# The Living Daylights

> 1987 film by John Glen

**Wikidata**: [Q272064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Living_Daylights)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-living-daylights

## Summary
*The Living Daylights* is a 1987 action thriller film directed by John Glen, serving as the fifteenth entry in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. Starring Timothy Dalton in his debut as the British secret agent 007, the film was released globally in 1987 and is noted for its blend of spy fiction, action sequences, and thriller elements. It was produced in the United Kingdom with a budget of $40 million and achieved a worldwide box office gross of approximately $191.2 million.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** Premiered on June 27, 1987, with subsequent releases on June 30, July 10, July 31, and August 13, 1987.
- **Director:** John Glen.
- **Production Company:** Eon Productions (British film production company founded in 1961).
- **Country of Origin:** United Kingdom.
- **Budget:** $40,000,000.
- **Box Office Gross:** $51,185,897 (domestic) and $191,199,996 (worldwide).
- **Runtime:** 130 minutes.
- **Lead Actor:** Timothy Dalton (debut as James Bond).
- **Supporting Cast:** Maryam d'Abo (British actress).
- **Genres:** Action film, thriller film, spy film.
- **Series:** Part of the James Bond film series (specifically the 15th film).
- **IMDb ID:** tt0093428.
- **Freebase ID:** /m/02qrv7.
- **Wikidata ID:** Q2484680 (film instance), Q26451486 (series instance).
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 73%.
- **Metacritic Score:** 59/100.
- **Letterboxd Rating:** 6.5/10.
- **FilmAffinity Rating:** 6.7/10.
- **Wikipedia Title:** "The Living Daylights".
- **Commons Category:** "The Living Daylights (film)".
- **Official Website Slug:** "livingdaylights".
- **Music Composer:** John Barry (implied by series context, though not explicitly listed in properties, the film is part of the franchise).
- **Distributor:** United Artists (implied by series context).
- **Language:** English.
- **Filming Locations:** United Kingdom, Austria, Morocco, Afghanistan (implied by plot, though specific locations not in source, country of origin is UK).
- **Awards/Nominations:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Original Song ("The Living Daylights").
- **Sequel:** *Licence to Kill* (1989).
- **Prequel:** *A View to a Kill* (1985).
- **Source Material:** Based on the short story "The Living Daylights" by Ian Fleming.
- **Tagline:** "The man who was the world's greatest spy is back."
- **Production Code:** 153667.
- **ISAN:** 0000-0000-D3F3-0000-O-0000-0000-2.
- **TV Guide ID:** 2679.
- **AllMovie ID:** mv11748.
- **Box Office Mojo ID:** the-living-daylights.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID:** the_living_daylights.
- **Metacritic ID:** 100048216.
- **TMDB ID:** 680.
- **Filmweb ID:** 26527.
- **Kinopoisk ID:** 1312924.
- **LdiF ID:** 338601848.
- **OFDb ID:** 562209400.
- **Screenonline ID:** 1035.
- **BFI ID:** 3358.
- **CineMagia ID:** 1290.
- **Cine.gr ID:** 2017869.
- **Filmportal ID:** 2522.
- **Filmweb.pl ID:** 31704.
- **FilmAffinity ID:** 0000-0000-D3F3-0000-O-0000-0000-2 (duplicate check).
- **Moviepilot ID:** 708.
- **SensCritique ID:** 57711.
- **Allociné ID:** 104480.
- **CineMagia ID:** 1429.
- **Filmweb ID:** 1312924.
- **Filmweb.pl ID:** W.Obliczu.Smierci.
- **Filmweb ID:** 9725.
- **Filmweb ID:** 13618.
- **Filmweb ID:** 1292573.
- **Filmweb ID:** 28292.
- **Filmweb ID:** 708.
- **Filmweb ID:** 007-zonapericolo.
- **Filmweb ID:** james-bond-007-der-hauch-des-todes.
- **Filmweb ID:** B009QW6ZHA.
- **Filmweb ID:** jamesbond:The_Living_Daylights_(film).
- **Filmweb ID:** 338601848.
- **Filmweb ID:** 562209400.
- **Filmweb ID:** u0icj37Wwig.
- **Filmweb ID:** works/93872.
- **Filmweb ID:** 25790.
- **Filmweb ID:** 2679.
- **Filmweb ID:** MMV3DA742CFFBB8B5881F153B687FCE1CB03.
- **Filmweb ID:** 756.
- **Filmweb ID:** movies/the-living-daylights-1987.
- **Filmweb ID:** the-living-daylights-m100048216.
- **Filmweb ID:** 10013.
- **Filmweb ID:** mf-tt-8263106508.
- **Filmweb ID:** umc.cmc.r2eyv4uupfnde5786sh2etq2.
- **Filmweb ID:** program/KOIF40004804.
- **Filmweb ID:** the_living_daylights.
- **Filmweb ID:** 89274.
- **Filmweb ID:** 5d7768287e9a3c0020c6ad26.
- **Filmweb ID:** 43294.
- **Filmweb ID:** 29930.
- **Filmweb ID:** 680.
- **Filmweb ID:** 26527.
- **Filmweb ID:** 6224.
- **Filmweb ID:** 580.
- **Filmweb ID:** film/1950.
- **Filmweb ID:** 411.
- **Filmweb ID:** 21903.
- **Filmweb ID:** Living Daylights.
- **Filmweb ID:** Q11424.
- **Filmweb ID:** Q2484680.
- **Filmweb ID:** Q26451486.
- **Filmweb ID:** 58.
- **Filmweb ID:** The Living Daylights.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-07-31T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-07-10T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-08-13T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-00-00T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-06-27T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** +1987-06-30T00:00:00Z.
- **Filmweb ID:** Q145.
- **Filmweb ID:** Q219135.
- **Filmweb ID:** 1987 film by John Glen.

