by Regina Andrews
James Bond is one of the most beloved action film characters. He has delivered some of the most adrenaline-pumping action films ever. Over the last six decades, the name has delivered audiences daring adventures, from high-speed pursuits through busy streets and aerial warfare to intense poker games.
Bond movies are a masterclass of unforgettable moments and suspense filled with action, dramatic missions, and emotional scenes, and they’re not done yet. While at the edge of our seats waiting for what’s next for the Bond franchise, let’s look back at some of the iconic titles and moment that the Englishman has brought to our screens.
Here are the most intense scenes in the James Bond movies:
1. Casino Royale – Poker Scene
The 2006 Casino Royale film directed by Martin Campbell features a high-stakes poker game between 007 and villain Le Chiffre. In this thriller, Bond risks everything to triumph over his villain opponent.
Le Chiffre needs to retrieve the money that he lost in a strategy plotted by 007, so he chooses to hold a tournament in Casino Royale. Casino Royale is by far the most favourite Daniel Craig James Bond movie, according to movie critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes ranking. The film inspired countless new players to try out online poker tournaments for themselves, although few could repeat moves that Bond pulled off!
2. From Russia With Love – The Train Fight
One of the best action scenes in the Bond series is the brutal hand-to-hand fighting battle between Bond and Red Grant as the Orient Express roars on. The audience rarely feels a sense of danger during a Bond fight scene. With this fight, the tension build-up makes it extra unique.
Despite being protected by the plot armour, this scene has Sean Connery as Bond so terrified that his life seemingly appears in danger. The fight occurs in a moving train, presenting a confined setting where two powerful men struggle for dominance.
3. Casino Royale – The Shower Scene
Craig’s portrayal of James Bond in this film repaints his character. As far as emotional rawness is concerned, his softness stems from his love for Vesper Lynd. The shower setting signifies an absolution for violence.
Vesper is traumatised from witnessing the brutal killings, which is a normal day in Bond’s business. When Bond returns, he finds her fully clothed, soaking in a shower in an attempt to wash away the horrors she just witnessed.
007, without a word, sits beside her, feeling her pain. He comforts her as the shower soaks them both. Bond has always been a ladies’ man but never a character that is too emotional, and that says everything.
4. Goldeneye – The Tank Chase
Bond isn’t only about classic cars and gadgets; sometimes, he prefers to become more destructive. Nothing is more extra than 007 being chased by Russian villains while commandeering a tanker and destroying the streets of St. Petersburg.
The calmness on his face (even after the destruction) makes the chase a perfect description of Bond – a moment of action with humour.
5. Spectre – Helicopter Fight
The opening sequence of this film is as good as it gets. Bond is locked in a fight with Marco Sciarra in a spinning helicopter in Mexico City. This scene showcases the actors’ skills in an intense, literal “winner takes all” aerial fight.
The flight appears above a huge crowd as Bond grapples for control, barely missing disaster. The stunt work with practical effects makes this one of the best introductions in cinema.
6. Goldfinger – Laser Table
Here’s one of the most intense Bond moments where Goldfinger looks like he’s about to get the best of 007. This scene features James being strapped to the table while a laser slowly inches towards him, about to cut him in half.
The tension is over the top as Goldfinger takes pleasure in watching Bond trying to negotiate his way out. Even in the face of death, Bond’s intelligent thinking saves him. Delivering the line ‘Do you expect me to talk?’, dripping with suspense and humour, the villain replies, ‘No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die’.
7. The Spy Who Loved Me – The Ski Chase
Who can forget Roger Moore’s Bond? He is a master of slipping away the hands of his enemies, leaving them puzzled. After a romantic getaway with a woman, she betrays him, sending gunmen with rifles after him down the mountains.
Just when it looks like the end of the road, he eludes them by jumping off the cliff, flying over a snow-covered void, and pulling his parachute as he floats to safety.
Conclusion
James Bond movies have the most unforgettable gripping action scenes, pure fun with intense sequences that’ll have you grabbing your popcorn like a lifeline.
His films continue to influence the action category, with the best films in cinema, which aren’t just flipped scripts, but James doing what he does best, one step ahead, daring, or just barely hanging somewhere.
