Hello Ash. I am old enough to remember Roger Moore as The Saint. At the age of ten (1964) I was given a Saint toy pistol and shoulder holster for my Birthday. That was also the time I started to wear a tie, (The Saint always wore ties), and trying to copy the Roger Moore quiff in my hair. So I owe a lot to Mr Moore's influence on a little country boy running through the fields with my service army pistol under my jacket and dreaming of all the wonderful adventures I would have. I would love to have met him on one of his talks. Thanks for the memories Ash.
The reason why i think Connery was the best in the first 4 Bond films (Dr. No - FRWL - Goldfinger -Thunderball). He was the only one who could be dark and gritty and at the same time sophisticated and charming. He looked just as dangerous, tough and ruthless as Craig or Dalton, without having to look depressed and with a lot more style and charisma. He could have humor and punchlines without it making him cheesy or turning the film into a comedy, as it often was with Moore. He looked cooler and had a lot more natural talent than Lazenby or Brosnan. He filled the screen with charisma and masculinity that no one else matched. His looks, his style, his movements, even the way he said each line or one-liner make him unreachable. Sean Connery made James Bond: "the man every other man wants to be and every woman just wants ...". While Moore often turned the character into a "caricature" of the connery Bond, Dalton into a "dry" and humorless character, Brosnan into a "videogame" hero, and Craig into a depressed and often "bipolar" character, an alternative Jason Bourne. In conclusion, Sean Connery was the ultimate personification of Bond because he is the only one you would want to be at all times. All his successors had some of Bond's elements. He had it all.
I was in the pub about 30 years ago with my parents & Auntie & uncle. My uncle was in the Merchant navy before being a Lorry driver. He produced an old photo of two sailors in a photographers studio. One of them was my uncle at about 20 the other was Sean Connery. On the back in pencil was written "Me & Tommy Connery" The first time I found out Sean wasn't his real name.
Sean was actually his middle name, but he adopted it as his first name as a young man when he used to knock about with a lad called Séamus, and people took to calling them "Séamus and Sean" on account of the alliteration of the two names.
Thanks, Ash. Good one. Connery is my favorite. OHMSS is the best book and movie. Completely agree with you: Lazenby could have been great had he kept with it.
A near perfect Bond movie. Beautiful women, great car chase, secret ocean lair, stunning locations and sets. And any movie with both Valerie Leon and Caroline Munro in it has to be right up there.
Around the age of 8/9 my father brought me to the movie theater to see License to Kill. Ever since then, Timothy Dalton has been “my” Bond. A person’s favorite bond is as subjective as their cologne.
I never watched any Bond movies except the original ones with Sean Connery until I discovered your channel. Your Bond videos aroused my interest and I watched On Her Majesty's Secret Service, which I found peculiar after the first movies but having its own charm. Now moving on to the Daniel Craig's Bond.
Pierce Brosnan is definitely my favourite Bond. He was so on point with everything - suaveness, style, but ruthlessness too. It's just a shame he had so many poor movies. Thank God for Goldeneye, which was excellent - one of the franchise's best imo.
If join the Saint Club, you can buy a pair of those cuff links. I have Saint tie, and lapel badge. You get a very amusing ID. club card, with an introduction on the back written by Leslie Charteris , which will get you a smile if shown to police if stopped !
My first Bond was Connery. As I saw him first. Second is Roger Moore as obviously I saw him second. The rest to me are the runner ups. Connery's one liners in From Russia With Love were ahead of it's time.
What a wonderful video, thanks Ash! I have to go with Sean Connery for the reasons you mentioned, he brought the Bond character to life and he was my first Bond. I do like Daniel Craig as well.
The first Bond movie I saw was Doctor No on TV which got me into James Bond as a child. In my teens I also a Double-Bill at the cinema, Live & Let Die followed by The Spy Who Loved Me. Yes we are indeed influenced by the Bond we grew up with and Roger Moore became my favourite. Those two movies are right up with the best.
I do love bond. If you're ever hurting for video ideas you could go movie by movie and discuss all the different outfits bond wears. That'd be a cool series
Connery, for me is my favourite Bond. Although, I'm a similar age to you Ash, I only watched the Bond films on the TV until the 80s, and watched them in order. So I'll never forget watching Dr No in October 1975, the first time a Bond movie was seen on TV in the UK - the impact and joy of it lasted for days. Ever since I've researched and studied the whole genre, and reviews each outing and the surrounding insights of actors, production etc with interest. I'm a big fan of the Dalton outing, 'Licence to Kill' had some grit and is one of my favourites. 'From Russia With Love' and 'Goldfinger' are at the top of the pile, followed closely by 'Man With The Golden Gun', 'Spy Who Loved Me'and 'Tomorrow Never Dies'. Craig's depiction never resonated with me. Although good films in themselves, the strive for heavyweight 'realism' of those films and more dramatic, dark performancees typified by this reboot of the franchise didn't entertain me as the others did and still do. Throw in some of the dubious theme songs from later movies didn't help - Madonna and Sam Smith stand out for being 'missed opportunities' for me.
I came to Bond in the Roger Moore years. I recall the first movie I went to as a teenager without my parents was “A View to a Kill”. While I had seen Bond on TV before that it really got me into the whole world. I quickly watched every film up to that point. I found I identified with Connery best and something about the exoticism of “From Russia with Love” captivated me and I was hooked.
Definitely Dalton and Connery up at the top. I grew up with Dalton. I love them all unconditionally because each one offers something unique. Connery was the lithe and deadly charmer. Lazenby was the vulnerable one. Moore was incredibly handsome and witty. Dalton was real and intense. Brosnan was suave and smooth. Craig was the bluntest of instruments.
Just watched your cravat video and told you my cravat makes me look very James Bond! And suggested Sean Connery! What a coincidence!! Now ready for our 1940s event: just don’t forget to deliver that Aston Martin DB5… With the ejector seat obviously… Oh. And those front mounted machine guns in case we encounter traffic…
Connery's Bond had a veneer of sophistication hiding a ruthless nature which made him very convincing and, to me, makes him the most realistic Bond. Roger Moore didn't try to follow Connery's model but invented a tongue in cheek Bond, it is difficult to compare the two but none of the others come close.
