License to Kills bid for gritty realism seemed like the end of the franchise 35 years ago.
But it was really just the beginning.
And of course, Connerys Bond was on an unsanctioned revenge mission at the start ofDiamonds Are Forever.
On June 13 of that year,Licence to Killopened at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.
When Davi and del Toro are onscreen, you believe they are ruthless criminals with a massive reach.
Sure, you never really think Bond will die.
But what about his allies and lovers?
If a stalwart ally like Leiter can be taken down a leg, is Q okay?
In fact, for most of the movie, Bond is part of one squad or another.
At the start, he helps DEA buddies Leiter and Sharky (Frank McRae) apprehend Sanchez.
The film even makes it clear that Bonds tendency to sleep around has emotional fallout.
This moment is played for a small laugh in the movie.
It may not make Bond seem cool, but it does make him seem real.
At the time of its release, much was made about Daltons fury in this film.
In the end Bond doesnt win because hes super slick.
In fact, he almost loses everything when Dario happens to recognize him from earlier in the movie.
As Sanchez says to 007, You havecajones, Mr. After 1989, there was a six-year gap before the franchise rebooted again with Pierce Brosnan andGoldenEye.
It was a farewell to arms for Dalton, and a break for the franchise.
Like Daltons portrayal of 007, the impact ofLicence to Killwas subtle, but full of power.
