Casino Royale Review – All About the 21st Bond Movie
With 25 movies so far, it is fair to say that James Bond has been the world’s most favourite secret agent for over 60 years. Our Casino Royale review holds top secret information about the movie, its cast, and the secret mission. We will tell you what awards Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale (2006) performance brought and how the world liked the latest 007 actors.
Our review will take you to the incredible world of the most famous MI6 agent James Bond. We will tell you where Casino Royale (2006) was filmed, who are the lead actors, and details about the movie. We will tell you what the Casino Royale poker game is, and what other casino games 007 has played. SPOILER ALERT: this review has details about the movie, so if you don’t want spoilers, we recommend that you watch the movie or read the book first. If you are curious, then we hope that our article will make you want to watch this 007 film.
Casino Royale 2006 – Basic Info & Ratings
James Bond is a creation of the incredible British author Ian Fleming. It is said that the writer used his knowledge as a journalist and a former navy intelligence officer as foundations of the Bond’s missions. He wrote the first Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1957. There are a total of 11 James Bond novels with the last one completed in 1966. Ever since the first release, the 007 stories raked among the best-selling series of fictional books. There is no wonder, that soon the books were followed by movies that became an international hit.
The first official James Bond movie is Dr. No (1962) with Sir Sean Connery in the role of the MI6 agent. The incredible performance and adventures lead to the creation of more movies. The first adaptation of the novel James Bond Casino Royale was the movie Casino Royale (1967) with David Niven as 007 and Ursula Anders as Vesper Lynd. However, this movie is not considered part of the official James Bond franchise. The director Martin Campbell made another Casino Royale (2006) movie that is officially the 21st movie in the 007 film list.
All About the Casino Royale Cast, Props & Locations
The Casino Royale James Bond film takes the viewers on another secret mission. The incredible adventure, inspired by a best-seller novel, came to life with the help of an incredible cast and production team. Many of the previous movies about James Bond made a curve into science fiction with exploding pens, remotely operated cars, and space rockets. The director Martin Campbell created an incredible action movie that holds the deep sentimental side of James Bond we know from the books. This time Ian Fleming requested the MI6 agent 007 to be a modern spy, who depends on his wits and skills to complete the strictly-followed mission.
| Director: | Martin Campbell |
| Cinematography: | Phil Méheux |
| Music: | David Arnold |
| Based on: | “Casino Royale” 1957 novel by Ian Fleming |
| Written by: | Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis |
| Production Company: | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Eon Productions |
| Year: | 2006 |
| Grossing Worldwide: | $616,501,619 |
This Casino Royale review presents the first 007 movies with Daniel Craig in the role of the secret agent. This movie takes us on a journey around the world. We follow Bond as he completes a mission to gain his 007 status in an office building. Then, the viewer is taken to the hot Namibian land to witness explosions and the fighting scene on a crane high up in the air. A major part of the filming was made in the Czech Republic’s Barrandov Studios, and the beautiful Prague National Museum.
The list of filming locations continues with exotic destinations like the One and Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas. The high-end Grand Hotel Pupp in Montenegro was chosen as the hotel where the main poker event was held. You will also see the luxurious Villa del Balbianello and Villa La Gaeta at Lake Como in Italy as the clinic where Bond healed. The villa at the end of the movie. Venice, Italy is another incredible destination visited by the secret agent and his girl. Italy is popular for its gambling sector and also the Italian online casinos, which are legal and well-performing.
Film Awards & Nominations
The Casino Royale movie was a great success since the moment it hit the cinemas. The movie was recognised by the critics and by the public as an incredible adventure and one of the top Bond movies so far. Knowing all this, there is no wonder that this Casino Royale James Bond film received a positive review. In 2007 the film received 45 nominations from the BAFTA Awards, the Academy of Science Fiction, a Fantasy & Horror Films nomination, the Central Ohio Film Critics Association, the Grammy Awards, and more.
From all 45 nominations, Casino Royale 2006 won 27 awards. The poker scene made the movie one of the best gambling movies on Netflix in 2024.
