The 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, will be broadcast on ITV1 tonight at 8pm. The 2021 release, featuring Daniel Craig in his final appearance as 007, has been hailed by fans as a 'transcendent' and 'utterly brilliant' masterpiece.
Craig's final outing as 007
The film serves as the follow-up to Spectre (2015) and is the fifth and concluding Bond film in Craig's tenure. The official synopsis states: "James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology."
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the screenplay was crafted by Fukunaga with Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) had been attached to direct but departed in August 2018 over 'creative differences'.
Cast, music and awards
Craig is joined by Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, David Dencik, Ben Whishaw, Billy Magnussen, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz. Billie Eilish delivered the theme song, with Hans Zimmer scoring the film. No Time to Die won an Oscar for Best Original Song and received two further Academy Award nominations.
The film took over $774 million at the global box office, reportedly making it the most costly Bond production ever. It ranks as the third-highest-grossing entry in the franchise.
Fan and critic reaction
One reviewer wrote: "Everything you wanted! It's Dr No meets Skyfall! Fukunaga crafted the most pure James Bond experience yet! Bringing a perfect, emotional, & VISCERAL send off for Daniel Craig. The action is insane, the score is PERFECTION, & such a smooth runtime!"
A Rotten Tomatoes viewer posted: "No Time to Die is not just another Bond movie-it is the Bond movie that dares to redefine what a Bond movie can be. Daring, sleek, and unexpectedly moving, Cary Joji Fukunaga's direction brings an emotional weight and visual grace rarely seen in this franchise's long history."
An IMDB user review reads: "We watched this at the cinema today. I've been a life long fan of Bond but I have to say, Craig's performances and portrayal of 007 have been brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It was the swan song that he deserved, that his loyal fans deserved. The sadness, the wit, action and legendary Bond appeal for all generations to watch. Daniel Craig reinvented Bond, whoever follows has some impossibly next level big shoes to fill. Another masterpiece."
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Craig reflected on stepping away after 15 years and five films: "I'll miss everything, I think. I'll miss the collaboration. I mean, hopefully I'll keep working and I'll have lots of other lovely jobs, but it's very, very, very rare air. Apart from Marvel movies, there aren't movies that are as big as this. I've had the privilege of being involved in it. ... It was there before me, and it will be there after me... So, yeah, I'll miss it a lot."
No Time to Die is set to broadcast on ITV1 this evening at 8pm.
