# You Only Live Twice

> 1967 film directed by Lewis Gilbert

**Wikidata**: [Q107761](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107761)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Only_Live_Twice_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/you-only-live-twice

## Summary
*You Only Live Twice* is a 1967 action-adventure-spy film directed by Lewis Gilbert, part of the James Bond franchise, and produced by Eon Productions and United Artists. It is the fifth film in the official James Bond series and the second to feature Sean Connery as the iconic British secret agent.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year**: 1967
- **Director**: Lewis Gilbert
- **Production Companies**: Eon Productions, United Artists
- **Distributor Countries**: United Kingdom, United States
- **Genre**: Action, Adventure, Spy, Thriller
- **Duration**: 117 minutes
- **Box Office Gross**: $111,600,000 (worldwide), $43,084,787 (US)
- **Budget**: $9,500,000
- **IMDb ID**: tt0062512
- **Wikidata ID**: Q2484680
- **Wikipedia Title**: You Only Live Twice (film)
- **Series**: Part of the James Bond film series (official #5)
- **Cast Includes**: Sean Connery, Akiko Wakabayashi, Peter Maivia, Charles Gray
- **Countries of Origin**: United Kingdom, United States
- **Release Dates**: 
  - Japan: 12 June 1967
  - United Kingdom: 13 June 1967
  - United States: 14 September 1967
  - General: 1967

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *You Only Live Twice*?**  
The film follows James Bond as he investigates the hijacking of American and Soviet spacecraft, leading him to a secret Japanese satellite project. The story involves espionage, international intrigue, and a mission to stop a plot that could trigger World War III.

**Who are the main cast members in *You Only Live Twice*?**  
The main cast includes Sean Connery as James Bond, Akiko Wakabayashi as Kissy Suzuki, and Tetsurō Tamba as Tiger Tanaka. Charles Gray also plays a key role as Mr. Osato.

**What genres does *You Only Live Twice* belong to?**  
It is classified under multiple genres: action film, adventure film, spy film, and thriller film, reflecting its dynamic and suspenseful narrative.

**What is the significance of *You Only Live Twice* in the James Bond series?**  
It is the fifth official James Bond film and the second to feature Sean Connery. The film is notable for its exotic locations, particularly in Japan, and its influence on the franchise's visual and narrative style.

**What are the key production details of the film?**  
Produced by Eon Productions and distributed by United Artists, the film had a budget of $9.5 million and grossed over $111 million worldwide. It was released in Japan, the UK, and the US in 1967.

**How was the film received by critics and audiences?**  
The film has received mixed to positive reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 73% and an IMDb rating of 6.5/10. It is praised for its action sequences and Sean Connery's performance.

## Why It Matters
*You Only Live Twice* holds a significant place in cinematic history as a defining entry in the James Bond franchise. It introduced global audiences to Japanese culture and aesthetics, blending them with Cold War-era espionage themes. The film’s visual grandeur, including its iconic title sequence and memorable action scenes, helped shape the modern action film genre. Its success also reinforced the international appeal of the Bond series, setting a precedent for future installments.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Bond Theme Song**: Sung by Nancy Sinatra, it became a classic in the Bond soundtrack legacy.
- **Japan as a Setting**: One of the first major Hollywood productions to showcase Japan, influencing global cinema’s portrayal of the country.
- **Visual Innovation**: Introduced groundbreaking special effects and production design, including the memorable ninja fight sequence.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $111 million worldwide, making it one of the top-grossing Bond films of the 1960s.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film’s blend of Eastern and Western themes made it a cultural bridge, enhancing the global appeal of the Bond franchise.

## Body

### Production and Creative Team
*You Only Live Twice* was directed by Lewis Gilbert and produced by Eon Productions in association with United Artists. The film was released in 1967 and became a major cultural and commercial success. It was the fifth film in the James Bond series and the second to star Sean Connery in the lead role. The production featured a multinational team and was shot in iconic locations including Japan and the United Kingdom.

### Plot and Themes
The film’s narrative centers on James Bond’s mission to investigate the mysterious hijacking of American and Soviet spacecraft, leading him to Japan. There, he uncovers a secret space war orchestrated by the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The film blends Cold War tensions with themes of espionage, romance, and high-stakes action, all hallmarks of the Bond franchise.

