Unmasking the Swordfight Scene in Die Another Day: Expert Takes Aim at James Bond's Struggle
Die Another Day pushes the boundaries of 007's swordfighting skills to the extreme, but falls short in terms of accuracy Critics deem it disappointingly underwhelming
Summary
Die Another Day's swordfight scene between James Bond and Gustav Graves is criticized by a sword expert, earning a low rating of 3 out of 10.
The expert finds the film's portrayal of fighting techniques and bladed weapons to be extremely inaccurate. Die Another Day's exaggerated and cartoon-like elements, such as its reliance on CGI-heavy action and unrealistic sets, contribute to its unfavorable reception and the franchise's move towards a more gritty tone in Casino Royale.
The bombastic swordfight in Die Another Day is reviewed by a sword expert who does not give high praise to the James Bond action scene. Released in 2002, Die Another Day marks Pierce Brosnan's fourth and final portrayal of 007. Directed by Lee Tamahori, the film received a mix of negative reviews from critics but performed well at the box office, ultimately grossing over $431 million.
In a recent video for Insider, sword master Dave Rawlings analyzes the sword fight between Bond and Gustav Graves (played by Toby Stephens) in the controversial Die Another Day, pointing out numerous flaws in the sequence.
Rawlings critiques Die Another Day for its inaccurate portrayal of bladed weapons, giving the scene a three out of 10. He highlights the flaws in the swordfight, starting with the initial attack where the character spins and exposes his back, putting himself at risk of being stabbed.
The weapon in question appears to be a broadsword or a saber, requiring the act of cutting candles or scenery. However, it is not to be used in this manner as it is not suitable.
Furthermore, there is a misconception that longswords are heavy and awkward weapons, which is far from accurate. In fact, a longsword can be wielded with greater speed and agility compared to a rapier. While it remains well-balanced for single-handed use, the added benefit lies in its ability to be maneuvered around the forward hand's position.
Die Another Day Takes 007 Too Far
Even the most savage method of wielding a longsword, known as the strike of wrath, is not executed recklessly. Rather, it is performed with precision, utilizing mechanical principles to establish dominion over the space before you. Wielding the weapon in wide arcs neither benefits the wielder nor accurately showcases the true capabilities of the instrument.
The Bond franchise has always been known for incorporating futuristic gadgets and storylines that lean more towards science fiction than reality. However, there have been instances where the boundaries of believability were stretched a bit too far. Take, for instance, Moonraker from 1979, which showcases an extravagant sequence where Roger Moore's Bond ventures into outer space, featuring an elaborate space station and an intense laser gun battle. Although not reaching the same level of absurdity, Die Another Day can be described as a somewhat exaggerated installment in the series.
Die Another Day, although lacking Brosnan's 007 in space, introduces Icarus, a satellite weapon capable of unleashing powerful solar beams onto Earth. The film is known for its heavy use of CGI in action scenes, which, unfortunately, have aged poorly over time. From Bond's invisible Aston Martin to his daring kitesurfing on a colossal Arctic tsunami wave, the movie stretches the boundaries of action to an excessive degree.
The film's exaggerated nature and the resulting negative reviews play a significant role in shaping Casino Royale's grittier approach. Considered one of the franchise's finest entries, Daniel Craig's debut owes part of its success to the shortcomings of its predecessor. Even though Die Another Day includes a more realistic swordfight, it becomes apparent that even this particular scene falls short in capturing the essence of the franchise.
Source: Insider