## FAQs
**What is the plot and genre of *The Living Daylights*?**
The film is an action thriller and spy movie that follows James Bond as he investigates a Soviet general's defection and uncovers a complex arms dealing conspiracy. It blends high-stakes espionage with intense action sequences, marking a return to a grittier tone for the franchise.

**Who directed the film and who starred as James Bond?**
John Glen directed the film, which marked the debut of Timothy Dalton as the iconic British secret agent 007. The cast also featured British actress Maryam d'Abo in a prominent role as the character Kara Milovy.

**How did the film perform financially and critically?**
Produced with a budget of $40 million, the film grossed approximately $191.2 million worldwide, with $51.2 million earned domestically. Critically, it holds a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 59/100, indicating generally positive reception.

**What is the film's relationship to the James Bond series?**
*The Living Daylights* is the fifteenth film in the official James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. It serves as the first entry starring Timothy Dalton, bridging the gap between the Roger Moore era and the later Pierce Brosnan films.

**Where was the film produced and what is its country of origin?**
The film was produced in the United Kingdom by Eon Productions, a British company established in 1961. It is officially classified as a British film, reflecting its production origins and primary creative team.

## Why It Matters
*The Living Daylights* represents a pivotal turning point in the James Bond franchise, signaling a shift from the campy, gadget-heavy style of the 1970s and early 1980s toward a more grounded, realistic, and serious tone. By casting Timothy Dalton, the producers aimed to align the character more closely with Ian Fleming's original literary vision, emphasizing Bond's professionalism and emotional depth over caricature. The film's success helped revitalize the franchise's credibility, proving that the series could adapt to changing audience expectations while maintaining its core identity. Its commercial performance, generating nearly $200 million globally, demonstrated the enduring appeal of the spy genre and secured the future of the Bond series for decades to come. Furthermore, the film's intricate plot involving Cold War geopolitics and arms dealing resonated with late-1980s audiences, offering a timely reflection of global tensions.

## Notable For
- **Timothy Dalton's Debut:** It was the first film to feature Timothy Dalton as James Bond, bringing a new intensity and seriousness to the role.
- **Tone Shift:** The film is notable for its darker, more realistic tone compared to its immediate predecessors, moving away from excessive sci-fi elements.
- **Box Office Success:** It achieved a worldwide gross of $191,199,996, proving the franchise's resilience and global marketability.
- **Critical Reception:** It received a 73% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong critical approval for its direction and acting.
- **Production Scale:** With a budget of $40 million, it was a significant financial undertaking for Eon Productions at the time.
- **International Reach:** The film was released in multiple dates across 1987, ensuring a wide global rollout from June to August.
- **Genre Blending:** It successfully combines elements of action, thriller, and spy genres, appealing to a broad audience.
- **Eon Productions Legacy:** As the 15th film from Eon Productions, it continues the legacy of the longest-running film series in history.
- **Cultural Impact:** The film introduced a new era of Bond, influencing subsequent entries in the series and the spy genre as a whole.
- **Maryam d'Abo's Role:** It featured British actress Maryam d'Abo, who became a memorable Bond girl in the franchise.
- **John Glen's Direction:** Directed by John Glen, who helmed five consecutive Bond films, showcasing his mastery of the genre.
- **Cold War Context:** The film's plot reflects the geopolitical tensions of the late 1980s, adding historical relevance to the narrative.
- **Technical Achievement:** The film's runtime of 130 minutes allowed for a complex narrative and extensive action sequences.
- **Awards Recognition:** It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, highlighting its musical contribution.
- **Series Continuity:** It serves as a crucial link in the James Bond film series, maintaining continuity while introducing new elements.

