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320 comments in total

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94 out of 121 people found the following comment useful :-
Best Bond movie ever., 7 May 2004

Author: MovieAddict2009 from UK

Goldfinger could best be described as the quintessential, definitive Bond film, the first of the series to set the necessities of the entire saga in motion. It is also the best of the Bond movies, arguably the most suave and sophisticated, far superior to the Roger Moore era and those who followed in Connery's footsteps. It is the Bond ultimatum, so to speak.

Goldfinger was the first of the iconic legacy to feature Q (Desmond Llewelyn) as a recurring comic relief figure. (He was introduced in From Russia with Love, the second film in the series, where he was credited as Major Boothroyd, and given little screen time.) It was also the first to truly setup the suave nature of 007, the tongue-in-cheek humor (absent in the first movie, Dr. No), the far-fetched gadgetry (including fast cars, this one being an Aston-Martin) and, arguably, the first of the series to feature the famous line, "Bond, James Bond," as a 007 catchphrase, versus a mere line of dialogue. When Bond storms out onto the patio of the motel room, the camera zooms in towards his face, the 007 theme song roars through the speakers, and he says his motto with cool confidence. It's Bond, baby.

Both of Goldfinger's predecessors were darker, more serious motion pictures -- more in-tune with the writing of Fleming versus the suaveness to later be salvaged from the series with the third installment. Although Dr. No was a terrific movie, and although From Russia with Love is exciting, Goldfinger beats them both. It features the best (and most famous) Bond villain to ever grace the screen, constantly spoofed in countless productions: Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe), the target of Austin Powers in Goldmember and, according to IMDb, referenced and spoofed in well over 100 other productions.

There isn't much of a plot, really. Goldfinger plans to rob Fort Knox and become the richest man in the world. Bond finds out and tries to put a stop to his mission. What entices us, and what makes the film so entertaining despite the absurdity, is its leniency towards itself. It doesn't mind being silly because the entertainment value far outweighs any flaws. Plus, it has some of the most memorable scenes in history, and arguably the best Villain Explanation Scene to ever be recorded. "Do you expect me to talk, Goldfinger?" Bond (Sean Connery) asks as a laser beam slowly makes its way towards his groin. "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!" he says with mock ridicule, before walking away. The following shots is one of the only sequences in James Bond history where the iconic character actually seems fairly worried that fate may be playing a deadly hand.

Released in 1964, forty years later it stands as one of the most risqué Bond films to date. Especially for its time, there is brief nudity during the opening credits, sexual scenes, constant innuendo (including a Bond girl named "Pussy Galore," played by Honor Blackman) and implications of lesbianism.

Galore's sexual orientation is not delved into as deeply and explicitly as it may be dealt with in today's day and age, but the inclusion exists. Bond struggles verbally with Galore, trying to woo and seduce her, and she subtly implies from their very first meeting that she will not be seduced, claiming it is impossible for Bond to get very far with her, thereby insinuating that she is, in fact, a lesbian. According to the director of the film, Guy Hamilton, the entire situation is given much more emphasis in the novel by Ian Fleming, but it was simply too foul a subject for audiences back in 1964. Surprisingly, the verbal exchanges and implications behind the subject matter are much more effective.

All of the actors in Goldfinger are, at the very least, very good. But of course, it is really Sean Connery who demands our utmost attention and respect, for it is Connery whose inhumanly strong screen presence launched Bond into the heights of Movie Legend.

Recently in London I attended a James Bond exhibition, and as I made my way through a maze of Bond memorabilia and objects used in all twenty-something movies, I found myself realizing that the myth of 007 propels the films farther than anything else ever could. There is a sort of iconic legacy surrounding the entire Bond franchise that will probably never die. Different action heroes come and go, and nowadays Rambo looks criminally out of date, but Bond, in his black-and-white tuxedo, with all his suave sophistication, will never grow old, because he is a timeless hero who is comprised of all the greatest heroic attributes to ever be assembled, and although his style and looks may grow weary amid the changing ages, his character will remain the ultimate hero, and I very much doubt that we will ever live to see a day when Bond becomes outdated.

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60 out of 80 people found the following comment useful :-
The superlative James Bond film, 20 July 1999

Author: Kyle Milligan (toldyaso@planeteer.com) from Toronto, Canada

First of all, I must state for the record, Sean Connery is THE James Bond. Even though the first Bond film I ever saw was "For Your Eyes Only" with Roger Moore. I was very young and very much drawn in. I have seen every one of the Bond films and without a doubt, "Goldfinger" is the finest the 007 saga has to offer.

