The Living Daylights
United Artists | Release Date: July 31, 1987
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 72 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
39
Mixed:
30
Negative:
3
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
4
BroyaxDec 23, 2017
Qu'on se le dise, Timothy Dalton n'est pas le pire des avatars de James Bond, pas pire que Pierce Brosnan ou Daniel Craig : ils sont tous sérieux comme des papes loin des facéties et bons mots de Roger Moore, ce qui rend du coup le personnageQu'on se le dise, Timothy Dalton n'est pas le pire des avatars de James Bond, pas pire que Pierce Brosnan ou Daniel Craig : ils sont tous sérieux comme des papes loin des facéties et bons mots de Roger Moore, ce qui rend du coup le personnage de l'agent britannique assez falot...

Il reste bien entendu "efficace", tout comme la mise en scène, très sérieuse elle aussi mais on ne va pas s'en plaindre outre-mesure quand même, car l'action et les cascades sont fidèles à la marque de fabrique bondienne, plutôt inventives et spectaculaires. Et au moins Timothy ne roule pas en bavaroise mais en Aston Martin... encore qu'il s'égare dans quelque taudis de temps à autre ! euh je veux dire des Audi.

Le scénario, pour sa part, est presque crédible (presque un compliment pour un 007) mais ne sait pas sur quel pied danser entre les Russes qui sont "gentils" et le clin d'oeil lourdement appuyé sur l'Afghanistan (et ses soldats russes -mais que font-ils là...- et les "gentils" (?) Afghans résistants comme dans le Rambo de la même époque !). Tout cela est très opportuniste et un brin concon.

Un peu concon comme la jolie bécasse blonde, vraiment jolie mais décidément trop "blonde" je crois... Par ailleurs, le film est trop long et se révèle lassant... en plus de rester évidemment très creux comme tous les 007 produits (à de très rares exceptions près. Et encore).

Bref, cela est regardable mais carrément un peu naze sur les bords, même que ça déborde des fois.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
5
Gamepro3093Aug 19, 2020
Meh. Some entertaining parts but passable. Timothy Dalton sucked as James Bond. So ugly and looks like a lizard. Bleh! Ian Fleming would’ve been appalled to know that anyone associates this twit with Fleming’s version. Dalton is a disgrace toMeh. Some entertaining parts but passable. Timothy Dalton sucked as James Bond. So ugly and looks like a lizard. Bleh! Ian Fleming would’ve been appalled to know that anyone associates this twit with Fleming’s version. Dalton is a disgrace to the series.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
kheasApr 25, 2019
Overall, The Living Daylights is a rather bland story with an action packed ending that almost makes up for the less than exciting first two thirds of the film. That being said, it has it’s moments and is a a rather fun attempt to bring in aOverall, The Living Daylights is a rather bland story with an action packed ending that almost makes up for the less than exciting first two thirds of the film. That being said, it has it’s moments and is a a rather fun attempt to bring in a new Bond actor. Making only two Bond Films, Dalton may not be the best in the franchise, but he is certainly not the worst. This one is worth watching at least once. https://latetothegame.blog/2019/04/18/key-movies-of-my-life-james-bond-edition-the-living-daylights-1987/… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
imthenoobNov 15, 2019
The story is tolerable enough until you get to the second half. By the final act, You just want it to be over with because it drags on so terribly slow. Dalton does a good job as Bond but his first outing left a lot more to be desired. It isThe story is tolerable enough until you get to the second half. By the final act, You just want it to be over with because it drags on so terribly slow. Dalton does a good job as Bond but his first outing left a lot more to be desired. It is slightly more tolerable than a few of the previous Moore films.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
gracjanskiSep 23, 2021
A new Bond...Dalton is fortunately younger than Moore and therefore bore believable than Moore, but somehow he doesnt look sympathetic.
The movie has so many ridiculous scenes, especially when it comes to the action scenes. But some scenesA new Bond...Dalton is fortunately younger than Moore and therefore bore believable than Moore, but somehow he doesnt look sympathetic.
The movie has so many ridiculous scenes, especially when it comes to the action scenes. But some scenes were great, especially the stunts on the plane at the end.
The Story is good, because you need to think who is doing what.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
VidyaBumOct 22, 2021
Having watched 25 Bonds from Dr.No to Skyfall, I place this one at 10/25.

I believe Timothy Dalton was a complete blessing on this franchise. Almost 20 years after Connery did the last Bond that he actually wanted to make, and after lots ofHaving watched 25 Bonds from Dr.No to Skyfall, I place this one at 10/25.