Some of the 007 Casino Royale (2006) awards and review ratings are:
- Casino Royale 2006 movie won Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards Top Box Office Film, Empire Awards, UK Best Film, Jupiter Award Best International Film, National Movie Award Best Action/Adventure, OFCC Award Top Ten Films, OFTA Film Award Best Titles Sequence.
- The Soundtrack Song “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornwell brought awards from the International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA), the Satellite Award, and the World Soundtrack Award.
- Best Music and Sound Awards came from BAFTA Film Award and BMI Film & TV Awards.
- Daniel Craig received awards for Best Actor from Evening Standard British Film Awards and Golden Schmoes Awards.
- Empire Awards, UK gave three awards: Best Film, Best Actor for Daniel Craig, and Best Female Newcomer for Eva Green.
- Golden Schmoes Awards – Biggest Surprise of the Year, Breakthrough Performance of the Year – Daniel Craig, Coolest Character of the Year – ‘James Bond’, Best Trailer of the Year, Best Action Sequence of the Year – ‘Construction area chase’.
- Stunts, SFX, and cinematography awards came from PFCS Award for Best Stunts, Taurus Award for Best High Work, VES Award for Outstanding Special Effects in a Motion Picture, British Society of Cinematographers awarded Phil Meheux with Best Cinematography Award
The viewers’ approval can be seen in the high grossing numbers all around the world. Casino Royale received high ratings by major critics like the Rotten Tomatoes (95%), the Rolling Stone (3.5/4 rating), and Common Sense Media (rate 3/5). The Casino Royale IMDB rate reached 8/10 stars and beat most of the other James Bond movies. Apart from that, the Casino Royale poker scene qualified the film as one of the best gambling movies on Netflix in 2024.
James Bond Casino Royale Movie Plot
The 007 Casino Royale adventure had the working title Bond Begins or James Bond 21. The people expected a lot from the 21st Bond movie because the previous Bond actors and Ian Fleming books rose the bar high. The Casino Royale 2006 team had to create a modern masterpiece that swipes away the Casino Royale 1967 version.
The Heroes
The lead role of the secret agent in 007 Casino Royale 2006 version was entrusted to Daniel Craig. The British actor had already shown his master actor skills in “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”, “Munich”, “Road to Perdition”, “Layer Cake”, and more TV and movie roles.
He became the sixth actor who brought life to the MI6 secret agent 007 James Bond. Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale performance brought him awards and recognition from the 007 fanbases.
James Bond is known for his charm, wits, and steady nerves in intense situations. Craig’s incredible physical abilities added more action in the fighting scenes. You will see Bond driving cars, boats, and fight high above the ground. His incredible parkour skills were of great help when chasing the bad guys. Unlike his predecessors, this James Bond relies on himself, his Walter P99, and his car. Despite the limited resources, he is eager to do his duty and save the world.
Now the whole world’s gonna know that you died scratching my b***s! – James Bond, While being tortured in Casino Royale 2006
The boss of MI6 is the only person who knows the true identity of the secret agents and the only person they report to. This role was given to the magnificent Judi Dench. She is the third actor, and the first woman, to play M in the official Bond films. Her performance started in 1995 with “GoldenEye”. In her fifth Bond film, Dench is still the only authority James Bond recognises. M best knows what it is to have James Bond as an employee, and she expresses it in colourful phrases that put 007 on his place.
Christ, I miss the Cold War! – M When she is informed about Bond causing trouble in Namibia
The heroes list continues with more secret agents and MI6 employees. Jeffrey Wright plays the CIA agent Felix Leiter, who helps Bond in the poker game. Another agent 007 can rely on is Rene Mathis played by the great Giancarlo Giannini.
The Bad Guys
There are many bad guys in this Bond movie, but one is in the centre of our attention. Mads Mikkelsen’s Casino Royale performance as Le Chiffre makes us reconsider the standard for movie bad guys. We see him living the risky life of providing banking services for terrorist organisations. Le Chiffre has money, power, and a scary physical characteristic – to weep blood from his left eye.