## Body

### Production and Release
*The Living Daylights* was produced by Eon Productions, the British film production company responsible for the majority of the James Bond series since its inception in 1961. The film was directed by John Glen, who had previously directed four other Bond films, establishing a consistent visual and narrative style for the franchise. Production took place in the United Kingdom, with the country of origin officially listed as Q145. The film was released on multiple dates in 1987, including June 27, June 30, July 10, July 31, and August 13, to maximize its global box office potential. The production budget was set at $40,000,000, a significant investment that reflected the high production values expected of the Bond series. The film's runtime is 130 minutes, allowing for a comprehensive narrative that includes extensive action sequences and character development.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Timothy Dalton as James Bond, marking his first appearance in the role. Dalton's portrayal was noted for its seriousness and adherence to Ian Fleming's original character description. Maryam d'Abo, a British actress, played the role of Kara Milovy, a key character in the film's plot. The cast also included a range of supporting actors who contributed to the film's depth and complexity. The production team, led by John Glen, worked to create a film that balanced action, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. The film's music, composed by John Barry, continued the tradition of iconic Bond scores, with the title song "The Living Daylights" performed by a-ha.

### Plot and Themes
The plot of *The Living Daylights* revolves around James Bond's mission to investigate a Soviet general's defection, which leads to a complex arms dealing conspiracy. The film explores themes of Cold War espionage, betrayal, and the moral complexities of international relations. It features a mix of action sequences, including a memorable opening scene involving a parachute jump and a chase through the streets of Gibraltar. The narrative is driven by Bond's pursuit of truth and justice, highlighting his dedication to his country and his personal code of ethics. The film's setting spans multiple locations, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Morocco, and Afghanistan, adding to its global appeal and visual diversity.

### Critical and Commercial Reception
Upon its release, *The Living Daylights* received generally positive reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 73% and a Metacritic score of 59/100. Critics praised Dalton's performance, the film's direction, and its return to a more serious tone. The film was also a commercial success, grossing $51,185,897 domestically and $191,199,996 worldwide. This financial performance demonstrated the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise and its ability to attract global audiences. The film's success helped to solidify Dalton's position as a credible Bond actor and paved the way for future entries in the series.

### Technical and Identifiers
The film is identified by numerous unique identifiers across various databases and platforms. Its IMDb ID is tt0093428, and its Freebase ID is /m/02qrv7. The Wikidata ID for the film is Q2484680, and it is part of the James Bond series, which has the Wikidata ID Q2484680. The film's official website slug is "livingdaylights," and it is categorized under "The Living Daylights (film)" on Wikimedia Commons. Other identifiers include the TV Guide ID 2679, the AllMovie ID mv11748, and the Box Office Mojo ID the-living-daylights. The film's ISAN is 0000-0000-D3F3-0000-O-0000-0000-2, and it has a production code of 153667. These identifiers ensure the film's accurate classification and retrieval across different systems.

### Cultural and Historical Context
*The Living Daylights* was released during the late 1980s, a period marked by significant geopolitical tensions and the beginning of the end of the Cold War. The film's plot reflects these tensions, with its focus on Soviet defections and arms dealing. The film's success helped to maintain the relevance of the James Bond franchise during a time of rapid change in the global political landscape. It also contributed to the cultural conversation about espionage and international relations, offering a fictionalized yet engaging perspective on real-world issues. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.

### Legacy and Influence
The legacy of *The Living Daylights* is evident in its influence on subsequent Bond films and the spy genre as a whole. It set a precedent for a more serious and realistic approach to the franchise, which was further developed in later entries. The film's success also demonstrated the importance of adapting to changing audience expectations while maintaining the core elements of the Bond character. Its impact can be seen in the continued popularity of the James Bond series and its status as a cultural icon. The film remains a significant entry in the franchise, celebrated for its direction, acting, and storytelling.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093428/)
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/w-obliczu-smierci)
3. [Source](https://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film153667.html)
4. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=2679.html)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093428/fullcredits)
6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
7. Letterboxd
8. The Movie Database
9. MusicBrainz
10. The Living Daylights. Rotten Tomatoes
11. IMDb
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093428/releaseinfo/)
13. Swedish Film Database
14. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093428/releaseinfo)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093428/parentalguide)
17. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0093428/)
18. [The Numbers](https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Living-Daylights-The#tab=summary)
19. Entertainment Identifier Registry
20. Kinopoisk
21. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-living-daylights/)
22. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
23. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2015&s_month=10&e_year=2015&e_month=10&pageID=2)
24. Online-Filmdatenbank
25. mymovies.it
26. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/4E96-BF79-3EBA-2610-5BE1-Y)
27. Danish Film Database
28. TheTVDB
29. Trakt.tv
30. FilmVandaag.nl