I believe Timothy Dalton was a complete blessing on this franchise. Almost 20 years after Connery did the last Bond that he actually wanted to make, and after lots of lead actor problems and a Moore era that completely melted Bond down into a giant joke, Dalton managed to swoop in and rake in exactly what Connery had left: a serious character, in an unrealistic world, that wins through wit, skill, and enjoys life as a womaniser and dangerous games player.

Dalton imprinted so quickly and so well on the role that I believe he's one of the best Bonds, and perhaps the best.

And in his first movie, after the endless string of Moore's half-comedy movies, we finally got something serious. We got a spy movie. We got a GOOD spy movie, with real backstabbing, lying, cheating, plotting, searching and thinking. We got instinct and skill, we got brilliance and great moments, we got a decent romantic interest.

My love for this movie was soaring and I was enjoying it through and through.

Until the last 3rd.

You see, everything I said applies to The Living Daylights, but clearly EON didn't have enough of all that goodness to last a whole two hours. So for the last 3rd of the movie, we get a visit to Afghanistan, to see our friends the Taliban.

And I'm not being sarcastic. We meet Talibans in this movie, and they are of course, highly courageous "freedom fighters" that studied English in Oxford. I'm still not being sarcastic.

Our Friends The Taliban, in the middle of the 1980-1988 Soviet-Afghan war, are our Friends for completely political reasons (1987 movie), and not only is this part of the movie absurd in hindsight, but it's also like everything bad from Moore's time was just reinstated for it.

Picture, if you will, Bond, a girl, and 7 taliban on horseback with old carbines attacking a Soviet army base of 500 or so soldiers armed with AK-74s. Now picture, if you can, that Bond and his 7 Taliban Friends run around on horseback for 5 whole minutes and the entirety of the soviet base also runs around, and doesn't manage to shoot a single one of them down, or even to aim at them at all. Just, 7 Taliban rode in, started shooting, and 500 armed men did nothing but run around for 5 whole minutes of movie, before Bond + girl hitch a ride on a plane, and the Taliban just ride the base down.

That's one example, but the entirety of the latter third of the movie is riddled with that. The Living Daylights had a great lead, a great tone, and some impressive plot, lines, and decisions. It could have been an excellent Bond. But Moore's movies weren't bad just because of Moore, they were so because of EON all the same, and here, the renewal is both brilliant and totally insufficient.

I still love Dalton and the first half of this movie, but I can't recommend it past the halfway mark.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
Kai82Dec 31, 2020
The fifteenth James Bond movie and debut of Timothy Dalton. It is rated divisive from favorite Bond movie to one of the worst by fans and critics alike. For me it is one of the best in the franchise and a strong first performance by TimothyThe fifteenth James Bond movie and debut of Timothy Dalton. It is rated divisive from favorite Bond movie to one of the worst by fans and critics alike. For me it is one of the best in the franchise and a strong first performance by Timothy Dalton. After the end of the Roger Moore era they wanted a more serious approach. Do not worry as there are also bits of humor but far less than before. In the intro James Bond and two other 00 agents are performing a test infiltration on the British military base on Gibraltar (The guards have just paintball weapons for this occasion). This goes horribly wrong as a third party uses this for their benefits and after the events it seems that the Soviets were starting an escalation that could turn the cold war hot. He is send out on an investigation to get more information. I stop here to avoid spoilers. The overall story is one of the best in the franchise. It has good twists and when the allegiances unfold you notice they also have good schemers. The actors were used well and added to the experience. Lets start with Timothy Dalton as new James Bond. After Roger Moore was not available many names were thrown in the ring. There are rumors that even Mel Gibson was a candidate at one time. At the end Timothy Dalton who was a candidate before when George Lazenby took the role and Pierce Brosnan were left. Because Pierce Brosnans contract for Remington Steele prevented him Timothy Dalton was chosen. I think he does a great first performance and deliver. Most criticism for me is the fact that he is not like Sean Connery or Roger Moore. Joe Don Baker as Brad Whitaker is a good villain with human flaws and an ego to big for him. Enjoyable to watch and I think they could / should have done more with him. Art Malik as Kamran Shah was a positive surprise for me. He has not the biggest role but won me over easily and became a remarkable character. Maryam d’Abo as Kara Milovy is also good. They avoided the damsel in distress really good 8mostly) as she has some remarkable talents but not the best knowledge of human nature (Cant blame her as most of us fail in life with this too). John Rhys Davies as General Pushkin is also a great addition. He is such a talented actor and performed remarkably. An often underappreciated character is Andreas Wisniewski as Necros. He is one o the most capable henchman in the franchise. He has a no nonsense approach and is skilled enough to impress even James Bond (Think he would do well as 00 agent). These characters / actors in combination with the story are the reason for my rating as one of the best movies in the franchise. The rest is good as always for franchise standards. The gadgets by Q are again so enjoyable. I just say Ghettoblaster. Bonus points for the soundtrack. The Living Daylight from a-ha and the performances of The Pretenders are in the top region for the franchise. Overall this is a highlight for many including me. It has a great cast and delivers. I repeat my warning that it is also for many one of the weaker entries in the franchise but that makes it also a good topic for fans;-). I recommend it and rewatch it once in a while.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
kyle20ellisMar 27, 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While this is nothing brilliant, this could have been much worse. Out of the two films Timothy Dalton did, this is the better of the two as I personally disliked Licence to Kill. The plot is nothing special, the script isWarning: Spoilers
While this is nothing brilliant, this could have been much worse. Out of the two films Timothy Dalton did, this is the better of the two as I personally disliked Licence to Kill. The plot is nothing special, the script is thin, the pacing is pedestrian and the film is overlong. Conversely, the locations are superb and very picturesque, the music is brilliant, the action is credible, the direction is decent and the acting from Dalton, Jeroen Knabbe(the Soviet general), Maryam D'Abo(as the beautiful Czech cellist) and Joe Don Baker(as the arms dealer) is not bad at all if not superb. Overall, it is decent but not extraordinary. 6/10 Bethany Cox.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
NBFCJan 9, 2018
I have an unusual confession….Timothy Dalton is my favorite actor to have played James Bond.

