The 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, hailed by many as the franchise's best, is being screened on ITV tonight. The 23rd instalment in the iconic series, it became a box office phenomenon, generating $1.1 billion worldwide.
Plot and cast
The film follows Daniel Craig as MI6 agent James Bond, who is shot during a botched mission in Istanbul and goes missing. While the world presumes him dead, a cyber-terrorist attack on MI6 headquarters forces his return to protect M, played by Judi Dench. Bond tracks down the mastermind behind the attack, Raoul Silva, portrayed by Javier Bardem, whose performance has earned widespread acclaim.
Critical and fan reception
With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, one fan review reads: "Skyfall enriches the traditional Bond formula by adding genuine psychological depth and a welcome sense of consequence. It explores the cost of Bond's life without sacrificing the thrills, resulting in one of the series' most thoughtful and emotionally resonant entries." Another viewer shared: "Peak Bond never really goes out of style. Energetic as ever! High-voltage action at full throttle."
Upon its release, the film earned five Academy Award nominations, winning two, and became the seventh highest-grossing film of all time. It held the record as the highest-grossing James Bond film. Adele's title track Skyfall won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Fan favorites and broadcast details
One viewer wrote: "I have two favourite Bonds; the original Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. This is possibly the best Bond ever made. Craig brings true humanity to the character, Judi Dench is a tremendous 'M' and Javier Bardem is a superb villain. This is the best of Craig's Bonds."
The film features Bond girls Severine, played by Berenice Marlohe, and Eve Moneypenny, played by Naomie Harris. Another viewer described it as an "awesome instalment of 007", adding: "A tightly contained storyline focusing inwards, deeply intertwined. My favourite of Daniel Craig's so far." You can watch Skyfall on ITV tonight at 10.45pm.