### Cast and Characters
The film features a distinguished international cast:
- **Sean Connery** as James Bond
- **Akiko Wakabayashi** as Kissy Suzuki
- **Tetsurō Tamba** as Tiger Tanaka
- **Charles Gray** as Mr. Osato
- **Peter Maivia** in a minor role

The performances were lauded for their charisma and chemistry, particularly Connery’s portrayal of the suave and lethal secret agent.

### Genre and Style
*You Only Live Twice* is classified under multiple genres:
- Action film
- Adventure film
- Spy film
- Thriller film

Its style is marked by high-octane action sequences, exotic settings, and a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western cinematic flair. The film’s visual language, including its use of ninja warriors and elaborate set pieces, contributed to its unique identity.

### Release and Reception
The film was released in Japan on 12 June 1967, followed by the United Kingdom on 13 June 1967, and the United States on 14 September 1967. It grossed $111,600,000 worldwide, with $43,084,787 of that from the U.S. box office. The film was made on a budget of $9,500,000 and received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and cinematography.

### Cultural and Cinematic Impact
The film’s use of Japanese culture and settings was groundbreaking for its time, introducing Western audiences to a new cinematic aesthetic. It also featured one of the most iconic Bond title songs, sung by Nancy Sinatra, which became a cultural touchstone. The film’s legacy includes its influence on the action genre and its role in shaping the modern James Bond narrative.

### Box Office and Financial Performance
With a worldwide gross of over $111 million and a production budget of $9.5 million, *You Only Live Twice* was a financial success. It ranked among the top-grossing films of 1967 and solidified the Bond franchise’s global dominance.

### Technical Specifications and Awards
The film’s runtime is 117 minutes. It received mixed-to-positive reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 73% and an IMDb rating of 6.5/10. The film’s technical achievements include innovative cinematography and production design, particularly in its use of Japanese locations and practical effects.

### Legacy and Influence
*You Only Live Twice* remains a cultural and cinematic landmark. Its influence extends beyond the Bond franchise, shaping the action and spy genres for decades. The film’s legacy includes its pioneering use of international settings, its memorable action sequences, and its role in defining the modern spy film.

### Related Entities and Collaborations
The film was produced by Eon Productions and distributed by United Artists. It is part of the official James Bond film series and was followed by *Diamonds Are Forever* in 1971. The film’s success led to increased international interest in the Bond franchise and influenced the production of future entries.

### Critical and Cultural Analysis
Critics praised the film for its visual innovation, performances, and narrative complexity. Its portrayal of Japan and its blend of Eastern and Western themes were particularly noted. The film’s legacy includes its role in shaping the modern action film and its influence on global cinema.

### Conclusion
*You Only Live Twice* is a landmark in film history, representing a fusion of international culture, cinematic innovation, and genre-defining storytelling. Its impact on the James Bond series and global cinema remains profound, with its legacy continuing to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

## References

1. IMDb
2. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/zyje-sie-tylko-dwa-razy)
3. FilmAffinity
4. AlloCiné
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062512/fullcredits)
6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
7. [Source](https://jamesbond.fandom.com/wiki/Dodge_Driver)
8. Letterboxd
9. The Movie Database
10. You Only Live Twice. Rotten Tomatoes
11. [Source](http://www.comicvine.com/you-only-live-twice/4025-495/)
12. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062512/releaseinfo/)
13. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062512/releaseinfo)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062512/parentalguide)
16. [Source](https://www.spio-fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0411%5C37622VDVD%2Epdf)
17. The Numbers
18. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0062512/)
19. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/you-only-live-twice/)
20. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
21. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
22. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2015&s_month=10&e_year=2015&e_month=10&pageID=2)
23. film distribution certificate
24. Online-Filmdatenbank
25. Bechdel Test Movie List
26. mymovies.it
27. You Only Live Twice
28. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/D5D8-7194-A668-B252-E857-G)
29. Danish Film Database
30. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/88103)
31. TheTVDB
32. Trakt.tv
33. FilmVandaag.nl