For Your Eyes Only is a British spy film and the twelfth installment in the James Bond franchise. It was released in 1981 and directed by John Glen, with Roger Moore returning as James Bond for the fifth time. The film is loosely based on two short stories from Ian Fleming’s collection, “For Your Eyes Only” and “Risico.”
In the film, Bond is tasked with recovering a top-secret British device called the ATAC (Automatic Targeting Attack Communicator), which has fallen into the hands of the Soviet Union. He must deal with a vengeful Greek businessman, a dangerous hitman, and a seductive double agent along the way.
For Your Eyes Only was generally well-received by audiences and critics, who praised the film’s return to a more grounded and realistic tone after the over-the-top antics of the previous movie, Moonraker. The film’s theme song, performed by Sheena Easton, was also a hit and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
For Your Eyes Only Cast
The cast of For Your Eyes Only includes:
- Roger Moore as James Bond: a British MI6 agent.
- Carole Bouquet as Melina Havelock: the daughter of a marine archaeologist seeking revenge for her parent’s murder.
- Topol as Milos Columbo: a Greek businessman who becomes an ally to Bond.
- Lynn-Holly Johnson as Bibi Dahl: an American figure skater who develops a crush on Bond.
- Julian Glover as Aristotle Kristatos: a Greek smuggler and former ally of Bond’s.
- Michael Gothard as Emile Leopold Locque: a French hitman working for Kristatos.
- John Wyman as Erich Kriegler: a former East German athlete and assassin.
- Jack Hedley as Sir Timothy Havelock: Melina’s father, a marine archaeologist.
- Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny: Bond’s secretary at MI6.
- Desmond Llewelyn as Q: MI6’s resident gadget expert.
- Walter Gotell as General Anatol Gogol: the head of the KGB.
- Geoffrey Keen as Sir Frederick Gray: the Minister of Defence.
- James Villiers as Bill Tanner: a British intelligence agent.
The film also features a brief appearance by Charles Dance as a henchman working for Kristatos. The For Your Eyes Only IMBD rating is 6.7 out of 10.
For Your Eyes Only Plot
Bond teams up with Melina Havelock, the daughter of a murdered marine archaeologist investigating the St. Georges wreck. Together, they search for the ATAC and try to stay one step ahead of Kristatos and the KGB. Along the way, they encounter a dangerous hitman named Locque, a seductive double agent named Countess Lisl von Schlaf, and a young American figure skater named Bibi Dahl, who develops a crush on Bond.
With the help of Milos Columbo, a Greek businessman and former enemy of Kristatos, Bond, and Melina locate the ATAC and engage in a tense underwater battle to retrieve it. In the end, Bond manages to recover the ATAC and destroy Kristatos’ plans, but not without the loss of several lives, including that of Lisl von Schlaf.
The film ends with Bond and Melina sailing off into the sunset, with Bond turning down Bibi’s advances and reminiscing about his past adventures.
For Your Eyes Only Review
For Your Eyes Only is considered to be one of the better Bond films, particularly in comparison to the previous film in the series, Moonraker. It returns to a more grounded and realistic tone, with fewer gadgets and more emphasis on hand-to-hand combat and espionage. Also, check Women Talking Cast.
Roger Moore delivers a solid performance as Bond, bringing a more serious and less campy approach to the character. Carole Bouquet is also excellent as Melina Havelock, providing a strong and independent female lead who is more than just a Bond girl.
The action scenes are well-executed, particularly the underwater battle for the ATAC. The film’s score, by composer Bill Conti, is also a highlight and fits well with the film’s tone.
Robbin Young tweeted that “For Your Eyes Only” with Roger Moore in Cortina was an unforgettable experience, and the Broccoli family was so kind to me, as were the entire cast and crew. You can see below:
Filming “For Your Eyes Only” with Roger Moore in Cortina was an unforgettable experience, and the Broccoli family was so kind to me, as were the entire cast and crew. Great memories, for sure! pic.twitter.com/ZV595MgR42
— Robbin Young (@iamRobbinYoung) November 3, 2022
However, some critics have noted that the film’s plot can be convoluted at times, with multiple villains and subplots that can be difficult to follow. Additionally, some of the humor in the film can fall flat, particularly in the scenes involving Bibi Dahl.
Overall, For Your Eyes Only is a strong entry in the Bond franchise and a return to form after the over-the-top excesses of Moonraker. It offers a more realistic and grounded take on the character of James Bond while still delivering the thrills and action that audiences expect from the series. Must Check Law And Order Cast.
For Your Eyes Only Awards
For Your Eyes Only was nominated for one Academy Award in the category of Best Original Song for “For Your Eyes Only” by Bill Conti and Michael Leeson, performed by Sheena Easton. The song ultimately did not win the award.
The film was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Sound but did not win.
Despite not winning any major awards, For Your Eyes Only is generally well-regarded by fans and critics as one of the better Bond films.