I was so pleased to hear and see you appreciate Tim Dalton who, I understand, looked the most like Ian Flemming's character as he resembled Hoagy Carmichael!. And the Flash Gordon moment... For my money, Daniel Craig is the greatest bond. He also put me right on my back me as a young man when we tried to play Hilbre at Rugby. I'll let him off for that 😁
Great vid - I have to put it out there - I think Timothy Dalton in the The Living Daylights is the closest to the Bond character in the books, a smart, charming but cold and ruthless assassin. He was very underrated in that movie. Piers Brosnan did a really good attempt with Golden Eye despite the slightly campy script. Craig was excellent in Casino Royale but got too angst-ridden with the other films - But, hands-down, Connery for the win as the best ‘film’ version of James Bond!
Ash- interesting choice but understandable from your POV. Even as I am older than you I am chosing Craig (modern, kind of hero) and Brosnan 2nd, cause I knew him from Remington Steel from firmer times. Pls continue that kind of content. Appreciated. Get going 🚀
It’s Craig for me but I’m young (19) so those films are the ones I’ve mainly seen. Not technically the best dressed - his suits sometimes fit too tightly, he breaks classic style rules - but I aspire to dress like him because to dress like the others at my age would seem wrong. He blends classic style with a casual nature that I like. I also think that he portrays bond in a very deep and complex way, while retaining the charm and wit, and I think that makes the character so captivating
For me. Best Bond movies Skyfall, licence to kill. Favorite Bond actor Brosnan and Roger Moore. Favorite Villain, Christopher Lee. Favorite Bond girls, Eva Green Brit Eckland and Sophie Marceu. Least favorite Bond movies, Living Daylights, QOS and No time to die. and the one with Madonna.
My favorit James Bond is Roger Moore by the same reasons you said. I grew Up with him and I remember the first moovie I saw was Moonraquer in the Cinema. It was late 70ies.
I don't think I can peg a favorite but I grew up with Connery and Moore. Right now I am on my 3rd Justin Black book of real spy stories from both sides. His podcast is Spycraft 101 where you can hear audio of many such real life spy stories.
Daniel Craig was my favourite Bond because he brought something in the background, something you know is happening but you don't know what. In his Bond it was alcohol hiding in the background but these days there could be anything hidden away such as a messy divorce, mental health issues, drugs etc. I think a lot of people can relate to his version of the character.
Hi ash, I personally thought that Connery was and still is the best all time bond. I even now will gladly watch the first four movies however I think that diamonds are forever was flogging a dead horse. If I was to go with my era bond it would be Brosnen my particular favourite movie of his would be Goldeneye. My fave movie of the Bond franchise would be Skyfall and Goldfinger. I know Thunderball gets a lot of flak but I also thought this was a great movie. Love the 007 themed videos keep them up Ash 👍🏽
Good morning Ash. My favorite Bond would have to be Sean Connery like you said he was the one from my childhood but I also thought he did the best job. George Lazenby was probably the one who looked most like the drawing of Bond. I always think of Rodger Moore as the saint. I used to watch the TV show with my father in the 60s. Next to Sean Connery I would have to say Pierce Brosnan would be my second choice. I do like Daniel Craig's portrayal and enjoyed his films but not as much as Sean Connery. I have started reading the books in the order in which Ian Fleming wrote them. I have just finished Gold finger. They are certainly literature of their time. very best regards Ron
My Bind was Brosnan but when I came back to the series after watching Dalton as Bond my favourite is Dalton and its because that he was more faithful to what Ian Fleming wrote but my favourite film is Licence To Kill and it because there are people like Sanchez and reflected on the times also part of the plot actually came from chapters 14 and 15 of the book Live and Let Die If I was you rewatched it again and then read those chapters
A View to a Kill is such an experimental movie, it's kind of amazing it is as good as it is. if you think about it, there are 3 different plots to the thing, and none of them have anything to do with each other. they are at first looking for a microchip, then doping race horses, and then flooding Silicon Valley, its crazy. also think Sir Roger is a fine choice for a favorite Bond, he always gave an excellent performance.
Roger Moore for me. He had a sardonic, almost detached bemusement to most situations. He knew his job was dangerous, his life was constantly in danger, and he faced it all with a slight smirk and a smart ass comment. His movies also had the coolest villains. Scaramanga, Jaws, Tee-Hee, May Day etc.
As with you, Moore was the Bond I grew up with, but once I saw Sean Connery, he was Bond incarnate. Tough, humorous, charming, suave, deadly. The perfect blend. Moore is my close second for the reasons you gave. Then Dalton. He portrayed the serious Bond best. Brosnan was a bit too smarmy and soft for me. Almost posed too much. But I liked his first two films. Lazenby was adequate, but his film was great. One of the best. Craig is last for me. A face like an old mitt with the personality to match. Dour is a good word. Almost emo. Last last last place, though Casino Royale was a good movie.
Lazenby’s voice was actually dubbed… he also famously wanted the role so badly that on auditioning, he asked for a Connery haircut and tried to emulate the Connery look
I'm with you, Roger Moore was my childhood Bond. Connery also perfect in the role. How about Theo James for Bond? I think he's been overlooked but would be a good fit
Very interesting Ash. My Era was also Roger Moore although my favourite Bond is Daniel Craig and the Skyfall movie. As I’ve become more affluent in my middling years, rather like yourself, I found myself modelling my clothes off of Daniel Craig. Criockett and Jones shoes, Tom Ford etc. I also subscribe to Bond Style for more inspirationon on my Bond journey.
Craig is at the bottom of the Bonds. His character lacked charisma, flair and the look of agent assassin. He is a good actor but the Bind production was the issue.
Ash and the crew, As you said, the first Bond imprints your image of the character. My first cinema view was Thunderball, so Sean Connery was “my first exposure.” IMO, Connery and Craig are the best portrayals of the Fleming Bond. Of course, any Bond movie is always going to be worth the ticket even if it isn’t close to Fleming’s Bond. Cheers, JR old warrior, even older author
All really nice people in their own right and all brought a different style of Bond to the screen. Sean Connery definitely got the ball rolling but Roger More was my growing up Bond and a real gentleman but Daniel Graig is definitely my favourite Bond and definitely the closest depiction of Bond.
