Quantum Of Solace - Thoughts

The second in the series of Daniel Craig Bond movies. Following an assassination attempt on M, Bond tracks a network of corrupt and powerful individuals unknown to most. The chase leads him to Dominic Green, a supposed environmental entrepreneur. While it’s obvious that there’s more to Green Enterprises than meets the eye, what is their interest in what seems to be barren land in Bolivia? While the CIA and the rest of the world choose to turn their eyes away from Green’s activities, Bond, the vengeance that drives him, and his beautiful friend Camille are all that stands in Green’s way.


If Bond is about fast cars, blazing guns, and pretty girls, the opening sequence alone will do justice to the Bond legacy. The movie is interesting and fun to watch throughout. Action sequences are explosive, and the technology showcased is unreal. The debrief sessions with M at the MI6 office are out of this world; the tech setup they work off is just unimaginably slick. The bulk of the movie was shot in South America (Mexico, Panama City, etc) and partially in Madrid. There are a lot of visually beautiful ocean drives, canyon shots and long marine views. For most part the movie is enjoyable, the only negative being that its perhaps forgettable.

Daniel Craig is settling into the Bond role well, portraying effectively traits of stubborn relentlessness. Olga Kurylenko as Camille Montes, a Russian-Bolivian agent with her own vendetta seemed like a perfect fit for a Bond girl. With her model features and foreign accent its clear why she was chosen from the 400 others who auditioned for the part. Judi Dench as M, as always was powerful and commanding. Compared to previous Bond movies her involvement in the plot of Quantum Of Solace was considerably more. Gemma Arterton playing the MI6 agent Strawberry Fields who works at the British consulate in Bolivia is worth mention, because she was chosen by director Marc Forster who thought she was witty, from 7000 others. Though her role was limited, it was efficient in a Bond women sorta way. Alas, a Bond movie wouldn’t be complete without its many woman!

The DVD I was sampling was a Region 1 US DVD, and the picture was flawless. While color tones were not the most vibrant, the movie was intentionally presented that way. The shimmer of the oceans and the daylight sequences were breathtaking. Two 5.1 surround soundtracks were available; both Dolby Digital and DTS. I selected the DTS variant which was excellent; action sequences had impact and the various locales travelled to had suitable ambience.

My Recommendation: Watch It (A good action / Bond movie, but not the most memorable)