# Live and Let Die

> 1973 film directed by Guy Hamilton

**Wikidata**: [Q27204](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27204)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_and_Let_Die_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/live-and-let-die

## Summary
*Live and Let Die* is a 1973 spy film directed by Guy Hamilton, produced by Eon Productions, and part of the James Bond franchise. It blends action, espionage, and blaxploitation elements, featuring notable performances and a culturally significant soundtrack.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1973, with premiere dates including June 27 (UK), July 12 (US), and August 17 (other regions).
- Directed by Guy Hamilton, known for his work on multiple James Bond films.
- Produced by Eon Productions, a British film company founded in 1961, specializing in the James Bond series.
- Classified as a spy film, action film, and blaxploitation film, reflecting its genre-blending narrative.
- Features Yaphet Kotto (1939–2021), an American actor, in a prominent role.
- Associated with the United Kingdom (production country) and the United States (release market).
- Wikidata sitelink count: 58, indicating broad recognition across language editions.

## FAQs
**What is *Live and Let Die* about?**
*Live and Let Die* is a 1973 James Bond film directed by Guy Hamilton, following Agent 007 as he investigates a criminal operation involving drugs and the occult, set against a backdrop of blaxploitation and spy thriller tropes.

**Who produced *Live and Let Die*?**
The film was produced by Eon Productions, a British company established in 1961, exclusively known for its long-running James Bond franchise.

**What genres does *Live and Let Die* belong to?**
It is categorized as a spy film, action film, and blaxploitation film, combining high-stakes espionage with cultural themes of the 1970s.

**When was *Live and Let Die* released?**
The film premiered in the UK on June 27, 1973, followed by a US release on July 12, 1973, and additional international releases later that year.

**Who are the notable cast members?**
Yaphet Kotto, an American actor, stars in a key role, contributing to the film’s blend of action and social commentary.

## Why It Matters
*Live and Let Die* holds significance as a pivotal entry in the James Bond series, marking a shift toward more diverse storytelling and genre experimentation. Its incorporation of blaxploitation elements reflected broader cultural trends of the 1970s, while its action sequences and soundtrack (including the iconic title song by Paul McCartney) cemented its place in cinematic history. The film also showcased Eon Productions’ ability to adapt the Bond franchise to evolving audience tastes, ensuring its enduring relevance.

## Notable For
- Being the first James Bond film to feature a Black villain (Yaphet Kotto’s Dr. Kananga), a groundbreaking choice for its time.
- Blending spy thriller conventions with blaxploitation aesthetics, a rare crossover in mainstream cinema.
- Its iconic title song, performed by Paul McCartney and Wings, which became one of the most memorable Bond themes.
- Expanding the Bond universe’s geographical scope, with key scenes set in Harlem, New Orleans, and the Caribbean.
- Reinforcing Eon Productions’ dominance in the spy genre during the 1970s.

## Body
### Overview and Production
*Live and Let Die* is the eighth film in the James Bond series and the first to star Roger Moore as the titular spy. Directed by Guy Hamilton, who had previously helmed *Goldfinger* (1964) and *Diamonds Are Forever* (1971), the film was produced by Eon Productions, the British studio behind the entire Bond franchise since its inception in 1961. The production leveraged the rising popularity of blaxploitation films, a genre that emerged in the early 1970s, to infuse the Bond formula with contemporary cultural relevance.

### Genre and Themes
The film is classified under multiple genres:
- **Spy film**: Central to the James Bond series, featuring espionage, gadgets, and international intrigue.
- **Action film**: Highlighted by stunts, chase sequences, and physical confrontations.
- **Blaxploitation film**: Incorporates themes and aesthetics from African-American cinema, including urban settings and social commentary.

This genre fusion allowed *Live and Let Die* to appeal to broader audiences while maintaining the core elements of a Bond adventure.

### Release and Reception
*Live and Let Die* premiered in the United Kingdom on June 27, 1973, followed by a US release on July 12, 1973. Additional international releases occurred throughout the summer and fall of 1973, including an August 17 debut in other markets. The film’s global rollout underscored its commercial ambitions and the franchise’s expanding popularity.

### Cast and Characters
Yaphet Kotto, an American actor with a career spanning film, television, and theater, played the primary antagonist, Dr. Kananga (also known as Mr. Big). Kotto’s casting was notable for its departure from the series’ previous villains, reflecting a conscious effort to diversify the franchise’s representation. His performance contributed to the film’s blaxploitation influences, grounding the story in themes of power, identity, and racial dynamics.

### Cultural Impact
The film’s soundtrack, particularly the title song *Live and Let Die* by Paul McCartney and Wings, became a cultural phenomenon. The song’s blend of rock and orchestral elements, along with its dramatic lyrics, reinforced the film’s themes and has since been covered by numerous artists. The soundtrack’s success helped elevate the film’s profile beyond typical action fare.

### Production Company: Eon Productions
Eon Productions, headquartered in the UK, has been the driving force behind the James Bond series since 1961. The company’s partnership with United Artists (later MGM) ensured the franchise’s longevity, with *Live and Let Die* serving as a key example of its ability to innovate within the spy genre. Eon’s production values, including location shooting and practical effects, set a high standard for action films of the era.

### Legacy and Influence
*Live and Let Die* is remembered for its bold narrative choices, including its exploration of voodoo culture and its portrayal of a Black villain in a major Hollywood franchise. The film’s success demonstrated the viability of genre-blending in blockbuster cinema, paving the way for future Bond installments to experiment with tone and subject matter. Its enduring popularity is evident in its 58 Wikidata sitelinks, indicating widespread recognition across languages and cultures.

### Related Entities
- **United Kingdom**: The film’s country of production, with Eon Productions based in London.
- **United States**: A primary market for the film’s release, reflecting the franchise’s global appeal.
- **Blaxploitation film**: A genre that influenced the film’s aesthetic and thematic choices.
- **Spy film and action film**: Core genres that define the James Bond series’ identity.

This structured approach ensures that *Live and Let Die* is understood not just as a standalone film but as a product of its time, shaped by cultural trends, industry practices, and creative ambition.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070328/)
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/zyj-i-pozwol-umrzec)
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4. [Source](http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Live-and-Let-Die)
5. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=1123.html)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070328/fullcredits)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. Letterboxd
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11. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures
12. Academy Awards Database
13. BFI Film & TV Database
14. Lexicon of international films
15. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070328/releaseinfo/)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://www.filmratings.com/Search?filmTitle=Live+and+Let+Die)
18. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0506%5C45830VDVD%2Epdf)
19. [The Numbers](https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Live-and-Let-Die#tab=summary)
20. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0070328/)
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/live-and-let-die/)
22. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
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25. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/41848)
26. Online-Filmdatenbank
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29. Live and Let Die
30. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/F310-580D-7AA9-DAA3-437F-T)
31. TheTVDB
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