Wow this is a tough one. Like you, I was exposed to 007 as a kid through Roger Moore, and I used to think he was far and away the best Bond. As I grew up and continued to watch all the Bond movies over and over again my opinion changed. I truly believe Sean Connery was the ultimate Bond movie actor, followed closely behind by Daniel Craig. I feel the character demands a level of athletic prowess and aggression that Connery and Craig presented better than Roger Moore. Having said that, Live and Let Die and For Your Eyes Only or amongst my favorites of the movies. I thought Timothy Dalton was underrated and his premier in The Living Daylights is another one of my favorites (though License To Kill was a train wreck). Dalton could have developed nicely into the role I believe. Though I will watch every Bond movie that comes along, I will reserve comment on the Pierce Brosnan movies (recovering PTSD), even though I loved him as Remington Steele. Interestingly, as a martial arts practitioner I think that amongst the early Bonds, George Lazenby did a great job in his fight scenes demonstrating fight skill that was rarely seen in movies until much more recently (al la John Wick). What I loved about Daniel Craig is that he was the first actor to present a Bond character that actually bleeds. This was important because it is inconceivable that an agent can go through the adventures that James Bond goes through and always come out unscathed. My vote for the next James Bond actor amongst the choices in your previous video: Henry Cavill hands down. One just needs to watch the movie The Man From Uncle to see that he's got this. I think Aaron Taylor-Johnson is great (Bullet Train!!), but I don't see it just yet. Give Cavill the chance first, and then Taylor-Johnson when he matures a little. I'm not the least bit worried about the ages of these actors. Much to the credit of contemporary action movie stars the level of physical fitness they are achieving to play these roles is extremely impressive. Just look at Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman at what they did prepare preparing for their respective characters. At 50+ years old, truly exceptional!!
I grew up watching Roger Moore, but I clearly prefer Sean Connery. Roger Moore is Simon Templar (whom I watched later). It could have been interesting to see Sam Neill perform as Bond (I love his portrayal in Reilly, Ace of Spies).
Sir Roger Moore was my introduction to 007 (“The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Moonraker) as a wee bitty lad, so he was my early fave, but now I gotta go with Sir Sean Connery out of Scottish ancestral pride. 🕵️♂️🏴
My top three are Connery, Moore, and Brosnan. Connery was ruthless, Moore was humourous, and Pierce was sleek. Many of their films grace my top 10 (which includes some standard picks like Goldfinger and Goldeneye, but also controversial ones like Diamonds are Forever and View to a Kill). Dalton was pretty good too. I'm not massive on Craig as he just got more depressed and disinterested as his films went on, and I just can't buy Lazenby as a convincing Bond.
Roger Moore was a very funny guy, I've listened to and watched several interviews on both radio and TV, he had me in stitches. A very intelligent man also.
Was also interesting with the Ian Fleming version of the character, is he actually significantly younger than most people think. Casino Royale he’s only about 27 years old. For those curious, Fleming himself establishes that Casino Royale takes place in 1951. It is established in a continuation novel that bond turns 45 in 19 6945 the mandatory age of retirement for agents in his department. Bond was born in 1924, therefore making him 27 in Casino Royale and 39 i in the man with the golden gun
Personally, i think that Connery is iconic; Brosnan is the best appearance, posture and style; Craig successfully bought the character into the new century, cinema-wise. I didn't saw much of Dalton yet. Moore did a good job and i wish Lazenby had more movies.
Sean Connery is my favourite as James Bond - that charm, swagger and he looked he could kill you. My two absolute favourite Bond films are Thunderball (1965) and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). I have always thought George Lazenby was solid as Bond and he was really good in the action sequences due to his military service experience in the Royal Australian Army SAS. I believe he would have really grown into the role if he worked under the direction of experienced Guy Hamilton in both Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Live and Let Die (1973).
Moore plays the role like a flippant army officer, Connery like a tough brawling operator and Lasenby played it Similar to Connery but with a little bit more flair. None of the latter actors could pull any of that off. Craigs character was to hard faced and lacked a charisma that would allow him to mingle with the other characters.
Great video. I grew up with Roger Moore as well, but he is one of my least favorite Bond actors. I prefer the gritty realism of Daniel Craig's portrayal. Craig is my favorite Bond actor. But License to Kill starting Timothy Dalton is probably my favorite Bond movie. It is a personal vendetta movie, which is a very atypical Bond theme. Sean Connery is in a class by himself. Even though Craig is my favorite Bond actor, Connery is one of a kind.
Dear Chap, what is your opinion on Patrick McGoohan? Could you see him interpreting Bond? And what about New Zeelander Sam Neill? He was considered for Octopussy after his brilliant interpretation of Sidney Reilly... However his friend and director Martin Campbell eventually did a good job directing GoldenEye and Casino Royale.
I’m back and forth between Connery and Craig. I grew up with Connery, didn’t see Moore, Dalton, or Bronson as fitting the character mold. Craig to me did fit that mold. I thought Lazenby fit the character but only did the one movie. Favorite movies Goldfinger, Casino Royale, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Has to be Connery, despite being of the same vintage as you and Moore being our childhood Bond.... I suspect as the only other way for us to see Bond as kids was to see it on telly, at Xmas usually, Connery would have been fed to us even more that Moore. Agree the Aussie is a grower, did a fab storyline. I like them all to be honest. I just don't want them to turn Bond into a complete shoot em up, I like my champagne , oysters, T&A shirts and British grand tourer cars! ... and a little bonking. M PS ... I'd forgotten Connery had hung up is PPK before we were even born (officially)
Hey Ash, how can you have such a disdain for Moonraker? It was a stunning show. I think weakest Bond from Roger Moore’s tenure was The Octopussy. I agree on The Living Daylights, one of the best. My favorites: Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan. You made right comments on Sean Connery, Tim Dalton and George Lazenby. Craig is great actor but I never accepted him as a Bond figure.
Shir Shean Connery was the original, but Dalton was a good 'Bond' who was reportedly closest to Fleming's original inception. 'From Russia With Love' had the best fight in the train - vs 'Red' Grant
So far, I’ve read every one of Ian Fleming’s novels from Casino Royale through Goldfinger and I can confirm that Timmy Dalton bond is the most accurate followed extremely closely by Daniel Craig. If Daniel Craig had died his hair black, he would be the single most accurate version of the character.