I don’t quite know why but this and License to Kill strike that right balance for me between the gritty nature of the Craig films while stillI have an unusual confession….Timothy Dalton is my favorite actor to have played James Bond.

I don’t quite know why but this and License to Kill strike that right balance for me between the gritty nature of the Craig films while still adhering to the “Bond Formula”. I personally love the intensity Dalton brought to the role and he was prime ready for a movie such as TLD, which dials the camp back in order deliver a sincerely good spy thriller.

The plot is intricate and intelligent, the romance between Bond and Kara Milvoy feels refreshingly credible for once, and the ensemble of villains is great. The fight between Bond and the token henchman Necros on a cargo plane is one of the franchises best action sequences.

It was also the last to feature a score from the great John Barry and boy is it stellar!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
2
amheretojudgeMay 9, 2019
Behold another fiasco, taking massive hits and heavy losses, the banner has got to be vulnerable and is ought to make more mistakes like such.

The Living Daylights Glen has a new asset to mold and present it neatly to the avid viewers. HeBehold another fiasco, taking massive hits and heavy losses, the banner has got to be vulnerable and is ought to make more mistakes like such.

The Living Daylights

Glen has a new asset to mold and present it neatly to the avid viewers. He fails in doing so, that's a one thing, but he couldn't even save the film either. Or maybe I should have gone the other way around. Maybe, it goes like this, the director, John Glen even failed to create a compelling bond chapter let alone stage the newer addition with sparkly lights and bright colors. This new and statistically the least successful Bond, has frankly no whatsoever rhythm in his body language to carry an entire film on his shoulder let alone a big banner like such. Addition to it, with zero empathy that he has to offer, Timothy Dalton is barely seeking for any opinion in here.

And if you find yourself cornered in a situation like such, he had the option to make an effort too. But ignoring that path perpetually, the boat he so graciously wishes to float on, is crooked itself. With an overlong and overridden concept, the film manages to convince you from time to time to, well, have a peak on the clock. And disappointed with how much is still left, the horrifying realization of what has been gone in over the last hour strikes with a jarring impact to us.

Since, the first hour is basically passing the parcel game, the romance between the lead characters. for a brief period in an intense scene, gives us a glimpse which apparently is meant to make up for all the drama that they cared for up till now. In a film, that desperately tries to be light on the feet and fast paced in its speech, to weave out a honeymoon sequence-- and not the obvious signature to-the-point scene but a train of rom-com alike montages-- has got to be a bold choice, it certainly gave me The Living Daylights.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
FilipeNetoFeb 19, 2018
Directed by John Glen and produced by Albert Broccoli, it has script by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, and is the fifteenth film in the franchise. In this film, besides the central cast inherited from previous films, Timothy DaltonDirected by John Glen and produced by Albert Broccoli, it has script by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, and is the fifteenth film in the franchise. In this film, besides the central cast inherited from previous films, Timothy Dalton embodies, for the first time, the role of James Bond, alongside a great cast: Maryam d'Abo plays the Bond- girl Kara Milovy, Jeroen Krabbé gives life to General Koskov, John Rhys-Davies plays General Pushkin and Art Malik plays Kamran Shah.

