From Russia with Love Questions

Bring on the tough stuff. There’s not just one right answer.

  1. From Russia with Love continues revealing aspects of the top-secret criminal organization SPECTRE. What do we learn about SPECTRE in this film? How does SPECTRE serve as the template for stereotypical villains in future films?
  2. There's no central villain in From Russia with Love. Is the ensemble of villains effective? Who stands out from the crowd and why?
  3. Bond has three women in this film: Sylvia Trench, Ms. Moneypenny, and Tania. What do these women have in common? How does Bond's relationship with each woman differ?
  4. How does From Russia with Love characterize women? Who might you consider a "strong female character"? Which characters are problematic when viewed from a modern lens?
  5. How does From Russia with Love treat non-white characters? Why do modern viewers see the film's treatment of "gypsies" as racist?
  6. Which characteristics of the James Bond franchise make their first appearance in From Russia with Love? How has the franchise changed over the last half century?
  7. Sean Connery or Roger Moore: is it even a contest?