Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so '70s Bond entry has sex, drugs, action, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Live and Let Die
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this movie, featuring Roger Moore’s first outing as the iconic secret agent, is an engaging yet darker take on the Bond franchise with a blend of action, violence, and strong language that some find appealing while others consider excessive. Though it does contain mature themes such as drug references, nudity, and violence, many viewers appreciate the entertaining plot and humorous elements alongside the intense sequences.
- engaging characters
- dark themes
- action violence
- mature language
- humor elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When three MI6 agents are mysteriously killed in the same 24-hour period, Agent 007, James Bond (Roger Moore) is sent to investigate. He first goes to Harlem, where he encounters Mr. Big, a drug lord, and his servant Solitaire (Jane Seymour), who reads Tarot cards and predicts her boss's future. Escaping an attempt on his life, Bond heads to San Monique, where he seduces Solitaire and runs into the Caribbean Prime Minister Kananga (Yaphet Kotto), who is somehow connected with Mr. Big and a huge heroin business. After a trip to New Orleans, and a run in with Sheriff J.W. Pepper, Bond returns to San Monique for a showdown. But can he escape Kananga's deadly shark tank?
Is It Any Good?
Making his debut as James Bond, Roger Moore was gentler and more reserved than his predecessor Sean Connery, and was certainly more prone to bits of deadpan comedy. His first movie is a mixed bag. It has a strong villain in Yaphet Kotto, but Jane Seymour as the main Bond girl is perhaps a bit too helpless and passive. Secondary Bond girl, African-American Gloria Hendry, became Bond's first interracial romance.
LIVE AND LET DIE goes a bit too far over the top at times, such as a simple murder in New Orleans that somehow involves an entire funeral procession, an extended and tiresome speedboat chase, and the annoying presence of redneck sheriff J.W. Pepper (Clifton James), who returned for the next movie. On the plus side, the movie makes great use of sharks, crocodiles, and snakes, and has some fun gadgets, such as a "shark gun" that explodes its prey with a blast of air. However, the best part is definitely Paul McCartney's theme song, a highlight of the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's violence. How intense is it? How many characters have to die so that Bond can save the world? Are there any consequences?
Bond is definitely a good guy, but his methods and behavior are questionable. Is he a role model? Does he seem "cool"? Is he someone to emulate? Why or why not?
How are women portrayed in the movie? Are they realistic? Strong?
How explicitly is heroin referred to or shown in this movie? Would it have been better to show more, or less?
How does Roger Moore compare to Sean Connery as James Bond?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 27, 1973
- Cast : Roger Moore , Jane Seymour , Yaphet Kotto
- Director : Guy Hamilton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : United Artists
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
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