Die Another Day is a very complex film. Just as the character James Bond, the movie changes from time to time- rather drastically. In the beginning to the middle, the movie was a true gem. I thought that the movie was indeed a great homage to the old Bond films of the past and deserved the "Bond 20" label or anniversary. The fencing sword battle was a classic action sequence that no doubtedly cannot be topped in any Bond film in a one on one confrontation. The only one on one battle that comes to mind was the 006-007 fight in "Goldeneye" but the sword battle was more bloodier and shockingly realistic. Then after that, the movie switched to Iceland and from there it went downhill and off into some fantasy world that no one can really describe. The Ice Palace which Gustav Graves owned was filmed beautifully and brings back memories of the lavish sets of classic villians but it was far too unrealistic. Invisible cars, laser beams, and DNA face-morphers were just far too much to swallow in a mere short period of time. Plus, dreadfully to say; many people think Bond movies are too slow-paced, but this movie was too fast-paced following the trip to Iceland. The camera working and so forth was a "XXX" kind of feeling which quite honestly, true Bond fans would not want to see. DAD became literally a teenager's delight and rather insulted the older Bond fans with its direction at the youth. Sure it was entertaining but definitely did not pack the same whallop as it did in the first hour. Taking a look at the technology it seems like old Bond movies. It is which those who forecast the future for technology up ahead. The virtual system is believable but the invisible car... I don't think so. The gadgets are good, as always, and the new Q couldn't of made a better entrance. In the movie, Bond didn't really have to use that much gadgetery, rather rely on himself which was good to see. As for the villains, Yao and Gustav Graves, including Colonel Moon all made wonderful bad guys. Probably the best ensemble. Gustav had the cockiness and suavity that can be matched by no other. He made a striking resemblence to the physical aspects of 006 and matched equally in Bond's skill, as you can tell in the sword sequence. Yao also had a good physical appearance and delivered some of the best memories of his looks and coldness. Another bad guy who I will not name was really good also who broke James' heart. Don't worry she will get the equal in return.
Overall, a decent Bond movie. Not the best of Brosnan's quadruple- it kind of pops and goes into a tailspin at the end. But the first half is worth your money.
6/10
Overall, a decent Bond movie. Not the best of Brosnan's quadruple- it kind of pops and goes into a tailspin at the end. But the first half is worth your money.
6/10