Watch Octopussy

Octopussy is a 1983 James Bond film directed by John Glen and starring Roger Moore as 007. The movie is based on the short story of the same name by Ian Fleming, although the plot is significantly different from the original work. The film is notable for its exotic locales, thrilling action sequences, and sharp humor, and stands as one of the more memorable entries in the long-running franchise.

The story of Octopussy revolves around a plot by a rogue Soviet general named Orlov (Steven Berkoff) to detonate a nuclear bomb at a US Air Force base in Germany, thus provoking a global conflict that would allow the USSR to expand its influence. Bond is initially tasked with retrieving a Faberge egg stolen from a British agent, but he soon discovers the larger scheme and joins forces with the titular Octopussy (Maud Adams), a wealthy smuggler and circus owner who has her own score to settle with Orlov.

As Bond and Octopussy race against time to foil Orlov's plan, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including the smarmy Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan), a rival smuggler who is also working with the general, and Magda (Kristina Wayborn), a beautiful and mysterious accomplice with whom Bond shares a steamy encounter. Along the way, Bond engages in a variety of daring stunts and battles, including a memorable sequence in which he drives a crocodile-submarine through a jungle river.

Despite its somewhat convoluted plot and campy elements, Octopussy succeeds thanks to its strong lead performances and memorable set pieces. Moore, in his sixth and penultimate outing as Bond, brings his trademark suave charm and dry wit to the role, while Adams is an effective foil as the tough-as-nails Octopussy, who proves to be a capable ally and potential love interest. Jourdan is a delightfully slimy villain, hamming it up as the duplicitous Khan, and Berkoff chews the scenery as the bombastic Orlov. The film also boasts a memorable musical score by John Barry, which incorporates the iconic Bond theme as well as several catchy original compositions.

One of the key strengths of Octopussy is its use of exotic locales and colorful backdrops. The film was shot on location in India, Germany, and the UK, and features breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal, the Udaipur Palace, and other iconic landmarks. The filmmakers also make clever use of their circus setting, crafting intense action sequences around trapeze artists, knife throwers, and other performers. This results in a film that feels fresh and exciting, even in a franchise that had already been running for over two decades.

Another area in which Octopussy excels is its balance of action, humor, and romance. While the film is undoubtedly an action-adventure movie first and foremost, it also features several moments of playful banter and sexual tension between Bond and his various love interests. These scenes are tastefully handled and add another layer of fun to the proceedings. Meanwhile, the film's action sequences are suitably thrilling, with Bond engaging in high-speed car chases, tense underwater escapades, and explosive shootouts. The final confrontation between Bond and Khan is particularly memorable, culminating in a showdown atop a moving plane that is both suspenseful and absurdly entertaining.

In conclusion, Octopussy is a standout entry in the James Bond franchise, delivering all the excitement, humor, and exotic locales that fans have come to expect. While it may not be the most complex or thematically rich film in the series, it succeeds admirably on its own terms, delivering a fun and memorable adventure that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. For fans of Moore's era of Bond films, Octopussy is a must-watch, and for newcomers to the franchise, it serves as a great introduction to the world of 007.

Octopussy is a 1983 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 63.