The Living Daylights

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The Living Daylights

PG,

1987,

2h 10m,

Action/

Mystery & Thriller/

Adventure

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Watchlist

77%

56 Reviews

Tomatometer

66%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

British secret agent James Bond (Timothy Dalton) helps KGB officer Georgi Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé) defect during a symphony performance. During his debriefing, Koskov reveals that a policy of assassinating defectors has been instated by new KGB head Leonid Pushkin (John Rhys-Davies). But as Bond explores this threat, a counterplot surfaces, involving a shady American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker) and a pair of Russian assassins, Necros (Andreas Wisniewski) and Kara Milovy (Maryam d'Abo).

Critics Consensus

Newcomer Timothy Dalton plays James Bond with more seriousness than preceding installments, and the result is exciting and colorful but occasionally humorless.

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Henry Sheehan

Chicago Reader

May 9, 2022

2/4

The Living Daylights might be reactionary hooey as far as its worldview goes, but it’s really fun hooey.

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Sheila Benson

Los Angeles Times

Oct 20, 2015

I feel just rotten about this, but I'm afraid I've outgrown James.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Tribune

Oct 20, 2015

3/4

In The Living Daylights, Dalton establishes his claim to the role; in the films that will follow, he'll have the chance to dig deeper.

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Michael D. Reid

Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada)

Jan 7, 2026

4/5

This funny, fast-paced adventure is licensed to thrill.

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Carson Timar

ClapperCast

Aug 28, 2022

An incredibly underrated Bond, The Living Daylights offers both a compelling romance and threat for the legendary character, with Dalton leading the strongest film in the series since On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Sep 25, 2021

3.5/4

Timothy Dalton's series debut is classic Cold War Bond, and grade-A spy stuff.

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Han L

Apr 25, 2019

Overall, The Living Daylights is a rather bland story with an action packed ending that almost makes up for the less than exciting first two thirds of the film. That being said, it has it's moments and is a a rather fun attempt to bring in a new Bond actor. Making only two Bond Films, Dalton may not be the best in the franchise, but he is certainly not the worst. This one is worth watching at least once. https://latetothegame.blog/2019/04/18/key-movies-of-my-life-james-bond-edition-the-living-daylights-1987/

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Abraham P

Mar 29, 2019

Great story. Well-acted. But, slower paced. Still watchable.

Luke L

Nov 5, 2018

A unique James Bond, different from Roger Moore's take

Anakin R

Oct 6, 2018

Great acting, check. Great action, check. Great plot, check. An underrated film that may be the last great cold war film.

Ron S

Sep 29, 2018

Solid outing of the franchise, great use of LOCATIONS and excellent stunts hold the interest. With Timothy Dalton giving Bond some much needed edge.

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Rey M

Sep 22, 2018

A fun Bond film that takes advantage of the Cold War setting at the time. Timothy Dalton brings much needed energy from Roger Moore.

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John Glen

Director

Timothy Dalton

James Bond

Maryam D'Abo

Kara Milovy

Jeroen Krabbé

General Georgi Koskov

Joe Don Baker

Brad Whitaker

John Rhys-Davies

General Leonid Pushkin

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Synopsis

British secret agent James Bond (Timothy Dalton) helps KGB officer Georgi Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé) defect during a symphony performance. During his debriefing, Koskov reveals that a policy of assassinating defectors has been instated by new KGB head Leonid Pushkin (John Rhys-Davies). But as Bond explores this threat, a counterplot surfaces, involving a shady American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker) and a pair of Russian assassins, Necros (Andreas Wisniewski) and Kara Milovy (Maryam d'Abo).

Director: John Glen
Producer: Albert R. Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson
Screenwriter: Ian Fleming, Richard Maibaum, Michael G. Wilson
Distributor: United Artists
Production Co: United Artists, EON Productions, Danjaq Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 1987, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.2M
Runtime: 2h 10m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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