Dr. No

007__#1__The Bond movie that "started it all" and served all the ingredients typical for it: a simple plot that doesn't need to much thinking, a distinctive villain with megalomaniac plans (in this case a member of the Spectre organisation that regularly accompanied the Connery Bond films), an attractive setting and a pretty babe (Ursulla Anders's exit from the sea is still one of the most quoted scenes). But Dr. No is different in a way. It's almost devoid of action, it lacks Q's typical gadgets, and most importantly, Connery is too serious, without his sarcastic wisecracks and wit. Yet it was Connery's considerable charisma that "made" this film, without it, it would have been very mediocre. Better times were yet to come. (02.10.2005)

This isn’t completely traditional the Bond movies after all, the storytelling structure is fixed, but James isn’t yet the carefree Casanova that we’re used to, he just does his job in his own way. Traditional espionage tricks, not futuristic weapons, and only in the finale does Dr. No start to smack of sci-fi (metal claws, radiation), but that’s the way I like it. Ursula Andress is an old-style, double-edged goddess, with the wave of a wand, she changes from half-naked native in a bikini into Barbie and back again. Connery is my favorite Bond and he clearly enjoys the role of murderous bastard. An immortal classic. I think they were on their way to a funeral. (21.01.2013)

Dr. No attacks the 80% popularity threshold with its ratings and has several satisfied comments in the style of "It's not quite there yet, but it has everything that makes Bond Bond, it's just not fully developed." From my perspective, Dr. No is a film that has only made its mark in film history as the beginning of a successful cult series about the unstoppable agent 007, rather than for its objective quality. Dr. No does not stand out from the contemporary genre productions, let alone the overall cinema of that time. Comparing it to the stylish action spectacle of later Bond films makes even less sense. It has many flaws. It is a clumsy and awkward film where many things happen by unintended magic. For example, the outrageously rushed finale, where the victory over the villain is so painfully easy and quick, is disappointing. Ursula's charms are undeniable, but many other bond girls have managed to combine physical attractiveness with a much greater dose of acting talent. Overall impression: 40%. (11.11.2013)

In 1962, a willing studio and a handy pair of producers (Saltzman-Broccoli) were finally found, able to realize ambitious plans to transfer the fates of Fleming's agent 007 from book to screen. Among the candidates for the lead roles were names such as Roger Moore (he was too young) and Cary Grant, but the choice fell to Scottish badass Sean Connery, who convinced with his musculature, rough smile and charisma that shone from him on all sides. And it was the right choice, that's obvious from Dr. No. It is basically a very conservative spy film with (for today's) minimal representation of action. It's based on a relatively realistic screenplay, so no big inventions, no Q. The plot is, say, a little more lukewarm, overly stretched and not diversified by anything particularly interesting (the main villain seems to be on the edge of interest), but Connery plays Bond with such grace and persuasion that no spy upgrades and action escapades are needed. The whole film holds firm thanks to the main character and his charm, and I dare say that the birth of the Bond cult was largely the work of the Scottish man in the early days. He provided the skeleton over which the super agent myth eventually began to wrap. Dr. No is a Connery film, it's entertaining, it's got English sarcasm, and perhaps too unhurried from today's point of view, but that's what its unique charm lies in. Let’s not kid ourselves, the power of 007 wasn't in super-weapons and incredible action performances, but in the steel-cold smile and calmness of a true gentleman... That's why pretty Brosnan can never become a real 007 agent, but he'll remain "just" an action hero. (28.10.2004)

Dr. No is primarily a stylish crime drama where all the typical gadgets of Bond are still in the background at the expense of the dense atmosphere and strength of the main character. The film is essentially focused only on him and the side motives don't have much chance to develop. Fortunately, it is quite enjoyable, as Sean Connery is very charismatic and was not surpassed until Daniel Craig. And that's quite a few years and filmmaking styles. (17.11.2013)