Octopussy [1983]

On the DVD: The high standard of these 007 discs is maintained here, with another extra-packed selection. The "Inside Octopussy" documentary details the making of the movie, which faced competition from Sean Connery's Never Say Never Again, as well as being handicapped by a potentially risible title. The initial story was developed by George Macdonald Fraser, author of the "Flashman" books, whose knowledge of Indian history and locales proved invaluable. Roger Moore prevaricated about signing on as Bond, so American James Brolin was screen-tested instead. The movie also produced the worst accident of the series while filming the train sequence and the stuntman involved was hospitalised for six months. Director John Glen provides a solo commentary that reveals a wealth of technical detail and also that this is one of his favourite Bond movies. Rita Coolidge performs "All Time High", and there are also some storyboard sequences and trailers. --Mark Walker

Like all films of the Roger Moore era, Octopussy includes some of the most memorable and iconic set pieces of the series. Perhaps the most effective is the scene where Bond is menaced by a yo-yo buzz saw, or that where he must vanquish the villain's henchman whilst hold on for his life on top of a plane mid-flight. John Barry's score accompanying these scenes heightens the excitement, as well as his theme tune (sung by Rita Coolidge) both proving relevant to the storyline and accompanying the overall tone of the film.

Not his best (that's A View to a Kill) but easily one of Roger Moore's better.


Moores all time high   September 10, 2003
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Octopussy is probably one of the best Bond films ever made, it is certainly Moores best. The films eponymous character is played by Maud Adams, who portrayed another Bond girl in "The man with the golden gun".

The film starts off with one of the ebst pre-credit scenes in all of the series, the famous Acrostar plane chase is a great way to begin a great movie. The locations of this truely grreat spy thriller include the former East Germany and the very depest jungles of India. Bond really goes for it in Octopussy and Moore clearly shows that he was made for the role. Although it may show the older, more serious side of Moore, he still pulls off this movie well.

The DVD is absolutly packed with extras, and the menu for this installment is absoultly amazing. No doubt about it, Octopussy is a great Movie.


Roger Moore's best Bond!   November 19, 2002
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Bond has never been so exotic since Sean Connery in Dr No. An exotic and grand location like India plays as the backdrop of some of the most memorable scenes and stunts in Bond movie history. Most people overlook the fact that there has never been such a collection of Bond girls in any Bond film. We see Roger Morre travel to India, where he tries to locate a rare Faberge egg and unravels a Russian (typical!)plot to detonate a bomb which would cause world chaos. Maud Adams, the only woman to ever star in two Bond films is the leading lady, the aptly named Octopussy, whose organisation of highly trained women only carry out assignments as daring as Bond's own. Tennis'Davis Cup champion Vijay Kumar plays 'our man in' India, Bond's contact Vijay. The henchman in this film is well known to asians around the world as Kabir Bedi, who has starred in some 79(!) films. He is very popular in Italy and has made many notable appearances on terrestial television.
This is definantly the best Bond film. I met Maud Adams and she tells me other Bond girls envy her for making a Bond film that other Bond girls envy. She is without the doubt the most gorgeous Bond woman there has ever been. Forget the new Bond Brosnan. They are trying to make him so modern, that he has lost the charm, panache and hold on natural locations that Bond used to have. This is a must for all Bond fans!!!


A great movie, a great actor   February 25, 2006
Adrian Frohlich (Warsaw, Poland)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I might be extremely sarcastic about the role in the world of the closest ally of the United States, the UK, but I admit many British actors are unbelievably talented. Sir Roger Moore is a brilliant performer. Together with Harrison Ford, he's my favourite actor. I enjoy all his James Bond movies very much. A great movie, a great actor, that's all I want to say.


Classic Moore   February 15, 2002
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Octopussy kicks off in explosive fashion with a spectacular opening sequence in which Bond, whilst flying a mini-jet is persued by a heat seeking ground-to-air missile. That is just the beginning of sophisticated Double-Entendre, action and women. Louis Jordan makes an excellent if ever so slightly spivvy villain as Kamal Khan and Maud Adams reappears after nine years this time in the title role of Octopussy.
Octopussy has a far more espionage orientated feel to it as opposed to an action film, however it does manage to combine both elements into this magnificent piece of work.