You Only Live Twice

United Kingdom, 1967
Running Length: 1:56
MPAA Classification: PG (Sexual innuendo, violence)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.2:1
Cast: Sean Connery, Donald Pleasence, Akiko Wakabayashi, Tetsuro Tamba, Mie Hama, Bernard Lee, Desmond Llewelyn, Lois Maxwell
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Producer: Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman
Screenplay: Roald Dahl based on the novel by Ian Fleming
Cinematography: Freddie Young
Music: John Barry
U.S. Distributor: United Artists

The British agent is now taken to the Far East to solve the case. And he comes across a couple of Japanese on his way to achieve his goal. Of them is a beautiful lady named Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi) and her boss Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tamba).

The Plot
The storyline is drawn in such way that it hampers the believability of the whole thing. However, Bond is aptly suited as before. The SPECTRE has now tied up his deadly links with Blofeld and the two together plan out the commandeering of American and Soviet spaceships. Their target is the detonation of warfare between the two cracking powers. And James Bond was appointed to hold on the inferno, which eventually took him to Japan. There only he is introduced to his sexy partner Aki who proved to be equally competent and her boss Tiger who helps him find out the SPECTRE den and the space capsules hidden there.

Believe It Or Not
Though the first part of the film is quite balanced with all the expert deeds of Bond and a warm kinship between the Brave 007 and the beauty of Japan, it really became cockeyed when the rockets were shown to swallow the space ships. The whole thing was completely inconceivable to the audience. Otherwise the actions, the bevels and chamfers are quite exciting. The audience adores the close relationship shared by Bond and Aki.

Blofeld Unmasked
The baleful voice of Blofeld now uncloaked its face to show the rather simple looking Donald Pleasance, a substantial actor however. Donald, no doubt is a great actor but not suitable for that devilish look at all with his simple and ordinary appearance. In this context Max Von Sydow may be recalled as the best-suited Blofeld till date.

The movie is duly decorated with all those actions and romance usually preferred by the common stuff and yes, our great Sean Connery is never found tired of making the same kind of moves however. Lastly it may be said that You Only Live Twice is a real Japanese delicacy garnished with caviar of wit and charm all in the Bond’s monopoly.

The beauty of Japan is well classed with this secret agent of Britain and Sean made just no injustice to that. Women area real weak point of Ian’s Bond and Sean seems to be the best fit to such a role with all his killing and sensual appeals.