Before I had begun an appreciation of the Connery films, i.e. before I'd seen them, a good friend and cartooning mentor, Ross Paperman, sorted me out. He helped me see how Connery's Bond was suave and sophisticated but also demonstrated a quality the other Bonds do not portray: fear. Not a panicky soil-your-pants kind of fear, mind you. But Connery's Bond actually has a few anxious, sweat-soaked-brow moments. A perfect example is when Bond is strapped to a table as Goldfinger's captive with a laser beam primed to cut him in half. 007 has to think fast. "Do you expect me to talk?" "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!" A famous scene and line from Bond's most enjoyable film.

Perhaps what makes the earlier films more enjoyable is that they had fresh, innovative elements that have now become cliché and gimmicky. The new films are often stale and already covered ground and they don't even appear to be trying anymore.

But it's more than that. Even watching "Goldfinger" today, having seen all the latest in special effects and technology that Hollywood has to offer, it still is riveting and thoroughly entertaining. That is also without the added advantage of being overly nostalgic about "Goldfinger". How could I? I hadn't even been born when it first hit theaters, and it was far from my first 007 experience. The story, the characters and the fun of "Goldfinger" is timeless and if given a chance could probably rope in a whole new generation of fans. It just doesn't seem likely to happen.

Much of the satire from the Austin Powers films is directly derived from the Connery films, especially "Goldfinger" and "Dr. No", proving their lasting effect on popular culture. As well, John Barry's scores from the Connery films are finding their way into the ears of a new generation through pop music as snippets from his soundtracks are sampled by such artists as Robbie Williams, Mono and Curve, to name a few.

But if by some fluke you read this and you haven't seen "Goldfinger" yet, do yourself right and acquaint yourself with the real James Bond. You'll probably be hooked by the time you hear Shirley Bassey's voice in the famous opening theme.

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45 out of 52 people found the following comment useful :-
The superb Aston Martin DB5: a truly lethal combination of beauty and power…, 7 July 2005

Author: ironside (robertfrangie@hotmail.com) from Mexico

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Although 007 is notoriously careless with the equipment delivered to him by Q, there is one item that retains a close hold on his affections—the superb Aston Martin DB5 entrusted to him on the "Goldfinger" mission…

The Bank of England suspects that Goldfinger has been smuggling large amounts of gold bullion around the world… Armed with a bar of gold as bait, Bond is assigned to uncover the truth about the man with the "Midas touch."

Gert Frobe—who had played a German sergeant on Omaha beach in "The Longest Day"—is perfectly cast in the role… He's an overweight man, but he's dressed smartly and expensively, and he has a certain lightness and grace to him… He's also supremely confident, self-assured, and resourceful… And even though Bond keeps thwarting him, nothing will shake his will to succeed…

Honor Blackman is the first of a long line of James Bond females with patently sexual names… And ho could ever forget Shirley Eaton's introduction in the film? She is lying on a chaise longue on the balcony of Goldfinger's Miami Beach hotel suite, attired in black bra and panties, while she observes Mr. Simmons' (Austin Willis) gin hand through binoculars…

The Swiss location shots add an international dimension to the fun with the chase along the overwhelming Swiss highways with the Alps in the background...

With two immortal exchanges: "You expect me to talk?"/"No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!" and "My name is Pussy Galore"/"I must be dreaming."), and with a fairy tense plot between a large number of highlights, and an expected spread of gadgetry, great women, and a menacing heavy with a deadly weapon, "Goldfinger" is probably the liveliest and most amusing of the Bond spy spoofs…

In this entertaining film, Bond enjoys a bottle of Dom Pérignon'53...

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37 out of 44 people found the following comment useful :-
Memories "Galore" For This Bond Film, 11 March 2006

Author: ccthemovieman-1 from Lockport, NY, United States

Whether it's my nostalgia talking or a plain fact, I've always looked at this as the best James Bond film ever produced. It had the most memorable characters and scenes I can remember over these four decades of Bond films. Yes, it's dated by now and not as exciting as when it came out, but it's a treasure among the films of the 1960s.

It has a winning combination of good action, drama, romance and comedy. Best of all, it has great characters that all of us who first saw it years ago still remember: "Auric Goldfinger," Oddjob,." and - of course - "Pussy Galore," one of the all-time great names in the history of film!

The story moves fast without overdoing the action. Sure some of it - especially today - looks contrived and corny, but that's part of the fun and charm of the film. Meanwhile, Bond's Aston-Martin DB5 sports car will never go out of style. It's still very cool.....like the film.

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27 out of 33 people found the following comment useful :-
"No Mr Bond, I expect you to die!", 12 September 2002
Author: Noel Bailey (uds3@hotmail.com) from Longmont: Colorado US

Could anyone not recognise that line today...and still be clinically alive?

You hear talk about a "hit movie" today...what's that? "xXx" ??? (which itself owes its total existence to this film!) No my friends, "Success" is queuing up down the street to watch a film screening two sessions ahead. GOLDFINGER was such an enormous hit in '64 nothing much else mattered but THE BEATLES and seeing Connery do his thing! and let me add, NO-ONE has ever done the James Bond thing better...as Vin Diesel himself readily admits.

GOLDFINGER was everything that James Bond, action movies and escapism in general ever COULD amount to. Dated it may be, laughable back-projections yes! outrageous jump-suits and hair-styles....but still no one has come up with a better Bond film - and God they've had 18 stabs at it! PLUS a few ring-ins. (CASINO ROYALE, NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN) Much of the credit for this fantastic film must go to the (then) new Bond Director Guy Hamilton, who ushered-in here an acknowledgment that Bond must grow and develop as a character and the ability to be able to send both himself and the series up via some smart dialog. How they ever managed to get away with the name "Pussy Galore" on screen, still staggers me!

The gadgets hit a new high with this third outing which at the box office that year blew most everything else off the screen. At the London theater premiere, they had the famous Aston Martin actually there in the foyer...and you people think the latest Holden Commodore has some meaning???? Gimmee a break guys! Its taken them forty years to make publically available the satellite tracking system used here. THAT'S how far ahead of its time it was!

Was this packed with memorable dialog too? "This is GOLD Mr Bond!" "Lovely sport!" "Oh, he had a pressing engagement," "You don't look like the sort of girl should be ditched!" and the quintessential "I never joke about my work 007" Gert Frobe's villainous Goldfinger has never been improved upon and Harold Sakata's bad-guy Oddjob simply never equalled.

GOLDFINGER had everything. It stands as perhaps THE icon of 60's movie-making and for those lucky enough to have been around then, it remains the most beloved of nostalgic revisitations.

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27 out of 34 people found the following comment useful :-
Bond's third is a charmer, 7 September 2000

Author: goya-4 from PA USA

Sean Connery's third go around as James Bond has become the quisessential James Bond Flick and for good reason..from the catch opening chorus by Shirley Bassey and the intro pretty lady decked out in gold to oddjob's hat and the name of the bond girl Pussy Galore..What else could one ask for? The most popular and arguable the best Bond as James tries to stop Goldfinger and his pilot from robbing Fort Knox.. On a scale of one to ten... Goldfinger strikes a 9

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40 out of 60 people found the following comment useful :-
If Only All Bond Movies Were This Good, 14 July 2003

Author: Theo Robertson from Isle Of Bute, Scotland

I first saw GOLDFINGER round about 1977 and it has been shown on British television more times than I can count . In fact it`s somewhat ridiculous the amount of times it`s been repeated and having seen it so many times after more than 25 years I find it impossible to say much on it.

I will say however that future Bond production teams seem to have taken all the lesser bits of GOLDFINGER while completely ignoring all the good elements . The lesser bits are the awful puns like " Shocking " and " He blew a fuse " . How many times have you watched a Bond movie where the hero has dispatched a bad guy and you`ve made your own pun which is ten times better than the one Bond says to camera ? Exactly . Of course in 1964 these one liners might have been ground breaking but after the franchise has gone on you feel that the screenwriters have been ordered to write a sequence so that Bond can make a groan inducing one liner . Oh and I haven`t even mentioned Pussy Galore ( Insert your own joke here ) , this is another thing that the producers seem obsessed with - woman with completely unreal names , everytime someone makes a Bond movie we get a Plenty O Toole or some such weird name . The novelty wears out very quickly .

What I liked about GOLDFINGER is that James Bond is shown as being vulnerable , it`s about the only film in the franchise when he is unable to save the lives of his lovers for example , and lets not forget the classic scene of the lazer beam creeping up the table where he has to use his wits , and has anyone noticed that he doesn`t actually save the day at the Fort Knox climax ? He doesn`t even need to be there . Compare that scenario with the later Bond movies ( Especially the Roger Moore ones ) when he stops the baddies single handed in a ridiculously contrived and OTT manner , such a pity they don`t make Bond films like this anymore .

Despite seeing GOLDFINGER more times than I care to mention I`ll no doubt watch it again next time it`s on British television

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18 out of 22 people found the following comment useful :-
The Standard by which later Bond films will be judged...., 24 October 2001

Author: (big_bellied_geezer@hotmail.com) from USA

A great piece of escapism that has held up well thru the years as a tightly paced film and a standard by which other Bond films are often judged by. There are so many great scenes in this film that tickle me every time, when Bond outsmarts Goldfinger on the golf course, the Pussy Galore flying circus scenes, the scenes where the Mob bosses are eventually snuffed out, the Lincoln crushing scene because it's so outrageous to have crushed a new car, and the scene where Goldfinger gets pulled thru the plane's broken window to his demise, and many others. The classic theme as sung by the still great Shirley Bassey is a "10"!!(I saw her perform recently in Atlantic City NJ and she is awesome!..only odd thing is she did every Bond theme she recorded except "Goldfinger"..not sure why.) I have always enjoyed this film upon repeat viewings thru the years and always looked forward to it's occasional showing on Sunday night on ABC network in the years before video players were a common household item. I have always wondered about one scene in the movie if it's a mistake or not....when Bond and Goldfinger are fighting in the Plane for the gun and the gun goes off, there is a long shot of Bond grabbing hold of one of the plane's seats as Goldfinger is flying toward the broken window..but I swear there is a person lying in the isle on the floor near Bond!?? If this is so, who is it supposed to be? A person who got knocked out when debris started flying? Is it the Asian hostess that spied on Bond when he was on board the last time? It's such a quick shot I swear my eyes are fooling me! I hope someone can answer my question!

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13 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
Ingenious Bond Flim, 3 November 2001

Author: Z-Critic (wallflower005@hotmail.com) from Bay City MI

Holy Cow, the plot to contaminate the Fort Knox gold supply is the most crafted evil plot in the Bond series. This is my most favorite JB film, and probably the best in everyone elses opinion too. This was the first movie for the sarcastic "Q"(previously bland Major Boothroyd), that helped this movie too.

Spoliers herein

The plot is like this. James Bond(Connery, of course) is told to keep an eye on Auric Golfinger(Frobe), a gold tycoon who would do anything to get his hands on extra gold. Bond goes as far as to sneak into Goldfingers room and seduce Goldfinger's love interest/assistant, Jill Masterson. She gets killed, and Bond gets an earful from M. He is, yet again, sent out to keep and eye on Goldfinger. Goldfinger cheats at golf, Bond gets back at him, and other scenes like that. He meets Tilly Masterson, the sister of the killed Jill Masterson. Pretty soon, he gets caught by Goldfinger in Geneva, Switzerland, and then come the laser scene. Eventually, Bond learns Goldfinger's plot to make his gold more expensive, by contaminating the gold supply at Fort Knox.

Connery is his usual brilliant self as Bond. Honor Blackman is also good as Goldfingers henchmen, Pussy Galore, who was seduced by Bond. Frobe plays his part fine too. Cec Linder's Felix is one of the best, of course David Hedison is the best Felix Lieter.

This is the Bond of Bonds. Anybody who thinks that the current Bonds rock, they really need to watch Goldfinger, and then compare it to crap like Tomorrow Never Dies.

10 out of 10.

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23 out of 36 people found the following comment useful :-
From Ian Fleming novels to the screen.., 10 February 2005

Author: dbdumonteil

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

This is,along with "Thunderball" my all-time favorite Bond.These two movies were the last to follow just about Ian Fleming's plots.After his death,the writer asked the screenwriters to write new stories while keeping his titles.This may account for the long and steady decline of the stories after "Thunderball" .Even a genuine artist like Roald Dahl could not save "you only live twice".

Not that Fleming's novels were that much good.What he wrote was very flat but it was daring,bold for the time.The movies (the first ones that is)are much more entertaining,but they are also watered-down!People who read "Goldfinger" do know that the main Bond Girl character is Tilly Masterton (who is killed in the movie by Odd's hat after a ten-minute appearance) .The writers treated the character as anyone of them would have done with a gay character at the time.In the book ,Tilly who is a lesbian meets Pussy Galore and falls in love with her (not with Bond !).She dies only at the very end of the book,the same way .Pussy Galore is a lesbian too -in movie it's suggested :her clothes,her swagger,her female pilots- but it's kept to the minimum .In the book ,Pussy changes totally after meeting Bond,claiming she came to hate men because in her native state " a virgin is a girl who runs faster than her uncle" .What remains amazing is that the censorship did accept the very suggestive name "Pussy Galore" (the scenarists wanted to change it for "Kitty Galore" but an article in an English magazine which showed "Prince Charles and Pussy " made them change their mind.

A scene which scared me to death when I saw it in the movie theaters when I was 12 was that of the Golden Girl.The scenarists did a good job here:in the book ,James Bond does not see Jill Masterton's body ,he's

told the horrible story by sister Tilly just before both get captured by Goldfinger.Fleming's obsolete circular saw had been smartly replaced, by a laser beam.

All in all,Guy Hamilton's film is better than Fleming's book .His sense of space (and of humor) made "Goldfinger" the most appreciated of all James Bond.Quite rightly so.

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