Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) Review

Title: Tomorrow Never Dies
Year: 1997
Director: Roger Spottiswoods
Country: UK
Language: English

Roger Moore's first two Bond films of the 1980's  (Octopussy & For Your Eyes Only) were too conservative for my liking. They were too influenced by  the Reagan/Thatcher politics of the time. Tomorrow Never Dies comes during a more liberal 90's when Tony Blair (US), John Chretien (Canada) & Bill Clinton (UK) were in charge. Concerns became more focused on technology, rather than the pointless "war on drugs".

James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) sets out to stop a media mogul's plan to induce a war between China and the United Kingdom.

Tomorrow Never Dies takes Bond into the Information Era and is shockingly relevant considering politics of today. Perhaps it is the most relevant film in the franchise, and that is including the most recent No Time to Die (2021). There are many examples (*cough*FoxNews*cough*) of media being manipulated in order to influence our elections. Brexit was partly driven by media influence. 

Michelle Yeoh's stock has risen immensely since Tomorrow Never Dies. She won Best Actress at the Academy Awards in 2023 for Everything Everywhere All At Once. It is fascinating to watch her in an earlier role where she is kicking ass along with Bond. She is a great Bond girl. 

Tomorrow Never Dies is a fast paced, thrilling Bond film that is an underrated gem in the franchise. Its impressive set design, exquisite cinematography and jaw-dropping fight choreography make this entry a contender for one of the best Bonds.