The James Bond film has been hailed a ‘cinematic masterpiece’ (Image: EON Productions/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios)
If you’re looking to settle into your couch with an edge-of-the-seat thriller loaded with dynamic storylines, incredible performances, and first-rate music, there’s a James Bond film airing on television tonight that has your name on it.
The 25 film in the James Bond franchise — and the last one to release since 2021 — No Time to Die will hit British airwaves tonight. The ‘masterpiece’ spy thriller will be broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm.
Starring Daniel Craig in his last outing as 007, No Time to Die is the sequel to Spectre (2015), and the fifth and final Bond film in Craig’s filmography.
Craig takes on the mantle of playing the fictional British MI6 agent James Bond one last time in No Time to Die, and the film’s official plot states: “James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.”
No Time to Die was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga after a highly publicised exit by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) in August 2018 due to ‘creative differences’. The film’s screenplay has been penned by Fukunaga alongside Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
It’s the perfect movie to watch over the weekend (Image: EON Productions/Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios)
The film released in the UK in September 2021, after facing delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Boyle’s departure as director.
In No Time to Die, Craig is joined by Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, David Dencik, Ben Whishaw, Billy Magnussen, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, and Christoph Waltz alongside a larger ensemble cast.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Craig spoke about hanging up his boots as the world’s most beloved superspy after 15 years and five films: “I’ll miss everything, I think. I’ll miss the collaboration. I mean, hopefully I’ll keep working and I’ll have lots of other lovely jobs, but it’s very, very, very rare air. Apart from Marvel movies, there aren’t movies that are as big as this.
“I’ve had the privilege of being involved in it. … It was there before me, and it will be there after me… So, yeah, I’ll miss it a lot.”
The film had even more notable names attached to it, with Billie Eilish performing the theme song and Hans Zimmer composing the score. No Time to Die won an Oscar for Best Original Song for Eilish alongside two other Academy Award nominations.
It grossed over $774 million at the global box-office and is reportedly the ‘most expensive’ James Bond film ever made. Currently, it stands as the third-highest-grossing Bond film in the entire franchise.
It’s airing on ITV1 tonight at 8pm (Image: Nicola Dove/PA Wire)
Not just commercially, the film also received tons of critical praise, with one reviewer writing: “Everything you wanted! It’s Dr No meets Skyfall! Fukunaga crafted the most pure James Bond experience yet! Bringing a perfect, emotional, & VISCERAL send off for Daniel Craig. The action is insane, the score is PERFECTION, & such a smooth runtime!”
Another critic said: “No Time To Die is the most emotional, personal James Bond movie of Daniel Craig’s Era, holding a heartfelt farewell to the now-iconic actor. Massive praise to the outstanding ensemble cast.”
While one reviewer added: “No Time to Die is utterly cinematic. It’s strong storytelling with big action set pieces that will leave you breathless…No Time to Die sets its sights on giving Craig’s Bond era the goodbye it deserves.”
Audiences were left bowled over with the movie as well, with one viewer writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “No Time to Die is not just another Bond movie—it is the Bond movie that dares to redefine what a Bond movie can be. Daring, sleek, and unexpectedly moving, Cary Joji Fukunaga’s direction brings an emotional weight and visual grace rarely seen in this franchise’s long history.
“Daniel Craig’s final performance is nothing short of transcendent as Bond has never felt this alive. The most emotionally resonant Bond film ever made, sleek, brave, and unforgettable.”
A user review posted to IMDB says: “We watched this at the cinema today. I’ve been a life long fan of Bond but I have to say, Craig’s performances and portrayal of 007 have been brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It was the swan song that he deserved, that his loyal fans deserved.
“The sadness, the wit, action and legendary Bond appeal for all generations to watch. Daniel Craig reinvented Bond, whoever follows has some impossibly next level big shoes to fill. Another masterpiece.”
While one fan writes: “Of all the actors who have played the iconic James Bond, Daniel Craig has given us the most dignified and heart-warming farewell. The film’s nearly three-hour running time flies by, packed with everything that has made the series so enduring. An excellent choice for a weekend.”
Another audience review reads: “The best bond film for all the reasons I never expected! Utterly brilliant from start to finish, threw everything you didn’t expect at us, Bond showed a completely different side to himself and came out of his shell – never a dull moment and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! 10/10.”
No Time to Die will air on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.
