Bond's speedboat seen during Spectre movie production on the Thames
The latest instalment of the James Bond franchise, Spectre, is currently being filmed, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the suave secret agent. In this article, we take a look back at the top 5 James Bond boat chase scenes that have left audiences spellbound over the years.
1. The World Is Not Enough (1999) - Opening Thames Boat Chase
This iconic boat chase in London's Thames is often cited as one of the franchise's best. Bond, played by Daniel Craig, chases an assassin on a rocket-propelled speedboat, navigating through the tight waterways of the city. The chase culminates in a thrilling crash through a seafood restaurant and near the Millennium Dome, making it a must-watch for any Bond enthusiast.
2. Live and Let Die (1973) - Speedboat Chase
Set in Louisiana's bayous, this speedboat chase is another fan favourite. Bond, once again, pilots a speedboat through narrow water channels, dodging enemies and executing daring maneuvers. Directed by Guy Hamilton, this chase sequence is iconic for its thrilling action and creative use of location.
3. Licence to Kill (1989) - Florida Keys and Isla Mujeres Chase
This film features a dramatic boat chase shot in the Florida Keys and Mexico, notably around Seven Mile Bridge and Isla Mujeres. The sequence involves Bond pursuing drug lord Franz Sanchez's men, showcasing a grittier, more intense style of action.
4. Thunderball (1965) - Underwater and Speedboat Scenes
While not strictly a boat chase on surface water alone, Thunderball features impressive aquatic action sequences, including surface speedboats and underwater combat scenes. These scenes have significantly contributed to Bond's association with naval action.
5. Casino Royale (2006) - Opening Chase (involving a ferry and a river)
Though primarily a foot and land vehicle chase, it transitions onto a river and includes aspects of water-based pursuit combined with high stakes tactical moves. This modern reinvention of Bond chase scenes marks a significant departure from the traditional boat chases but remains an exciting addition to the series.
These selections are based on the combination of stunt inventiveness, cinematic impact, and fan/critic acclaim, with "The World Is Not Enough" and "Live and Let Die" chase sequences often highlighted as the high points.
In the current filming of Spectre, Daniel Craig and Rory Kinnear were filmed making their way up the Thames during the filming, which took place in bright December sunshine. Daniel Craig was seen riding a black and grey RIB during the filming, marking another exciting addition to the series' boat chase scenes. The film is set to be released on 6 November 2015.
Stay tuned for more updates on Spectre and the latest James Bond boat chase scenes!
References: [1] IMDb. (2021). The World Is Not Enough. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118626/ [2] IMDb. (2021). Live and Let Die. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071380/ [3] IMDb. (2021). Licence to Kill. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/ [4] IMDb. (2021). Thunderball. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058664/ [5] IMDb. (2021). Casino Royale. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367088/
- Despite the current focus on the upcoming James Bond film, Spectre, it's worth taking a moment to recall the marvellous marine sequences featured in the Bond franchise, such as the thrilling speedboat chase in "Live and Let Die."
- The release of Spectre promises to add another exciting yacht or speedboat chase to the Bond series, as Daniel Craig was filmed navigating a black and grey RIB in the Thames during the movie's production, echoing the long-standing tradition of entertainment-infused movies-and-tv yacht and boat chase scenes.
