For Your Eyes Only

For Your Eyes Only is the twelfth film in the James Bond series, released in 1981, directed by John Glen and starring Roger Moore as the iconic spy. The movie takes place after the events of The Spy Who Loved Me and is a more personal Bond film, focusing on the emotional depth of its lead character. The story begins with the disappearance of James Bond's sister, Miss Monique Bond, and her bodyguard, Milos Columbo, who are working on a British spy ship in the Mediterranean. While investigating, Bond soon finds out that the ship has sunk, and a hi-tech encryption device called the 'Short-Range Non-Directional Beacon' is missing. This device contains crucial launching instructions for the British missiles, making it a highly prized possession for the enemy Soviets. Q Branch informs Bond that the device might be recovered before the Soviets get their hands on it. Bond is ordered to find and retrieve the device, which he believes will hold the key to preventing a catastrophe. His mission takes him to Greece, where he teams up with Countess Lisl von Schlaf, also known as 'Lis,' a wealthy and mysterious woman who claims to have connections to the island of Crete. Upon arriving in Athens, Bond discovers that a group of Greek terrorists, known as Emilio Largo's henchmen, are also after the device. This group is led by the cunning Emilio Largo, a notorious mercenary and Lisl's brother. As Bond delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a plot that involves a hidden island base, codenamed 'Liparus,' from which Largo is operating his nefarious business. Upon arriving at Liparus, Bond encounters Largo's henchmen and is forced to fight his way through the island's complex system of tunnels and caverns. He meets Anya Amasova, a Russian spy, who is also searching for the device. The two eventually become allies, but their initial meeting is tense and competitive, reflecting their professional rivalry. As they navigate through the island, Bond and Anya are aided by a local diver, Aris Kristatos, who turns out to be a double agent working with the British. Kristatos guides them through the complex tunnels and lobbies on their behalf to Largo, while trying to stay one step ahead of his double life. However, Largo eventually discovers that Anya and Bond are secretly working together, prompting a confrontation that results in Bond being held prisoner on the island. Meanwhile, back in Athens, Q is working with Anya's contact, General Gogol, to crack the encryption device's password. They eventually discover that the password is Largo's real name, which Anya provides, as she managed to deduce it earlier. With the password, Q is able to track the device and locate it on the Liparus island. Bond eventually escapes from the island and teams up with Anya and Aris to confront Largo and take back the device. As they infiltrate Largo's operation, they are met with treachery and deception, but their teamwork and wit help them to stay ahead of the henchmen. Their journey leads them to the island's control room, where they engage in an intense fight against Largo's men and, ultimately, against Emilio Largo himself. The tension between Bond and Largo reaches a boiling point, as the two engage in a thrilling underwater battle. In the end, Bond emerges victorious, and Largo is killed in the process. As the story unfolds, Bond also delves deeper into his past, reflecting on his relationship with his sister and his complicated emotions regarding her death. The film takes a moment to pause and allow Bond's emotional vulnerability to shine through, a stark departure from the usual lighthearted tone of the James Bond series. The film concludes with Bond returning to England, where he meets Anya, now revealed to have been an ally all along. The relationship between Bond and Anya remains ambiguous, leaving it to the audience's interpretation, mirroring Bond's own feelings on the matter. The film ultimately shows Bond successfully completing his mission and reclaiming the device, while the emotional aftermath of his journey continues to play a vital part in shaping his character.