Octopussy
Watch Trailer
Synopsis
James Bond investigates a gang dealing in forged Fabergé eggs and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving a wealthy smuggler, Octopussy, and a planned nuclear attack.
Plot
I had no idea what this movie was about, but decided to watch it anyway because, hey, who can resist a title like that? It also makes you wonder what kind of woman actually has eight of those. Fine, I’m a pervert, but what kind of reaction does a title like OCTOPUSSY expect to provoke?
OCTOPUSSY is one of the more absurd entries in the James Bond series, although I’m pretty sure every Roger Moore film pushes absurdity to its limits. When the female lead is someone named Octopussy, the silliness is inevitable. The sexual humor is there too, at least to a degree, especially when Octopussy reveals that her father gave her the name and always called her “my little Octopussy.” Funny, I didn’t know Jerry Lee Lewis had a daughter.
This time, Bond is after a gang forging Fabergé eggs, led by Octopussy and her male partner Kamal (at least they didn’t name him Octodick). Bond interferes in Kamal’s business one too many times and ends up imprisoned in his palace. He escapes, but returns a little later to get some Octopussy. The two eventually discover they have more in common than just physical attraction. When Kamal double-crosses her by setting up the customary atomic bomb (no Bond movie would be complete without one), Octopussy joins Bond’s side.
OCTOPUSSY has its share of good and bad scenes. The highlights include the opening plane chase, the auction, the train chase, and the circus scenes near the end. The weaker moments include another plane chase, the stuffed sheep’s-head dinner (which pushes the limits of good taste—monkey brains are fine, but sheep’s heads are not), and the overlong chase through the streets of India, which ends with one of the villains being impaled on a bed of nails. “Get off my bed!” an Indian man yells. It’s a failed attempt at comic relief, to say the least—almost as bad as my Octodick joke. For more classic Bond reviews, franchise retrospectives, and streaming guides, visit MovieToWatch.
Ending Explained
When Kamal double-crosses Octopussy by setting up an atomic bomb, she realizes the danger and joins Bond’s side. The conflict brings the film’s spy intrigue and outrageous action together as Bond works to stop the nuclear threat.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
The opening plane chase and its high-energy action.
The auction sequence and the tense train chase.
The circus scenes near the climax.
The film's willingness to embrace the absurdity of its title and premise.
What We Didn't Like
The stuffed sheep's-head dinner scene, which pushes the limits of good taste.
An overlong chase through the streets of India.
A failed attempt at comic relief when one villain is impaled on a bed of nails.
The uneven balance between exciting action and silly humor.
Who Should Watch
Fans of Roger Moore's playful, tongue-in-cheek James Bond films.
Viewers who enjoy campy spy adventures and outrageous set pieces.
James Bond fans interested in the franchise's 1980s entries.
Who Should Skip
Viewers who prefer grounded, serious spy thrillers.
Anyone easily frustrated by awkward comedy and lengthy chase sequences.
Movie Details
Where to Watch Octopussy in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About Octopussy
Who plays James Bond in Octopussy?
Roger Moore plays James Bond in this 1983 spy adventure.
Who is Octopussy?
Octopussy, played by Maud Adams, is a central figure in the story involving forged Fabergé eggs and a dangerous conspiracy.
What is the main plot of Octopussy?
Bond investigates a gang involved in forged Fabergé eggs and uncovers a plot involving a nuclear threat.