In this film, Bond is tasked to assist in the defection of a Russian general who, as in London, announces the resumption of "Smert Spionam" (Death to Spies) policy by the USSR. However, after several setbacks and after meeting the girlfriend of the fugitive general, Bond discovers that the defection was nothing but theater and there is someone interested in triggering a new world war.

For the first time, Timothy Dalton gave body and life to James Bond. and, despite his way was quite different from the polite and courteous Moore, its not difficult for us, after some minutes of film, see Dalton as the new 007. Hard, violent and seductive at the right time, the actor was able to give a new impetus to the spy and bring Bond definitely to the eighties. And, although Maryam d'Abo doesn't fit the usual pattern of Bond-girls (super attractive, fatal, curvaceous and sexy), its impossible don't think that her sweet, gentle and loving ways blends very well with the vigorous and virile Dalton's Bond. The script is very interesting and addresses some issues that are still present in our society: the fear of a new world war or arms trafficking, for example. Some scenes in this film are iconic, such as the escape of Bond and Kara to the border with Austria by skiing inside a cello case, or the incredible fight scenes in the Afghan airport. Also great is the opening theme, sung by A-ha, in my opinion one of the best achieved in the franchise.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
tintin1Dec 20, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Una película que vuelve a traer al Bond espía, ambientada en el Telón de Acero, combina elegancia, espionaje y acción. Algunos de los elementos más característicos de la saga Bond.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
Onlyclassicvg1Aug 28, 2022
The fifteenth James Bond movie and debut of Timothy Dalton. It is rated divisive from favorite Bond movie to one of the worst by fans and critics alike. For me it is one of the best in the franchise and a strong first performance by TimothyThe fifteenth James Bond movie and debut of Timothy Dalton. It is rated divisive from favorite Bond movie to one of the worst by fans and critics alike. For me it is one of the best in the franchise and a strong first performance by Timothy Dalton. After the end of the Roger Moore era they… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Toasty87Jul 10, 2020
Not brilliant but not bad I enjoyed the fast action and seriousness of it all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
MrPajamasFeb 17, 2021
The Living Daylights quite disappointed me. I tolerated the change of actor even worse here. I'm quite used to Moore, but I don't have to. The plot will work. But the locations are not bad I must say. But it's all so above average, I'd say,The Living Daylights quite disappointed me. I tolerated the change of actor even worse here. I'm quite used to Moore, but I don't have to. The plot will work. But the locations are not bad I must say. But it's all so above average, I'd say, and for me it's more of an above-average Bond, which I honestly don't even know if I can recommend.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
stevekmFeb 26, 2023
Good Bond film, the usual action and fast pace, but Dalton gives off an impish vibe that is not right for Bond.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
511andahalfFeb 7, 2021
One of the most underrated films of the whole series. Dalton is perfect as Bond, he manages to come off as gritty but not overly gritty, and still maintain charm and class as 007. The action scenes are fantastic too, like the opening chaseOne of the most underrated films of the whole series. Dalton is perfect as Bond, he manages to come off as gritty but not overly gritty, and still maintain charm and class as 007. The action scenes are fantastic too, like the opening chase and the fight on the plane. You really feel the stakes in this one, and the whole thing really does feel like an actual SPY film. Whitaker and Koskov are rather weak villains, but besides that, an extremely underrated and superb film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
HeroicAge616Oct 26, 2021
An entertaining Bond outing that is refreshing after a decade of campiness, Dalton brings Bond into a gritty new era.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
liamexeDec 3, 2022
I watched this movie through its final third, which took place in Afghanistan. The abrupt inclusion of a huge number of new characters and a late plot surprise that doesn't make much sense and receives little explanation detract slightly fromI watched this movie through its final third, which took place in Afghanistan. The abrupt inclusion of a huge number of new characters and a late plot surprise that doesn't make much sense and receives little explanation detract slightly from what is otherwise a strong Bond adventure with a more grounded narrative emphasis and aesthetic vibe. There is still entertaining material there, but everything in and around it detracts from Timothy Dalton's portrayal as Agent 007.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
GDsReviewsJun 7, 2022
This Bond movie is neither bad nor good, and the heroine in Maryam d'Abo's Kara Milovy is neither really powerful nor weak either. Just average in every aspect. A slight bump up is given to Timothy Dalton being a fantastic Bond.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

59 Critic Reviews

6.8 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL