Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More serious, tougher version of Bond has plenty of violence
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Living Daylights
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the film presents a more serious and action-packed version of the iconic character, featuring intense violence and a notable amount of adult content, including sexual references and strong language. While some viewers appreciate the thrilling sequences and Dalton's portrayal of Bond, there are criticisms regarding the film's humorlessness and a controversial attitude towards women.
- serious tone
- intense violence
- strong language
- adult content
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Agent 007, James Bond (Timothy Dalton), is assigned to help with the defection of a Russian officer, General Koskov (Jeroen Krabbe); his job is to spot any snipers and take them out. He suspects something's up when he sees the beautiful Kara Milovy (Maryam d'Abo), a cellist, not a sniper, at the end of a rifle. His suspicions are confirmed when Koskov is snatched away from the British government shortly thereafter. Bond befriends Kara and tries to learn Koskov's secret plan. Step by step, he stumbles upon an arms dealer and a plan to smuggle diamonds, but everything leads up to something even more unexpected, something evil.
Is It Any Good?
The movie smacks of its era, from its ripped-from-the-headline stories of a defecting Russian officer and the Mujahideen in Afghanistan to its synthesizer-based theme music. But the fine cast adds dashes of color: the Dutch-born Jeroen Krabbe as the Russian general, Joe Don Baker as a redneck arms dealer, and John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark) as the head of the KGB. Caroline Bliss is a brand-new Moneypenny, while Desmond Llewelyn once again plays Q.
The James Bond films underwent another reboot with THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, the 15th in the series. Timothy Dalton brought some younger blood to the role; he was meant to be a bit tougher but also to focus on only one Bond girl (rather than the usual two) as a concession to the AIDS era. Director John Glen, who had helmed the previous dud, A View to a Kill, was kept on board, but he maintains an even pace and turns in a sturdy movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's violence. How intense is it? How many characters have to die so Bond can save the world? Are there any consequences?
Bond is definitely a good guy, but his methods and behavior are questionable. What is appealing about him? Is he a role model? Does he seem "cool"? Is he someone to emulate? Why, or why not?
How are the women in this movie treated? Why are they attracted to Bond? Would any of them be interesting in a movie of their own?
How does Bond's supposed monogamy reflect the time in which the movie was made? How is it related to AIDS? How does it affect the character or the series?
What does it mean for a Russian citizen to "defect"? How was this relevant at the time?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 31, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : May 22, 2007
- Cast : Timothy Dalton , Jeroen Krabbe , Maryam D'Abo
- Director : John Glen
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 131 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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