Very good observation about "From Russia With Love", one of the finest James Bond films. BTW, Robert Shaw was an excellent actor who never received the credit he deserved.
Although Sean Connery was, perhaps, the "perfect" Bond I would go along with you with Roger Moore who not only was (as my wife says) "the most handsome Bond ever" but also the most humane and charming; nobody could match his English stylishness and dry humour. I never liked Timothy Dalton but Pierce Brosnan did an excellent job. Daniel Craig is awful, in EVERY way (dour, sullen, brutal and humourless) OK: Rant over! 😁😁😁 Best Bond films? "From Russia With Love" - "Thunderball" - "Live and Let Die" -"The Spy Who Loved Me" - "Golden Eye" and "The World Is Not Enough" Worst Bond films? "Diamonds Are Forever" - "Moonraker" and ALL Daniel Craig´s.
Yes, good point . The original Casino Royal. I believe even though it was nightmare to make, ( four directors)it made more money in 1967, than You Only Live Twice !
My favorite is connery or brosnan (my bond being born in 83) But I've enjoyed all of them. Lazenby was my least favorite bond but I think although it's not my favorite bond movie it is my favorite story (movie story not book story).
My favorit Bond was Daniel Craig. His Bond was the most realistic and complex character, in my humble opinion. But I very enjoy watching the old Sir Roger Moore Bond-movies, too. Regards Oni
Sean Connery! But I grew up watching Roger Moore, like you, and love all those movies. I liked Timothy Dalton and his films were pretty good from memory. Pierce Branson was great in Goldeneye but his other films were pretty daft. Daniel Craig was great but some of the films aren’t so good, especially the last!
I've never been a fan of the James Bond character, of the novels, or of the movie franchise. I've also seen very few of the post-Roger Moore films. Having said that, my very limited perspective on the subject would be that Sean Connery was the quintessential Bond. -This ex-coffin polisher had a certain gravitas and was quite believable as a hired killer for shadowy government interests.
Roger Moore was also The Saint,I grew up with Roger Moore as my 007.It is a difficult choice to chose between him and Sean Connery.As for later Bonds I would choose Pierce Brosenan.I do think Sean might be the best Bond.Daniel Craig is brings Bond back to Connery.
Lazenby was a very appropriate Bond. I think I am very alone here with my opinion but I like Daniel Craig best and Skyfall is my favorite Bond movie of all times. 🕐⚙️🍸
Sean Connery is my first choice as he was a very suave and stylish Bond, followed by Daniel Craig who was a more rugged and in your face Bond more akin to someone who i imagine was in the SBS. I'm showing my age by saying I've seen all the Bond movies over the decades. Pierce Brosnan is my third choice and a mention for Timothy Dalton he wasn’t to shabby ether playing bond but i couldn't take to Roger Moore he was to comedic for me later on in his bond movies. Even though Live and let die is my favourite of his Bond films.
I think Connery's best films were Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice and Thunderball. People overlook the fact that Connery's Bond also fell into that tongue-in-cheek, more comedic & kooky style with his last 2 outings, Diamonds Are Forever was certainly in that style. Moore's best films were The Spy Who Loved Me, A View to a Kill & (dare I say it) Moonraker. The latter being published in 1955 but I have no doubt the film leaned more towards piggy-backing the popularity of Star Wars. I have very little time for Craig's Bond. Like most modern films, they are too woke, too stifled in what they can and can't depict. Women can no longer be inherently bad/psychotic (like Xenia Onatopp) nor can they be sexual or sexy ... so gone are all the fun shenanigans. Goldeneye was the last "proper" Bond film IMO. So the true essence of Bond has been dead a long time. Nowadays they're just trying to have Bond compete with Bourne and Ethan plus ticking all the woke boxes.
Connery number one. Craig number two. Skyfall just edges out From Russia With Love (and the European half of Goldfinger) as best movie. I wear my watches (divers , of course) on Bond NATO straps; Goldfinger and SPECTRE patterns
Hello Ash. I am old enough to remember Roger Moore as The Saint. At the age of ten (1964) I was given a Saint toy pistol and shoulder holster for my Birthday. That was also the time I started to wear a tie, (The Saint always wore ties), and trying to copy the Roger Moore quiff in my hair. So I owe a lot to Mr Moore's influence on a little country boy running through the fields with my service army pistol under my jacket and dreaming of all the wonderful adventures I would have. I would love to have met him on one of his talks. Thanks for the memories Ash.
The reason why i think Connery was the best in the first 4 Bond films (Dr. No - FRWL - Goldfinger -Thunderball). He was the only one who could be dark and gritty and at the same time sophisticated and charming. He looked just as dangerous, tough and ruthless as Craig or Dalton, without having to look depressed and with a lot more style and charisma. He could have humor and punchlines without it making him cheesy or turning the film into a comedy, as it often was with Moore. He looked cooler and had a lot more natural talent than Lazenby or Brosnan. He filled the screen with charisma and masculinity that no one else matched. His looks, his style, his movements, even the way he said each line or one-liner make him unreachable. Sean Connery made James Bond: "the man every other man wants to be and every woman just wants ...". While Moore often turned the character into a "caricature" of the connery Bond, Dalton into a "dry" and humorless character, Brosnan into a "videogame" hero, and Craig into a depressed and often "bipolar" character, an alternative Jason Bourne. In conclusion, Sean Connery was the ultimate personification of Bond because he is the only one you would want to be at all times. All his successors had some of Bond's elements. He had it all.
If you were a woman and I wasn’t with my wife we both would have to marry.
All said right
Pretty spot on!
Bingo!! 🕵️♀️🕵️♂️🏴🏴
@@th7297 😂
My favorite Bone was Timothy Dalton. A tall Welshman who wanted to play the character like the books.
I was in the pub about 30 years ago with my parents & Auntie & uncle. My uncle was in the Merchant navy before being a Lorry driver. He produced an old photo of two sailors in a photographers studio. One of them was my uncle at about 20 the other was Sean Connery. On the back in pencil was written "Me & Tommy Connery" The first time I found out Sean wasn't his real name.
Great memory
Sean was actually his middle name, but he adopted it as his first name as a young man when he used to knock about with a lad called Séamus, and people took to calling them "Séamus and Sean" on account of the alliteration of the two names.
