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Between 1962 and 1974, a remarkable total of nine James Bond films were released. This is an impressive feat, especially considering that movies of this caliber typically require two to three years of development. Notably, the three-year interval between “The Man with the Golden Gun” and “The Spy Who Loved Me” marked the franchise’s first significant hiatus. This break provided a much-needed opportunity to rejuvenate the series, resulting in what is arguably the finest Bond film of Roger Moore’s tenure.
In “The Spy Who Loved Me”, British secret agent James Bond teams up with Soviet spy Major Anya Amasova to stop the megalomaniacal shipping tycoon Karl Stromberg, who plans to trigger a global nuclear war and create an underwater civilization. When British and Soviet nuclear submarines mysteriously disappear, Bond and Amasova follow a trail that leads them to Stromberg’s massive tanker, the Liparus, which houses a secret base. As they battle Stromberg’s henchmen, including the towering, steel-toothed assassin Jaws, Bond and Amasova must set aside their national rivalries to prevent worldwide destruction.
“The Spy Who Loved Me” boasts numerous iconic moments that solidify its place as one of the franchise’s most unforgettable entries. The film opens with an exhilarating ski chase, culminating in Bond’s daring base jump with a Union Jack parachute—a scene that epitomizes his status as the quintessential British hero. Additionally, the introduction of Jaws, one of the series’ most beloved villains and a rare antagonist to appear in multiple films, adds to its allure. While his method of biting his victims might seem a bit far-fetched, the character strikes a perfect balance between menacing and whimsical.
One of the standout elements in “The Spy Who Loved Me” is the pairing of Bond with a Russian spy who is his equal and occasionally even his superior. This creates a synergy not previously seen in the Bond movies, despite “From Russia with Love” and “Diamonds Are Forever” both featuring Bond and a female character side by side at the center of the movie. Barbara Bach is both stunning and convincing as a Russian spy. However, despite her strong character in the first two acts of the movie, the writers chose to have her function as a damsel in distress for Bond to save, allowing him to dispense with both Stromberg and Jaws. This is a disservice to the character of Anya, who proved so capable up until then.
The previous two Roger Moore Bond films took a notably different approach from the Sean Connery era, featuring more grounded villains and plots, with a noticeable absence of Q’s gadgets. “The Spy Who Loved Me” marks a triumphant return for the Q Branch, introducing one of the series’ most iconic gadgets: the white Lotus Esprit that transforms into a submarine. The scene where the car emerges from the sea and drives onto the beach is among the many classic moments from this film and the entire series.
While “The Spy Who Loved Me” is celebrated for its iconic moments, it is not without its flaws. The final act tends to drag and mirrors previous Bond films with its large-scale assault on the villain’s lair. The antagonist, Karl Stromberg, is a rather bland villain lacking charisma. He is clearly outshined by his henchman, Jaws, and is one of the franchise’s least memorable adversaries. Stromberg’s scheme is a typical Bond villain plan: attempting to initiate World War III by deploying stolen nuclear weapons against two rival nations.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Spy Who Loved Me” firmly belongs to the upper echelons of the Bond series. Its iconic moments, such as the exhilarating ski chase and the introduction of the formidable henchman Jaws, have left a lasting impact on the franchise. The film’s blend of action, memorable characters, and innovative gadgets continues to captivate audiences, solidifying its esteemed position in the Bond legacy.
