the film’s setting in Japan further emphasizes the East-West divide during the Cold War.

Additionally, the film delves into the personal stakes for Bond, as he is forced to confront his own “death” and rebirth in order to continue his mission. The film’s title, You Only Live Twice, refers not only to Bond’s apparent death but also to the personal transformations he undergoes throughout the film.

Conclusion:

You Only Live Twice (1967) is a landmark entry in the James Bond series, with its lavish set designs, iconic villain, and thrilling action sequences. The film embraces a more extravagant, fantastical approach to the spy genre, setting the stage for many of the over-the-top elements that would come to define future Bond films. While some aspects of the plot feel dated, and the pacing can be slow at times, You Only Live Twice remains a visually stunning and entertaining spy adventure that epitomizes the Bond franchise’s appeal.

Sean Connery delivers another charismatic performance as 007, while Donald Pleasence’s portrayal of Blofeld stands out as one of the franchise’s most memorable villains. The film’s exotic locales, spectacular action scenes, and engaging narrative make it a must-see for Bond fans, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the brilliance of its predecessors.

In the end, You Only Live Twice solidifies James Bond’s place as an international icon, with its action-packed narrative and bold new direction for the series. It’s a thrilling, fun ride that continues to captivate audiences with its iconic moments and unforgettable characters.