Thanks, Ash. Good one. Connery is my favorite. OHMSS is the best book and movie. Completely agree with you: Lazenby could have been great had he kept with it.
Yip. Lazenby was very underrated (too much in fact)
Great video as always Ash. Although not as prolific in the Bond franchise, David Niven also played Bond and served as an officer in the Army.
I think that The Spy Who Loved Me may be as satisfying a cinema experience as was North By NorthWest.
Yes, (but for me) with just caveat: the van in the desert scene.
A near perfect Bond movie. Beautiful women, great car chase, secret ocean lair, stunning locations and sets. And any movie with both Valerie Leon and Caroline Munro in it has to be right up there.
And that beautiful white Lotus. And the theme tune😂
Around the age of 8/9 my father brought me to the movie theater to see License to Kill. Ever since then, Timothy Dalton has been “my” Bond. A person’s favorite bond is as subjective as their cologne.
I never watched any Bond movies except the original ones with Sean Connery until I discovered your channel. Your Bond videos aroused my interest and I watched On Her Majesty's Secret Service, which I found peculiar after the first movies but having its own charm. Now moving on to the Daniel Craig's Bond.
Pierce Brosnan is definitely my favourite Bond. He was so on point with everything - suaveness, style, but ruthlessness too. It's just a shame he had so many poor movies. Thank God for Goldeneye, which was excellent - one of the franchise's best imo.
Does anyone remember The Saint starring Roger Moore my Dad had a pair of Saint cufflinks the ones with that little Stick man stamped on them.
If join the Saint Club, you can buy a pair of those cuff links.
I have Saint tie, and lapel badge.
You get a very amusing ID. club card, with an introduction on the back written by Leslie Charteris , which will get you a smile if shown to police if stopped !
Thanks
Thank you sir.
My first Bond was Connery. As I saw him first. Second is Roger Moore as obviously I saw him second. The rest to me are the runner ups. Connery's one liners in From Russia With Love were ahead of it's time.
What a wonderful video, thanks Ash! I have to go with Sean Connery for the reasons you mentioned, he brought the Bond character to life and he was my first Bond. I do like Daniel Craig as well.
The first Bond movie I saw was Doctor No on TV which got me into James Bond as a child. In my teens I also a Double-Bill at the cinema, Live & Let Die followed by The Spy Who Loved Me. Yes we are indeed influenced by the Bond we grew up with and Roger Moore became my favourite. Those two movies are right up with the best.
Interesting topic and discussion.
I do love bond. If you're ever hurting for video ideas you could go movie by movie and discuss all the different outfits bond wears. That'd be a cool series
One of your best videos yet. Bronson for me!
Connery, for me is my favourite Bond. Although, I'm a similar age to you Ash, I only watched the Bond films on the TV until the 80s, and watched them in order. So I'll never forget watching Dr No in October 1975, the first time a Bond movie was seen on TV in the UK - the impact and joy of it lasted for days. Ever since I've researched and studied the whole genre, and reviews each outing and the surrounding insights of actors, production etc with interest.
I'm a big fan of the Dalton outing, 'Licence to Kill' had some grit and is one of my favourites.
'From Russia With Love' and 'Goldfinger' are at the top of the pile, followed closely by 'Man With The Golden Gun', 'Spy Who Loved Me'and 'Tomorrow Never Dies'.
Craig's depiction never resonated with me. Although good films in themselves, the strive for heavyweight 'realism' of those films and more dramatic, dark performancees typified by this reboot of the franchise didn't entertain me as the others did and still do. Throw in some of the dubious theme songs from later movies didn't help - Madonna and Sam Smith stand out for being 'missed opportunities' for me.
I agree! I love the fun and action and larger than life persona that Roger Moore had as 007. It’s simply, the most entertaining for me.
Great Content 🎉
Glad you think so!
Great Video. I'm a big James Bond Fan as well. I always enjoyed A View To A Kill. It's one of my favourite Roger Moore Bond Movies.
Timothy Dalton is the Bond that came very close to the Ian Fleming's Bond in the book's. I would have liked to see more of him as Bond.
I came to Bond in the Roger Moore years. I recall the first movie I went to as a teenager without my parents was “A View to a Kill”. While I had seen Bond on TV before that it really got me into the whole world. I quickly watched every film up to that point. I found I identified with Connery best and something about the exoticism of “From Russia with Love” captivated me and I was hooked.
Sean Connery hands down.
Absolutely
FYI Roger was the son of a policeman. Tim's dad was a captain in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) ...
Definitely Dalton and Connery up at the top. I grew up with Dalton. I love them all unconditionally because each one offers something unique. Connery was the lithe and deadly charmer. Lazenby was the vulnerable one. Moore was incredibly handsome and witty. Dalton was real and intense. Brosnan was suave and smooth. Craig was the bluntest of instruments.
Just watched your cravat video and told you my cravat makes me look very James Bond!
And suggested Sean Connery! What a coincidence!!
Now ready for our 1940s event: just don’t forget to deliver that Aston Martin DB5…
With the ejector seat obviously…
Oh. And those front mounted machine guns in case we encounter traffic…
Connery's Bond had a veneer of sophistication hiding a ruthless nature which made him very convincing and, to me, makes him the most realistic Bond. Roger Moore didn't try to follow Connery's model but invented a tongue in cheek Bond, it is difficult to compare the two but none of the others come close.
I was so pleased to hear and see you appreciate Tim Dalton who, I understand, looked the most like Ian Flemming's character as he resembled Hoagy Carmichael!. And the Flash Gordon moment...
For my money, Daniel Craig is the greatest bond. He also put me right on my back me as a young man when we tried to play Hilbre at Rugby. I'll let him off for that
😁
Great vid - I have to put it out there - I think Timothy Dalton in the The Living Daylights is the closest to the Bond character in the books, a smart, charming but cold and ruthless assassin. He was very underrated in that movie. Piers Brosnan did a really good attempt with Golden Eye despite the slightly campy script. Craig was excellent in Casino Royale but got too angst-ridden with the other films - But, hands-down, Connery for the win as the best ‘film’ version of James Bond!
