Diamonds Are Forever (1971) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Diamonds Are Forever is the seventh film in the iconic James Bond series, released in 1971, and marks the return of Sean Connery as the British secret agent 007. Directed by Guy Hamilton, this movie blends action, intrigue, and the glamorous world of high-stakes smuggling, taking viewers from Las Vegas to the dazzling shores of South Africa. This article reviews the film’s plot, critical reception, and where you can stream or rent Diamonds Are Forever online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Bond’s Glittering Return
The movie opens with James Bond on a vengeful mission, hunting down the elusive Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Charles Gray), leader of the notorious global crime organization, SPECTRE. Following a thrilling chase sequence, Bond uncovers a diamond-smuggling ring that leads him from Amsterdam to Las Vegas.
Bond soon realizes that Blofeld has sinister plans, using diamonds to build a powerful space laser capable of destroying entire cities. With the help of Tiffany Case (Jill St. John), a glamorous yet cunning smuggler, Bond navigates through an underground world of corruption, deceit, and luxurious decadence in a race to stop Blofeld from carrying out his destructive plot.
From car chases through the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas to underwater confrontations and deadly encounters, Diamonds Are Forever offers all the elements that make a classic Bond film—suspense, action, and a generous touch of 1970s camp.
Characters: Sean Connery’s Final Bow
After skipping the previous film (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service), Sean Connery reprised his role as Bond in Diamonds Are Forever. Though this was Connery’s final appearance as the official James Bond in the Eon Productions series (he later returned in the non-canon Never Say Never Again in 1983), his performance retained the charm, wit, and toughness that defined his tenure as 007.
Connery’s Bond in this film is more playful and irreverent, matching the lighter, more whimsical tone of Diamonds Are Forever. While the movie may lack the depth of some previous entries, such as Goldfinger or From Russia with Love, Connery’s presence elevates the film, delivering a solid and charismatic performance that fans had come to expect.
Tiffany Case, played by Jill St. John, is the first American Bond girl in the series and adds a unique dynamic to the film. While her character oscillates between femme fatale and comic relief, St. John’s chemistry with Connery adds a playful layer to the narrative.
Charles Gray’s portrayal of Blofeld is markedly different from earlier iterations, bringing a more refined, almost flamboyant villain to the screen. Though not as menacing as previous incarnations, Gray’s Blofeld still embodies the larger-than-life antagonist that Bond must outwit.
Themes: The Glamour and Danger of Diamonds
Diamonds Are Forever plays heavily on the allure of wealth, greed, and power. The film explores the theme of corruption tied to luxury, particularly in its depiction of Las Vegas, with its casinos, high-stakes gambling, and excessive glamour. The diamonds themselves symbolize the central conflict—objects of beauty turned into weapons of mass destruction, mirroring Blofeld’s twisted ambition.
Additionally, the film highlights Bond’s duality as both a man of suave sophistication and a ruthless agent, capable of navigating the world of international crime and espionage with deadly precision.
Critical Reception: A Mix of Glamour and Camp
Upon its release, Diamonds Are Forever received a mixed reception from critics. While many praised Connery’s return to the role of Bond, others felt that the film veered too far into camp, prioritizing spectacle over substance. The film’s lighter tone, compared to the darker and more serious On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, polarized audiences.
However, over time, Diamonds Are Forever has become a fan-favorite for its pure entertainment value. Its memorable set pieces, including the moon buggy chase in the desert and the climactic showdown on an oil rig, have become iconic moments in Bond history. The film’s Las Vegas setting, with its casinos, bright lights, and opulent atmosphere, adds a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other Bond films.
While it may not rank among the most critically acclaimed entries in the series, Diamonds Are Forever is celebrated for its charm, memorable one-liners, and Connery’s final (official) appearance as 007.
Where to Watch Diamonds Are Forever Online in the U.S.
If you’re eager to watch Diamonds Are Forever online, there are several streaming and rental options available in the U.S.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Diamonds Are Forever is available for both rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re a Prime member, you can easily access the film for a one-time rental fee or buy it for unlimited streaming.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99-$14.99
- Availability: HD and 4K options available
- Devices: Available on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, mobile devices, and more.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV (formerly iTunes) offers Diamonds Are Forever for rental or purchase. With Apple’s wide device compatibility, you can watch the film on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $14.99
- Availability: HD and 4K
- Devices: Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Another option is Google Play, where you can rent or purchase Diamonds Are Forever. Google Play offers multiple resolution options and is accessible across a variety of platforms.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Android phones, smart TVs, and Chromecast.
4. Vudu
For those looking for an alternative to Amazon or Apple, Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for Diamonds Are Forever.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Availability: HD
- Devices: Available on Roku, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
5. Hulu (With Live TV)
If you have a subscription to Hulu with Live TV, you may be able to catch Diamonds Are Forever when it airs on specific channels or through its live streaming feature. However, it’s not part of the standard Hulu catalog.
- Availability: Included in some live TV packages
- Subscription Plans: $69.99/month for Hulu + Live TV.
Conclusion: A Sparkling Yet Polarizing Bond Adventure
Diamonds Are Forever is a unique entry in the James Bond franchise, blending action, glamour, and a touch of camp. Sean Connery’s return as Bond brings a sense of nostalgia, while the film’s Las Vegas setting offers a dazzling backdrop for the story of diamond smuggling and world domination.
Although it may not be the most critically acclaimed Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever stands out for its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and entertaining set pieces. Whether you’re revisiting Connery’s 007 for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, this movie is an essential watch for any Bond fan.
With plenty of online platforms offering streaming, rental, and purchase options, you can easily watch Diamonds Are Forever and experience the thrills of this glittering James Bond adventure.
