The James Bond film that reintroduced 007 to a fresh audience is scheduled to air this afternoon – yet certain enthusiasts argue it remains shamefully underappreciated.
GoldenEye (1995), Pierce Brosnan’s inaugural performance as the globe’s most renowned secret agent, returns to ITV at 1.30pm today – with audiences branding it “absolute dynamite” viewing that merits considerably more recognition than it receives.
Whilst many consider Casino Royale or Skyfall when evaluating the finest contemporary Bond entries, an increasing cohort of devotees are lavishing acclaim upon Brosnan’s first appearance – describing it as the ideal connection between traditional and modern Bond cinema.
On Rotten Tomatoes, where it maintains an 80 per cent approval score, one enthusiast said it was “one of the best Bonds ever made and totally underrated.”
Another critic commended Brosnan’s blend of sophistication and intensity, saying: “He’s cold when he needs to be, suave when he wants to be, and the movie gives him everything.”, reports the Mirror.
A third fan added: “GoldenEye is absolute dynamite. Why people forget about this one, I’ll never know.”
GoldenEye, released in 1995, marked the triumphant return of James Bond after a six-year break, with Pierce Brosnan stepping into the role of a more refined and sharper 007.
This was the first Bond film to be produced post-Cold War, offering audiences a fresh take on the espionage thriller for the 90s.
The plot sees Bond pitted against Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean), a rogue former MI6 agent. The film also features Judi Dench’s debut as M, Famke Janssen’s memorable assassin Xenia Onatopp, and one of the most impressive opening sequences in the franchise’s history – the breathtaking bungee jump from a Soviet dam.
The narrative takes us from Russia to the Caribbean and back again, as 007 races against time to prevent a catastrophic weapon from falling into the wrong hands.
Even the soundtrack has gained cult status, with Tina Turner’s powerful title song still considered one of the series’ best themes.
Despite its success, GoldenEye is often overlooked in favour of the larger, more glamorous Bond films that followed, such as Tomorrow Never Dies and the Daniel Craig era.
However, for many long-standing fans, GoldenEye is seen as the real game-changer – the film that propelled 007 into the modern age.
It was also the first Bond film to fully embrace digital effects, video-game-style action, and a darker tone. So, if you’ve never watched it – or haven’t seen it in years – now’s your opportunity.