Ash- interesting choice but understandable from your POV. Even as I am older than you I am chosing Craig (modern, kind of hero) and Brosnan 2nd, cause I knew him from Remington Steel from firmer times. Pls continue that kind of content. Appreciated. Get going 🚀
It’s Craig for me but I’m young (19) so those films are the ones I’ve mainly seen. Not technically the best dressed - his suits sometimes fit too tightly, he breaks classic style rules - but I aspire to dress like him because to dress like the others at my age would seem wrong. He blends classic style with a casual nature that I like. I also think that he portrays bond in a very deep and complex way, while retaining the charm and wit, and I think that makes the character so captivating
OCTOPUSSY was the first Bond movie I ever saw, so, in part, because of that, it will always be special, as will Moore.
Pierce!
Tim is the most underrated, he would of been amazing in goldeneye
For me.
Best Bond movies Skyfall, licence to kill.
Favorite Bond actor Brosnan and Roger Moore.
Favorite Villain, Christopher Lee.
Favorite Bond girls, Eva Green Brit Eckland and Sophie Marceu.
Least favorite Bond movies, Living Daylights, QOS and No time to die. and the one with Madonna.
My favorit James Bond is Roger Moore by the same reasons you said. I grew Up with him and I remember the first moovie I saw was Moonraquer in the Cinema. It was late 70ies.
I don't think I can peg a favorite but I grew up with Connery and Moore. Right now I am on my 3rd Justin Black book of real spy stories from both sides. His podcast is Spycraft 101 where you can hear audio of many such real life spy stories.
Hello Ash, greetings Ashlings; I agree: ROGER MOORE, --for his physicality, charm and levity, and UNIQUE ability to LOOK GOOD in 1970's fashions!
Daniel Craig was my favourite Bond because he brought something in the background, something you know is happening but you don't know what.
In his Bond it was alcohol hiding in the background but these days there could be anything hidden away such as a messy divorce, mental health issues, drugs etc.
I think a lot of people can relate to his version of the character.
Hi Chaps. I can't decide between Sir Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan. They are both brilliant 00s.
Hi ash, I personally thought that Connery was and still is the best all time bond. I even now will gladly watch the first four movies however I think that diamonds are forever was flogging a dead horse. If I was to go with my era bond it would be Brosnen my particular favourite movie of his would be Goldeneye.
My fave movie of the Bond franchise would be Skyfall and Goldfinger. I know Thunderball gets a lot of flak but I also thought this was a great movie.
Love the 007 themed videos keep them up Ash 👍🏽
Good morning Ash. My favorite Bond would have to be Sean Connery like you said he was the one from my childhood but I also thought he did the best job. George Lazenby was probably the one who looked most like the drawing of Bond. I always think of Rodger Moore as the saint. I used to watch the TV show with my father in the 60s. Next to Sean Connery I would have to say Pierce Brosnan would be my second choice. I do like Daniel Craig's portrayal and enjoyed his films but not as much as Sean Connery. I have started reading the books in the order in which Ian Fleming wrote them. I have just finished Gold finger. They are certainly literature of their time. very best regards Ron
My Bind was Brosnan but when I came back to the series after watching Dalton as Bond my favourite is Dalton and its because that he was more faithful to what Ian Fleming wrote but my favourite film is Licence To Kill and it because there are people like Sanchez and reflected on the times also part of the plot actually came from chapters 14 and 15 of the book Live and Let Die If I was you rewatched it again and then read those chapters
A View to a Kill is such an experimental movie, it's kind of amazing it is as good as it is. if you think about it, there are 3 different plots to the thing, and none of them have anything to do with each other. they are at first looking for a microchip, then doping race horses, and then flooding Silicon Valley, its crazy. also think Sir Roger is a fine choice for a favorite Bond, he always gave an excellent performance.
Roger Moore for me. He had a sardonic, almost detached bemusement to most situations. He knew his job was dangerous, his life was constantly in danger, and he faced it all with a slight smirk and a smart ass comment. His movies also had the coolest villains. Scaramanga, Jaws, Tee-Hee, May Day etc.
As with you, Moore was the Bond I grew up with, but once I saw Sean Connery, he was Bond incarnate. Tough, humorous, charming, suave, deadly. The perfect blend. Moore is my close second for the reasons you gave. Then Dalton. He portrayed the serious Bond best. Brosnan was a bit too smarmy and soft for me. Almost posed too much. But I liked his first two films. Lazenby was adequate, but his film was great. One of the best. Craig is last for me. A face like an old mitt with the personality to match. Dour is a good word. Almost emo. Last last last place, though Casino Royale was a good movie.
You should do all bond movies one by one where you go through all the clothing main characters wear
Roger Moore for me as well. I also grew up with him as Bond, like you.
Lazenby’s voice was actually dubbed… he also famously wanted the role so badly that on auditioning, he asked for a Connery haircut and tried to emulate the Connery look
I'm with you, Roger Moore was my childhood Bond. Connery also perfect in the role.
How about Theo James for Bond? I think he's been overlooked but would be a good fit
If Cavil is overlooked for the role, I think James is a good 2nd choice.
Sean Connery.
But why did you not even mention David Niven in the spoof “Casino Royale”?
It is not an official Bond movie and hence all the actors who played James Bond in that movie, of whom there were several, do not count as Bond canon.
@@TheChapsGuide Fair enough. Still, a fun footnote.
Roger Moore was my favourite Bond! Loved his cheeky, womanising version.
Very interesting Ash. My Era was also Roger Moore although my favourite Bond is Daniel Craig and the Skyfall movie. As I’ve become more affluent in my middling years, rather like yourself, I found myself modelling my clothes off of Daniel Craig. Criockett and Jones shoes, Tom Ford etc. I also subscribe to Bond Style for more inspirationon on my Bond journey.
Craig is at the bottom of the Bonds. His character lacked charisma, flair and the look of agent assassin. He is a good actor but the Bind production was the issue.
Ash and the crew,
As you said, the first Bond imprints your image of the character. My first cinema view was Thunderball, so Sean Connery was “my first exposure.”
IMO, Connery and Craig are the best portrayals of the Fleming Bond.
Of course, any Bond movie is always going to be worth the ticket even if it isn’t close to Fleming’s Bond.
Cheers,
JR
old warrior, even older author
Question: what about an evening with the Chap‘s Guide topics „in person“ ?
