The Living Daylights

1987 • 130 minutes

About this movie

Armed with razor-sharp instincts and a licence to kill, James Bond battles diabolical arms merchants bent on world domination in this thrilling, lightning-paced adventure. Timothy Dalton brings energy, humour and ruthless cunning to his debut performance as Agent 007.

Ratings and reviews

This is a great Bond adventure and such a breath of fresh air after seven movies with the slapstic and unbelievability of Roger Moore (R.I.P.) and gives the audience a return to form back in the days of Sir Sean Connery's Bond. Dalton is determined, serious and has less time for the ladies in this one. He does have charm and wit, but doesn't overplay it. You are right there with him every step of the way and as you put the pieces together, so does he. It's a great debut for a great 007!

An old school adventure for a more realistic 007 as Timothy Dalton imbues Bond with a tortured humanity. Director John Glen keeps the epic action setpieces as thrilling as ever and Ah-ha's theme song remains as memorable as ever.

After Roger Moore's seven films of humorous, self parody spy adventures, Timothy Dalton's take is a serious, gritty return to form. However, if too jokey was bad, then too serious is even worse.