Starring: Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman, Harold Sakata, and Bernard Lee
Of all the James Bond movies, there's one that stands out as the most iconic, as an all-time classic. There's only one Goldfinger. The unforgettable lyrics are sung so effortlessly by Shirley Bassey. The cool gadgets and toys featured in the film consistently impress. The delightful characters leave an indelible mark on the 007 franchise. While I'm partial to Casino Royale and Skyfall, it's hard not to admit that there's something special about Goldfinger. It's something that filmmakers have been emulating in their Bond movies for years, and it's something the likes of which we'll never see again in the 007 franchise. Goldfinger is the gold standard of James Bond movies.
After shutting down a drug operation in Latin America, 007 (Sean Connery) goes to Miami for a little rest and relaxation. Bond soon learns that M (Bernard Lee) has not sent him here for a vacation, however. He's actually here to monitor a bullion dealer named Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) and to learn more about his operations. Over the course of several encounters, the debonair MI6 agent gets to know this gold fanatic quite well. This investigation that begins with gin rummy and golf ends at Fort Knox with Goldfinger on the verge of realizing his dastardly plan known as Operation Grand Slam and increasing his wealth tenfold. Along the way, 007 must deal with Goldfinger's imposing Korean manservant Oddjob (Harold Sakata) and his alluring female pilot Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman).
With scantily clad women abound and a lead female named Pussy Galore, Goldfinger is overtly sexist and has no problem objectifying each and every woman in the film. On countless occasions, this movie reflects the fact that it was made in the mid-60s. That being said, this movie has everything else going for it. Director Guy Hamilton crafts a sleek film that takes Bond to a smoother place where there are grand action sequences (for the era), cool gadgets, and lots of gold. From the very start of the film where Bond shuts down that drug operation in Latin America, it's clear that Goldfinger is one for the 007 canon.
We have a great cast for this one. Sean Connery has never been more suave in a Bond movie than here in Goldfinger. He's got the poise and charm of an iconic action star. He's giving us some great action sequences and delivering countless classic one-liners. It’s abundantly clear that Connery has hit his stride here. Beyond Connery, we have Gert Fröbe as the titular villain Goldfinger. This guy is a deliciously evil antagonist and a cunning opponent for MI6's best agent. For me, what makes him one of the great Bond villains of all time is that he's a gentleman. He always ensures his nemeses have proper accommodations whenever he takes them captive. Despite his close shaves with 007 throughout the movie, he always does right by his enemies, even when he’s trying to kill them. It's a touch of class.
One of the things I've always loved about Goldfinger is the music. Of course, I love the opening song performed by Shirley Bassey. Her rich, deep vocals carry one of the all-time great pieces of movie music. It's a song that's just as enjoyable a half century later. Even as the film progresses, however, Hamilton's music director John Barry keeps the jazzy tunes coming. His strong musical selections help give the film an upbeat vibe and play perfectly into Bond's playboy persona. In my humble opinion, Barry put together one of the great soundtracks of all time for this one. Every time I watch the movie, I find myself tapping my feet to his smooth beats.
Goldfinger is the best of the classic Bond movies. For many decades, it was the bar for what a Bond movie could be. It's a movie you'll enjoy watching every single time. Sean Connery is at his best as the slick spy in this one. Goldfinger gets a strong 0.03% rating. Have some wine coolers with this one.