Drinks Food Talks Watches Clothes some sightseeing…
It’s happening in September: www.gentlemansgazette.com/events/gg-london-event-2024/
All really nice people in their own right and all brought a different style of Bond to the screen. Sean Connery definitely got the ball rolling but Roger More was my growing up Bond and a real gentleman but Daniel Graig is definitely my favourite Bond and definitely the closest depiction of Bond.
Wow this is a tough one. Like you, I was exposed to 007 as a kid through Roger Moore, and I used to think he was far and away the best Bond. As I grew up and continued to watch all the Bond movies over and over again my opinion changed. I truly believe Sean Connery was the ultimate Bond movie actor, followed closely behind by Daniel Craig. I feel the character demands a level of athletic prowess and aggression that Connery and Craig presented better than Roger Moore. Having said that, Live and Let Die and For Your Eyes Only or amongst my favorites of the movies. I thought Timothy Dalton was underrated and his premier in The Living Daylights is another one of my favorites (though License To Kill was a train wreck). Dalton could have developed nicely into the role I believe. Though I will watch every Bond movie that comes along, I will reserve comment on the Pierce Brosnan movies (recovering PTSD), even though I loved him as Remington Steele. Interestingly, as a martial arts practitioner I think that amongst the early Bonds, George Lazenby did a great job in his fight scenes demonstrating fight skill that was rarely seen in movies until much more recently (al la John Wick). What I loved about Daniel Craig is that he was the first actor to present a Bond character that actually bleeds. This was important because it is inconceivable that an agent can go through the adventures that James Bond goes through and always come out unscathed. My vote for the next James Bond actor amongst the choices in your previous video: Henry Cavill hands down. One just needs to watch the movie The Man From Uncle to see that he's got this. I think Aaron Taylor-Johnson is great (Bullet Train!!), but I don't see it just yet. Give Cavill the chance first, and then Taylor-Johnson when he matures a little. I'm not the least bit worried about the ages of these actors. Much to the credit of contemporary action movie stars the level of physical fitness they are achieving to play these roles is extremely impressive. Just look at Keanu Reeves and Hugh Jackman at what they did prepare preparing for their respective characters. At 50+ years old, truly exceptional!!
I grew up watching Roger Moore, but I clearly prefer Sean Connery. Roger Moore is Simon Templar (whom I watched later). It could have been interesting to see Sam Neill perform as Bond (I love his portrayal in Reilly, Ace of Spies).
I cant decide. My favourite would have to be Roger Lazenby Connery.
Sir Roger Moore was my introduction to 007 (“The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Moonraker) as a wee bitty lad, so he was my early fave, but now I gotta go with Sir Sean Connery out of Scottish ancestral pride. 🕵️♂️🏴
Fascinating to hear about the real-life military careers of Messrs. Connery, Lazenby, and Moore alike. Thanks for that!
My top three are Connery, Moore, and Brosnan. Connery was ruthless, Moore was humourous, and Pierce was sleek. Many of their films grace my top 10 (which includes some standard picks like Goldfinger and Goldeneye, but also controversial ones like Diamonds are Forever and View to a Kill). Dalton was pretty good too. I'm not massive on Craig as he just got more depressed and disinterested as his films went on, and I just can't buy Lazenby as a convincing Bond.
Roger Moore was a very funny guy, I've listened to and watched several interviews on both radio and TV, he had me in stitches. A very intelligent man also.
Was also interesting with the Ian Fleming version of the character, is he actually significantly younger than most people think. Casino Royale he’s only about 27 years old.
For those curious, Fleming himself establishes that Casino Royale takes place in 1951. It is established in a continuation novel that bond turns 45 in 19 6945 the mandatory age of retirement for agents in his department. Bond was born in 1924, therefore making him 27 in Casino Royale and 39 i in the man with the golden gun
You started a debate bigger than the American one we have going on 🤣, Sean Connery !
G E O R G E L A Z E N B Y 007 🔫
Personally, i think that Connery is iconic; Brosnan is the best appearance, posture and style; Craig successfully bought the character into the new century, cinema-wise. I didn't saw much of Dalton yet. Moore did a good job and i wish Lazenby had more movies.
Sean Connery is my favourite as James Bond - that charm, swagger and he looked he could kill you. My two absolute favourite Bond films are Thunderball (1965) and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). I have always thought George Lazenby was solid as Bond and he was really good in the action sequences due to his military service experience in the Royal Australian Army SAS. I believe he would have really grown into the role if he worked under the direction of experienced Guy Hamilton in both Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Live and Let Die (1973).
Just started watching these movies for the first time. Daniel Craig is good, but being partial to the past, I like Sean Connery. Haven’t seen others.
Moore plays the role like a flippant army officer, Connery like a tough brawling operator and Lasenby played it Similar to Connery but with a little bit more flair. None of the latter actors could pull any of that off. Craigs character was to hard faced and lacked a charisma that would allow him to mingle with the other characters.
Great video. I grew up with Roger Moore as well, but he is one of my least favorite Bond actors. I prefer the gritty realism of Daniel Craig's portrayal. Craig is my favorite Bond actor. But License to Kill starting Timothy Dalton is probably my favorite Bond movie. It is a personal vendetta movie, which is a very atypical Bond theme. Sean Connery is in a class by himself. Even though Craig is my favorite Bond actor, Connery is one of a kind.
8:11 "He's still alive. He's 84 today. But he's an Australian, so that's slightly different. "
😂😂😂
Dear Chap, what is your opinion on Patrick McGoohan? Could you see him interpreting Bond? And what about New Zeelander Sam Neill? He was considered for Octopussy after his brilliant interpretation of Sidney Reilly... However his friend and director Martin Campbell eventually did a good job directing GoldenEye and Casino Royale.
Both would have been a good choice. Sadly the road not taken.
Is Ash ever not camping?
george lazenby would have been if hed have made a couple more ffilms. So its Connery. I thought you would have covered fashion and style
I’m back and forth between Connery and Craig. I grew up with Connery, didn’t see Moore, Dalton, or Bronson as fitting the character mold. Craig to me did fit that mold. I thought Lazenby fit the character but only did the one movie. Favorite movies Goldfinger, Casino Royale, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Pierce Brosnan, followed by Sean Connery as close second.
