James Bond films are known for many things including action, mystery, and beautifully dangerous femme fatales. With Daniel Craig's run as the suave superspy finally coming to an end with his latest movie No Time To Die, it's only right to do a little reminiscing on the franchise's past.
While James Bond himself is a witty and charming man, the women in all of these spy films are just, if not more, quippy. Not to mention, these women can sometimes put the overly-confident secret agent in his place when it really counts. Looking back at all the previous films, it is made obvious that Bond Girls make a lasting impression with their words.
James Offers To Drive Solange Home
"That would really send him over the edge, wouldn't it? I'm afraid I'm not that cruel."
After Solange is seduced by James Bond in Casino Royale, she is killed, remorselessly, by her husband.
This quote, matched with the character's beautiful accent, emphasizes that she knows what could happen to her but she likes the excitement of being with James and upsetting him at the same time. As a character, she's mysterious and unhappy with her current existence which Penelope Cruz plays incredibly well.
Vesper Tells Him He's Too Easy To Read
"But he doesn't play his cards, he plays the man across from him. And now he knows something about you. He knows you are reckless."
In Casino Royale, Vesper is a smart, powerful woman who has a playfulness that James loves to tease out, but, as a Bond girl, she also has one of the most heartbreaking deaths.
After he almost loses all of the money the two collected from the government to play in the Casino Royale game, she says this to him as a reality check. Though it doesn't work perfectly, she acknowledges his weak point so he doesn't make the same mistake again.
Eve Moneypenny On Luck
"I like a little flutter now and then. Who doesn't like to take chances?"
Moneypenny, who has some of the best quotes of the Bond franchise, basically tells James in this Skyfall scene that while he may have lost a step, she still trusts him to get the job done. Although, the reason she trusts him so much is because she wronged him before and knows she owes him the benefit of the doubt.
Though Moneypenny and James have had a flirtatious relationship in every James Bond movie in which she appears, this specific scene is particularly steamy as she gives him a close shave with a cutthroat razor and draws in his attention.
Severine Shows Her Vulnerability
"Would you mind if I asked you a business question. It has to do with death. "
In Skyfall, which is considered one of the best James Bond films, Severine has a darkness about her that oozes existential, life-threating, dread.
Though she only appears on the screen for a few brief moments, her words attempt to frighten James, who, blinded by his arrogance, is not afraid of Silva, the ex-spy and terrorist threat in this film. Her dress and the darkness surrounding her, make her incredibly vulnerable and intriguing.
Miss Taro's Vanity
"Careful...My nail polish..."
Miss Taro is a beautiful woman who lures Bond to her home only to call for reinforcements to have him killed. This funny line comes from the scene in Dr. No when James realizes he's been set up and drags her with him on a high speed chase.
Miss Taro fits the mold of what makes a Bond Girl insomuch that she knows how to use her body and how to get what she wants most of the time. Her need to keep her nail polish pristine at this particular moment is comedic considering her life, and Bond's, are both at stake.
Honey Ryder On James' Ability To Dive
"Anyhow, you'd never find the bed. Your chest is big enough...but not the right shape."
Honey Ryder is the real star of Dr. No as her character is one of the most iconic Bond Girls of all time. The quote comes from the first moment she meets Bond who she fears will take all the shells from the ocean bed that she has claimed for herself.
Though this line leads into a classic Bond innuendo, a product of the James Bond franchise that has aged poorly, Ryder's instant ability to diminish Bond's own perceived capability shows that she has confidence in who she is and that she doesn't care about who he is. With this line, she puts him in his place and also clearly defines her character.
Octopussy On Her Father's Obsession
"He became a leading authority on octopi. He loved them. His pet name for me was Octopussy."
Octopussy is one of the most interesting secondary villains to come out of the earlier James Bond films because she dominates over Bond and she is one of the few women in this franchise that are depicted as powerful.
Not to mention, she can even be more intelligent than James at certain moments. Her importance is further by the fact that she holds the titular role of the film. This specific quote comes from an intimate discussion between her and James where she tells him about her father and explains who she is exactly.
Tatiana On Their Ever-Present Danger Of Being Caught
"James, behave yourself! We are being filmed!"
Tatiana is another intelligent woman, who despite her better judgment, falls head over heels in love with James Bond. Her role in From Russia with Love proves her to be a woman who is self-sufficient and depends on no one, until of course, she meets James.
Though he worries that she's a spy or trying to mess with his operation in Russia, it is more than obvious that she cares deeply for him. This particular line is near the end of the film when she spots someone taking a photo of them secretly. It shows that she worries about their safety and it's also a little flirtatious as they were also making out passionately.
Eve Moneypenny On Keeping Realistic Expectations
"No, 007. It's just that I've learned from personal experience that when we get what we want somehow the reality is never as satisfying as the fantasy."
This quote from Moneypenny in Tomorrow Never Dies accurately summarizes her relationship with Bond. Throughout the franchise, she and Bond have been known to flirt relentlessly, but they never act on their words. This line shows just how aware Moneypenny is in relation to her feelings for James.
Though Moneypenny isn't some mysterious and beautifully dangerous damsel, she's with Bond through all his adventures and she also knows that the idea she has of him is quite different from who he actually is. All this being said, Moneypenny is wise beyond her years and also a truly loveable, steadfast female character in this franchise.
Elektra Humbles James
"You had your chance James. Now I'm looking for a bigger thrill."
Elektra is a woman who is tired of being in danger as well as being protected in The World Is Not Enough. She's bored of having men there to save her and this line very pointedly makes her feelings clear.
She likes building the sexual tension between her and Bond, but she knows that he's just another man that wants to protect her and force her to live a life closed off from the world. She's certainly not afraid of being hurt or put into a difficult situation because she loves the excitement of it. In a way, she's eerily similar to Bond in this respect.