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Forever remembered as the “Japanese Bond,” You Only Live Twice took 007 (1971 in Diamonds Are Forever, in 1983 and never say “never”). Unfortunately, this is also one of the weakest in the early Bond films, although Connery is in peak form.

The plot is the problem. It stretches credibility within the limits, even as the word was applied to the Bond movies. Blofeld (Donald Pleasence in his pre-Halloween days) and SPECTRE block American and Soviet ships in an attempt to trigger a war between the superpowers. It’s up to Bond to find evidence that would avoid conflict and leads to a trail of Japan. There he is in conformity with the increasingly effective, beautiful Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi), and its owner, Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tanba), as he sets out to find SPECTRE in the refuge, as well as space capsules hiding there.

In the first half of You Only Live Twice very well, with a few skillfully executed action sequences and the development of unexpectedly warm relations between Bond and Aki. It is only in the second half as the plot escalates beyond preposterousness that the film begins with a fragment. Some 007 readers enjoy most outrageous trips, and I prefer a bit of restraint (and I emphasize the “little” part). Wild chases, neat gadgets, and death-ignored the shoots are fine; missiles, which swallow spacecraft are too extravagant.

In exposing Bloufeld is disappointing. In From Russia with Love and Thunderball, it was only a sinister voice, his face carefully hidden from our view. Here he saw for the first time, and that this letdown when all we get is more a normal outlook Donald Pleasance - a solid actor, to be sure, but not very good at creating a diabolical person. (Best Bloufeld was Max von Sydow in Never say “never”.)

Nevertheless, any Bond movie with Sean Connery may not be all bad, and there are the usual chases, fights and amazing stunts - all sprinkled with a dash of Japanese seasonings. Bond learns what it means to be a ninja, and the ability to put that knowledge to use as he zigs and zags, avoiding attacks. Then there are the usual assortment of women, both European and Asian, for the most dashing British secret service agent for romance. In other words, while You Only Live Twice falls somewhere in the middle of the film in 007 heap, it still offers this unique brand of humor, style and adventure that only comes with Bond.

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