Has to be Connery, despite being of the same vintage as you and Moore being our childhood Bond.... I suspect as the only other way for us to see Bond as kids was to see it on telly, at Xmas usually, Connery would have been fed to us even more that Moore. Agree the Aussie is a grower, did a fab storyline. I like them all to be honest. I just don't want them to turn Bond into a complete shoot em up, I like my champagne , oysters, T&A shirts and British grand tourer cars! ... and a little bonking. M PS ... I'd forgotten Connery had hung up is PPK before we were even born (officially)
Hey Ash, how can you have such a disdain for Moonraker? It was a stunning show. I think weakest Bond from Roger Moore’s tenure was The Octopussy. I agree on The Living Daylights, one of the best. My favorites: Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan. You made right comments on Sean Connery, Tim Dalton and George Lazenby. Craig is great actor but I never accepted him as a Bond figure.
Shir Shean Connery was the original, but Dalton was a good 'Bond' who was reportedly closest to Fleming's original inception.
'From Russia With Love' had the best fight in the train - vs 'Red' Grant
So far, I’ve read every one of Ian Fleming’s novels from Casino Royale through Goldfinger and I can confirm that Timmy Dalton bond is the most accurate followed extremely closely by Daniel Craig. If Daniel Craig had died his hair black, he would be the single most accurate version of the character.
Very good observation about "From Russia With Love", one of the finest James Bond films. BTW, Robert Shaw was an excellent actor who never received the credit he deserved.
Although Sean Connery was, perhaps, the "perfect" Bond I would go along with you with Roger Moore who not only was (as my wife says) "the most handsome Bond ever" but also the most humane and charming; nobody could match his English stylishness and dry humour. I never liked Timothy Dalton but Pierce Brosnan did an excellent job. Daniel Craig is awful, in EVERY way (dour, sullen, brutal and humourless) OK: Rant over! 😁😁😁
Best Bond films? "From Russia With Love" - "Thunderball" - "Live and Let Die" -"The Spy Who Loved Me" - "Golden Eye" and "The World Is Not Enough"
Worst Bond films? "Diamonds Are Forever" - "Moonraker" and ALL Daniel Craig´s.
No David Niven...
Yes, good point .
The original Casino Royal.
I believe even though it was nightmare to make, ( four directors)it made more money in 1967, than You Only Live Twice !
I won’t say pierce and golden eye were the best but they hold a special place for me because it was introduction to bond around 10 years okd
Pierce Brosnan. Then, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig, Timothy Dalton, and George Lazenby.
My favorite is connery or brosnan (my bond being born in 83) But I've enjoyed all of them. Lazenby was my least favorite bond but I think although it's not my favorite bond movie it is my favorite story (movie story not book story).
Jumping the shark.
Strong Alan Partridge vibes
I could whittle it down to six…
Easier to ask favourite Bond film by actor than favourite Bond.
My favorit Bond was Daniel Craig. His Bond was the most realistic and complex character, in my humble opinion. But I very enjoy watching the old Sir Roger Moore Bond-movies, too. Regards Oni
It was not realistic. It was dark and drab. Moore played the roll as a care free army officer. The type that did not give a damn.
Not realistic at all. Full of crappy fights using shakey cam and fast edits. Tedious.
Sean Connery! But I grew up watching Roger Moore, like you, and love all those movies. I liked Timothy Dalton and his films were pretty good from memory. Pierce Branson was great in Goldeneye but his other films were pretty daft. Daniel Craig was great but some of the films aren’t so good, especially the last!
I've never been a fan of the James Bond character, of the novels, or of the movie franchise. I've also seen very few of the post-Roger Moore films. Having said that, my very limited perspective on the subject would be that Sean Connery was the quintessential Bond. -This ex-coffin polisher had a certain gravitas and was quite believable as a hired killer for shadowy government interests.
Connery is my favourite.
Roger Moore was also The Saint,I grew up with Roger Moore as my 007.It is a difficult choice to chose between him and Sean Connery.As for later Bonds I would choose Pierce Brosenan.I do think Sean might be the best Bond.Daniel Craig is brings Bond back to Connery.
Lazenby was a very appropriate Bond. I think I am very alone here with my opinion but I like Daniel Craig best and Skyfall is my favorite Bond movie of all times. 🕐⚙️🍸
Sean Connery is my first choice as he was a very suave and stylish Bond, followed by Daniel Craig who was a more rugged and in your face Bond more akin to someone who i imagine was in the SBS. I'm showing my age by saying I've seen all the Bond movies over the decades. Pierce Brosnan is my third choice and a mention for Timothy Dalton he wasn’t to shabby ether playing bond but i couldn't take to Roger Moore he was to comedic for me later on in his bond movies. Even though Live and let die is my favourite of his Bond films.
Roger Moore Bond was flippant as it was played like a Military officer that did not care about all the fuss.
If I was not told wrong, Ian Fleming once confessed the perfect James Bond on screen was Roger Moore's
Fleming was long dead before Moore became Bond sir. he would only have seen Connery.
@@TheChapsGuide thank you for the correction. I was so lazy as to not check the info
I think Connery's best films were Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice and Thunderball. People overlook the fact that Connery's Bond also fell into that tongue-in-cheek, more comedic & kooky style with his last 2 outings, Diamonds Are Forever was certainly in that style. Moore's best films were The Spy Who Loved Me, A View to a Kill & (dare I say it) Moonraker. The latter being published in 1955 but I have no doubt the film leaned more towards piggy-backing the popularity of Star Wars.
I have very little time for Craig's Bond. Like most modern films, they are too woke, too stifled in what they can and can't depict. Women can no longer be inherently bad/psychotic (like Xenia Onatopp) nor can they be sexual or sexy ... so gone are all the fun shenanigans. Goldeneye was the last "proper" Bond film IMO. So the true essence of Bond has been dead a long time. Nowadays they're just trying to have Bond compete with Bourne and Ethan plus ticking all the woke boxes.
Connery number one. Craig number two. Skyfall just edges out From Russia With Love (and the European half of Goldfinger) as best movie. I wear my watches (divers , of course) on Bond NATO straps; Goldfinger and SPECTRE patterns
For me Daniel Craig brought the most emotion to it and you felt like you were getting to know more about him as the films progressed.
Fantastic analysis. I too am a Sir Roger Moore man. Very suave and sophisticated. Craig and Dalton probably my least favorite.