Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this movie depicts behavior that, while thought to be acceptable at the time of its release, would be widely considered sexist today. The hero's womanizing is as much a part of his allure as his wit and good looks. Women characters are cardboard cut outs, either duplicitous or too frightened to take action. Similarly, most of the black characters are lackeys or stooges. The hero murders a character without an ounce of remorse. While this character had attempted to kill him, the hero was not in danger at the moment he shot his enemy. The violence is neither bloody nor especially realistic.
Families might want to discuss what qualities of James Bond one might want to emulate. What makes people think James Bond is cool? What is different about the world in which he lives in than our world?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Elliot Panek
Not quite as streamlined or cohesive as many of its successors, DR. NO introduces James Bond, one of the most enduring figure of Western cinema, to the world. Bond, played by the inimitable Sean Connery, is a British Secret Service agent who has been called upon to investigate suspicious activity in Jamaica. With the help of an earthy Jamaican (John Kitzmiller) and a stiff, style-less American CIA agent (pre-Hawaii 5-0 Jack Lord), Bond attempts to unravel the mystery of who or what is interfering with rocket launches in the States. Minions of the shadowy evil puppet-master make numerous unsuccessful attempts on Bond's life. All the while, Bond remains the picture of cool, bedding a beauty or two on his way to saving the world.
The real fun starts when James and the preternaturally attractive ingénue Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) are captured by Dr. No's flunkies and taken to his secret underground lair. The last third of the film more closely resembles a campy science fiction film than the traditional espionage story that preceded it. Considering how many sequels this modest action-spy film spawned, it's worth asking why this refined roué has stuck around as long as he has. The answer, for better or worse, probably lies in the unapologetic way the film plays to undomesticated male fantasies. The action is wooden and the plot contrived, but it sure is fun to look at.
Before allowing kids to view this film, parents may want to consider the overt sexual themes featured in DR. NO. If they deem the film appropriate and want to see more, they may want to check out other Bond films featuring Sean Connery such Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, and From Russia with Love.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentWomanizing without repercussions. Kissing, innuendo, scantily clad women. |
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ViolenceBloodless murders. One character is burned alive, though it is not graphically depicted. |
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Language |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorSexist behavior and some excessive force. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome smoking and drinking. They are as much a part of Bond's suaveness as his accent or attire. |
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