Common Sense Media Review
Creative Cold War Bond thriller is best for teens and up.
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Why Age 12+?
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From Russia with Love
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 45 kid reviews
Kids say the movie has a mixed reception, with many noting the inappropriate opening scene, but appreciating the overall action and storyline. While some find it entertaining and a good introduction to the Bond series, others criticize its outdated depictions of women and violence, suggesting it is best for older teens due to its themes.
- inappropriate opening
- outdated themes
- mixed reception
- entertaining action
- best for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is the second film in the legendary series, and as an early entry, it features a more serious-minded plot than the later Bond films (although the "bond girls" are out in force and worth a discussion). Bond (Sean Connery) expects his villains to be Soviet agents, in reality, they are a part of an autonomous crime cartel setting a trap for him. Ultimately, Bond joins forces with the Soviets, (rather politically progressive for the Cold War period), to fight the mysterious SPECTRE crime organization for a second time.
Is It Any Good?
It is in this film that James Bond seems to emerge as a particularly unique character, following the more disaffected Bond of Dr. No. While the plot gets somewhat obscured in a few rather befuddling dialogue exchanges, the charm of Connery as Bond is strong enough to keep the film mostly engaging. That said, the self-mocking tone of the later Bond films is missing, and there are moments where younger viewers, used to more fast-paced action films, may find themselves twiddling their thumbs while waiting for the next burst of action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Bond's approach to women and the way the movie treats women in general. Why must 007's fondness for women be a weakness for him? Why do females seem to be cast as villains? Bond presumes that his enemies in the film are Russians. Ask your kids what they know about the Cold War. Who do they think the villains would be today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 8, 1964
- On DVD or streaming : October 17, 2000
- Cast : Lotte Lenya , Robert Shaw , Sean Connery
- Director : Terence Young
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
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