Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed Bond film has sexual situations, shooting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Man with the Golden Gun
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this film is an action-packed yet often disappointing addition to the Bond franchise, criticized for predictable plots and a less likable protagonist. While some viewers appreciate its family-friendly elements, many find the violence and sexual situations to be off-putting.
- predictable plot
- family-friendly elements
- action-packed
- disappointing protagonist
- violence concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
James Bond (Roger Moore) receives what looks to be a death threat: a golden bullet with "007" engraved on it. It can only have come from the legendary assassin Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee), who uses a golden gun and charges $1 million per job. Bond decides to go after him, even though Scaramanga is a ghost; no one knows where he is or what he looks like. The plot grows more complicated when Scaramanga's sidekick Nick Nack (Herve Villechaize) steals a key piece of a solar power station. Bond must get it back while defeating the villains. Unfortunately, Bond and his MI6 helper Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland) wind up imprisoned on Scaramanga's island, and the hunter is on the hunt.
Is It Any Good?
Though it's not one of the very best Bond films, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN is still an enjoyable thrill ride, thanks in part to its top-notch cast. The suave Christopher Lee is a snaky, silky low-key bad guy, and future Fantasy Island star Herve Villechaize is his polite but vicious sidekick. Britt Ekland and Maud Adams are fine Bond girls, though they don't have the chance to show much strength. Throughout, Hamilton keeps up the pace and includes a number of solid chase scenes, fights, and exotic locations.
Director Guy Hamilton, of Goldfinger, returned to direct this ninth James Bond adventure. It was Hamilton's fourth and final time out on the series, and it was Roger Moore's second time in the lead role. He hadn't yet sunk into the silliness of his later films, although this movie does contain the unfortunate return of the comical redneck sheriff Pepper (Clifton James) from the previous film, Live and Let Die. (This time the sheriff is on an unlikely vacation in Thailand.)
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. Is he a role model? Does he seem "cool"? Is he someone to emulate? Why, or why not?
What are the sexual situations in this movie like? How much is shown or not shown? How effective are these choices?
How are women portrayed in the movie? Are they realistic? Strong?
What makes a good movie villain? Are the villains in this movie appealing? What about their personalities makes them interesting?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 1974
- On DVD or streaming : January 8, 2002
- Cast : Roger Moore , Christopher Lee , Britt Ekland
- Director : Guy Hamilton
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 3, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate