journal features

movie review - Casino Royale (2006)

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Nichinan, Miyazaki, 2022.01.08

Today my son and I watched the first of the Bond movies to feature Daniel Craig. He agreed that it was by the best of the five we watched together, and had none of those moments when he wondered, "Why did they do that?"

I've reviewed this movie in the past, but I have come to realize something in watching it this time. The story isn't telling us what happened when our man became James Bond, 007; it's telling us how he did. He's not "007" at the beginning of the movie, he's a young man with the talent but not the edge, not the motivation, and without the perspective that his job needs. By the end he's hardened, cynical, methodical, and focused. It's a subtly brilliant story and it flew right over my head when I first saw it some 14 years ago.

Yes, a brilliant James Bond movie. All the other Bond movies are OK and sometimes fun but not great. This one's worth another viewing.

A favorite. Strongly recommended.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering