Licence to Kill (1989)

James Bond (Timothy Dalton) is on a personal mission this time. After witnessing a close friend being maimed and his wife murdered by a powerful drug lord, Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi), Bond embarks on a vendetta against him. Going rogue from MI6, Bond teams up with CIA operative Pam Bouvier (Carey Lowell) and infiltrates Sanchez’s operation to exact his revenge. This film carries a darker and grittier tone than its predecessors, reflecting the emotional intensity of Bond’s personal stakes.

Length: 2hr 13min
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller

Trailer

Cast

• Timothy Dalton as James Bond
• Robert Davi as Franz Sanchez
• Carey Lowell as Pam Bouvier
• Talisa Soto as Lupe Lamora
• Anthony Zerbe as Milton Krest

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 (for action violence and some suggestive content)

While the film has the usual Bond action sequences, its darker storyline and scenes of torture might be intense for younger viewers.

Trivia

• This was Timothy Dalton’s second and last outing as James Bond.
• The film’s tone was a conscious decision to be more faithful to Ian Fleming’s original novels, which were often darker and more violent.
• Despite mixed reviews upon release, the film has since gained a cult following for its departure from typical Bond tropes.

Our Review

“Licence to Kill” stands out in the Bond franchise for its deeper emotional narrative and Dalton’s fierce portrayal of the iconic spy. While not the quintessential Bond film, its dedication to showcasing a more human side of the character makes it a unique and engaging watch for both fans and newcomers to the series.