Robbi Mercer

Written by Robbi Mercer

Modified & Updated: 01 Oct 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

48-facts-about-the-movie-licence-to-kill
Source: Timetobond.blog

The movie “Licence to Kill” is a classic action-packed fiesta that belongs to the famous James Bond franchise. Released in 1989, this film showcased the daring adventures of British secret agent James Bond, played by the iconic actor Timothy Dalton.

In “Licence to Kill,” Bond finds himself on a personal mission of revenge after his friend and CIA agent Felix Leiter is brutally assaulted by a drug lord named Franz Sanchez. The film takes viewers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride as Bond goes rogue from MI6 to bring Sanchez down and avenge his friend.

With its high-stakes action sequences, intense plot, and memorable characters, “Licence to Kill” has won the hearts of moviegoers around the world. In this article, we will delve into 48 fascinating facts about the movie, shedding light on its production, the cast and crew, and the impact it had on the James Bond franchise.

Key Takeaways:

  • Licence to Kill was the 16th James Bond film, featuring intense action, a captivating storyline, and a darker portrayal of the iconic character, James Bond.
  • The movie explored themes of revenge, loyalty, and the dangers of the drug trade, while showcasing thrilling stunts, memorable villains, and a memorable theme song by Gladys Knight.
Table of Contents

Licence to Kill was the 16th film in the James Bond franchise.

The movie Licence to Kill marked the 16th installment in the iconic James Bond film series, which began in 1962 with Dr. No.

It was released in 1989.

Licence to Kill was released in 1989, captivating audiences with its thrilling action sequences and engaging storyline.

Timothy Dalton portrayed James Bond.

In Licence to Kill, Timothy Dalton reprised his role as the suave and sophisticated British secret agent, James Bond.

The film was directed by John Glen.

John Glen, a seasoned director in the Bond franchise, helmed Licence to Kill, bringing his expertise and creativity to the production.

Licence to Kill was the first Bond film to receive a 15 rating in the UK.

This movie pushed the boundaries of the Bond series, resulting in a 15 rating in the United Kingdom due to its intense and violent scenes.

It had a thrilling and gritty storyline.

Licence to Kill featured a captivating storyline that delved into the personal vendetta of James Bond, making it one of the most intense films in the franchise.

The film explores the theme of revenge.

Revenge serves as a central theme in Licence to Kill, as Bond seeks to avenge the brutal attack on his longtime friend and ally, Felix Leiter.

The production budget was $32 million.

With a production budget of $32 million, Licence to Kill utilized its resources to deliver spectacular action sequences and breathtaking cinematography.

Licence to Kill was not initially well-received by critics.

Upon its release, the film faced mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its darker tone and others feeling it deviated too much from the traditional Bond formula.

It achieved moderate success at the box office.

Licence to Kill grossed over $156 million worldwide, making it a modest financial success for the Bond franchise.

The movie featured a memorable villain.

Robert Davi portrayed the intimidating drug lord, Franz Sanchez, who becomes Bond’s primary antagonist throughout the film.

The title song was performed by Gladys Knight.

Gladys Knight lent her soulful vocals to the title song “Licence to Kill,” adding a touch of elegance to the film’s soundtrack.

Licence to Kill showcased breathtaking locations.

The film took audiences on an international journey, featuring stunning filming locations in locations such as Mexico and Florida Keys.

The movie had high-speed boat chases.

Licence to Kill is remembered for its thrilling high-speed boat chase scenes, which added an adrenaline-fueled element to the action sequences.

The film marks the final appearance of actor Robert Brown as M.

Robert Brown bid farewell to his role as M in Licence to Kill, marking the end of his tenure as the head of MI6 in the Bond series.

Licence to Kill features innovative gadgets.

As with any James Bond film, Licence to Kill showcases a range of innovative gadgets that assist Bond in taking down his enemies and escaping precarious situations.

The movie explores the dark side of the drug trade.

With its theme centered around drug trafficking and corruption, Licence to Kill delves into the gritty underworld of the illicit drug trade.

The film delves into the dangers of revenge consuming a person.

Licence to Kill serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of allowing revenge to consume one’s life, illustrating the toll it takes on both Bond and those around him.

The stunts in Licence to Kill were highly acclaimed.

The film received praise for its daring and well-executed stunts, elevating the level of excitement and intensity throughout the movie.

Licence to Kill featured a diverse and talented cast.

Alongside Timothy Dalton, the film boasted a talented ensemble cast including Carey Lowell, Robert Davi, Talisa Soto, and many more.

The movie was influenced by Ian Fleming’s short story, “Live and Let Die.”

Licence to Kill drew inspiration from Ian Fleming’s short story, “Live and Let Die,” adding depth and homage to the original Bond novels.

It underwent title changes during production.

During its production, Licence to Kill went through various title changes before settling on the final name, providing some behind-the-scenes trivia for Bond enthusiasts.

Licence to Kill showcases the enduring popularity of the Bond franchise.

Even after 16 films, Licence to Kill is a testament to the cultural significance and popularity of the James Bond franchise, captivating audiences for decades.

The movie blends elements of espionage and action seamlessly.

Licence to Kill strikes a balance between espionage and action, maintaining the essence of the Bond series while pushing the boundaries of the genre.

It features stunning car chases.

Car chase scenes are a staple of the Bond franchise, and Licence to Kill delivers exhilarating sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The film explores the loyalty Bond has towards his friends.

Licence to Kill delves into the unwavering loyalty Bond has towards his friends, highlighting the strength of his character and his willingness to go to great lengths to protect those he cares about.

The movie has a thrilling pre-title sequence.

Licence to Kill opens with an adrenaline-pumping pre-title sequence, setting the tone for the action-packed adventure that awaits viewers.

Licence to Kill showcases the darker side of the Bond character.

In this film, audiences see a more ruthless and vengeful side of Bond, deviating from the suave and debonair persona often associated with the iconic character.

The film challenges Bond’s loyalty to the British government.

Licence to Kill pushes Bond to question his loyalty to the British government as he takes matters into his own hands and goes rogue to seek justice for his friend.

It features intense underwater sequences.

Licence to Kill includes breathtaking underwater sequences, showcasing Bond’s ability to navigate treacherous environments in pursuit of his mission.

The movie tackles the theme of corruption within law enforcement.

Within the narrative of Licence to Kill, corruption within law enforcement agencies is exposed, adding a layer of tension and suspense to the plot.

Licence to Kill has memorable one-liners.

As with any Bond film, Licence to Kill is filled with memorable one-liners that have become iconic in the franchise’s history.

The film seamlessly blends action, suspense, and romance.

Licence to Kill strikes a perfect balance between thrilling action sequences, nail-biting suspense, and captivating romantic moments, appealing to a wide range of audience members.

It features adrenaline-fueled helicopter stunts.

Helicopter stunts play a prominent role in Licence to Kill, showcasing the expert maneuvering and acrobatics of both the actors and the pilots.

The movie explores the consequences of Bond’s actions.

Licence to Kill illustrates the far-reaching consequences of Bond’s actions, highlighting the risks involved in his line of work and the impact it has on those around him.

Licence to Kill has a memorable climax.

The film’s climactic sequence is filled with high stakes, intense action, and heart-pounding moments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

It features a charismatic and enigmatic female lead.

Talisa Soto portrays the character of Lupe Lamora, a complex and intriguing female character who adds depth to the movie’s narrative.

The film has a memorable theme score.

Licence to Kill features a captivating and iconic theme score that captures the essence of the film and contributes to its overall impact.

It has a unique and distinctive visual style.

Licence to Kill stands out with its unique visual style, incorporating vibrant colors, bold cinematography, and innovative camera techniques.

The movie explores the bond between friends.

Licence to Kill delves into the unbreakable bond between friends, exploring the lengths to which one is willing to go to protect and avenge those they care about.

It showcases Bond’s skills as a pilot.

Licence to Kill demonstrates Bond’s proficiency as a pilot, as he navigates helicopters and planes with precision and dexterity.

The film features stunning underwater cinematography.

Underwater cinematography plays a significant role in Licence to Kill, capturing the beauty and danger of the aquatic settings.

It addresses the environmental impact of drug trafficking.

Licence to Kill touches on the environmental consequences of drug trafficking and emphasizes the need to combat this illicit trade.

The movie’s plot is driven by revenge.

Revenge serves as the primary motivator for Bond’s actions in Licence to Kill, propelling the plot forward and adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

It has a memorable casino scene.

Licence to Kill features a thrilling casino scene, reminiscent of classic Bond films, where stakes are high and tension fills the air.

The film addresses the issue of drug addiction.

Licence to Kill sheds light on the devastating effects of drug addiction, illustrating the urgency and importance of eliminating the drug trade.

It showcases Bond’s resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Through various intense situations, Licence to Kill highlights Bond’s resourcefulness and ability to think on his feet, overcoming challenges with clever solutions.

The film sets the stage for future Bond adventures.

Licence to Kill lays the groundwork for future Bond films, foreshadowing the evolution of the character and the future challenges he will face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Licence to Kill” is a thrilling and action-packed movie that has captivated audiences since its release. With its intense storyline, impressive stunts, and unforgettable performances, it has solidified its place in the James Bond franchise. The film explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and justice, adding depth to the action sequences. From the gripping opening scene to the explosive finale, “Licence to Kill” keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and stunning cinematography, it has become a classic among Bond fans and action film enthusiasts alike.

FAQs

Q: When was “Licence to Kill” released?

A: “Licence to Kill” was released on July 14, 1989.

Q: Who directed “Licence to Kill”?

A: The movie was directed by John Glen.

Q: Who played the role of James Bond in “Licence to Kill”?

A: Timothy Dalton portrayed the iconic character James Bond in this film.

Q: Is “Licence to Kill” based on a novel?

A: No, the plot of the movie is an original story created specifically for the film.

Q: Where was “Licence to Kill” filmed?

A: The majority of the movie was filmed on location in Mexico and the Florida Keys.

Q: Was “Licence to Kill” a box office success?

A: While the movie received positive reviews from critics, it didn’t perform as well at the box office as some of the previous Bond films.

Q: What is the rating of “Licence to Kill”?

A: The movie has an R-rating due to its intense action, violence, and language.

Q: Are there any notable guest stars in “Licence to Kill”?

A: Yes, the film features notable actors such as Robert Davi, Carey Lowell, and Talisa Soto.

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