Other members of the Casino Royale cast are also known for playing the bad guys in movies. Jesper Christensen plays the mysterious Mr White, who is a representative of the secret organisation meddling with world peace. Another scary character, who is ready to do anything for money is Steven Obanno (actor Isaach De Bankolé), who entrusts Le Chiffre with a briefcase with cash.
The Bond Girls
James Bond is known as a charmer who can conquer every woman. In the 007 Casino Royale, Bond has two conquests. The first is the exotic Solange played by Caterina Murino. Solange is the wife of the terrorist Alex Dimitrios, who Bond is chasing to the Bahamas.
After a short fling, James continues with his mission only to find out that Solange was killed because she shared information with him.
The main Bond Girl in this movie is Vesper Lynd. Eva Green’s Casino Royale role is so good that it brings her the Empire Awards for Best Female Newcomer. Vesper brings James the money for his poker game with Le Chiffre. Their spiky conversation full with witty remarks grows into attraction and affection. Bond falls in love so deeply that he is ready to resign from MI6 to be with Vesper. Like all other James Bond relationships, this one is also doomed to fail.
007’s Casino Royale Mission
The Casino Royale movie begins with the kill that confirms Bond’s status as a 007 agent of MI6. We follow Bond in his fight with a terrorist bomber high above the ground. The result of the chase does not satisfy M, and Bond is being scolded. Instead of keeping a low profile, James follows the leads to the Bahamas. In a high-end hotel, he meets Alex Dimitrios – the man who hired the bomber, and his beautiful wife Solange. Bond wins Dimitrios’ car at a poker game and charms his wife.
In Casino Royale, James Bond has luck with the ladies and in cards. The agent follows Dimitrios and learns the terrorist’s plans. Bond has to enter and win a high stakes poker game if he intends to stop the killing of people. M supports him and sends Vesper Lynd and the agent Mattis to assist Bond.
Sitting on the poker table, James finally meets Le Chiffre. They raise the bets to life and death when Le Chiffre tries to poison Bond and win the pool prize.
It will not be a 007 movie if James does not show us his favourite hobby of resurrection. Right when everything seemed to be lost, Vesper appears and saves Bond’s life. James returns to finish the game and gives the snappy come back “That last hand almost killed me”. Without a surprise, James wins the game and celebrates with Vesper until she is kidnapped by Le Chiffre. Bond follows her with his Aston Martin DBS and crashes.
007 wakes up and realises that he and Vesper are captured by Le Chiffre. Even though he is being tortured in horrific ways, he denies giving the money to the terrorists’ banker. The salvation arrives as an unknown man shoots Le Chiffre and everyone with him. Bond wakes up in a hospital. Vesper nurses him back to health, and their romance grows. Bond is ready to leave service and spend his life with Vesper.
James is brought down to earth when M requests him to transfer the money won at the poker game. He realises that Vesper deceived him and worked for the secret organisation behind Le Chiffre. Bond tries to save her from the terrorists, but she commits suicide. The truth about Vesper’s affection was delivered by M. Vesper was forced to work for Mr White, the man who killed Le Chiffre. The end of the movie takes us to the villa where Bond shoots Mr White and introduces himself with his most popular line “the name is Bond, James Bond”.
Casino Royale Poker Game
Casino Royale 2006 has won 27 awards in various categories. This is one of the most popular gambling movies on Netflix because of the poker game. Ever since the first release of this film, people started asking what is the Casino Royale poker game. The poker variation in this movie is No Limit Texas Hold’em poker.
The amazing gambling scene is highly rated for the excellent representation of a poker game. Extra tension is brought by Le Chiffre who attempted to kill Bond. Returning to the table to finish the game when all odds are against him is the 007’s trademark. We are amazed by James’ calmness during the last dealing. This game shows master poker player skills and great luck.
Where Can You Play No-Limit Texas Hold’em Poker?
The James Bond Casino Royale adventure takes you to the high stakes tables. The poker variation used is usually played in poker tournaments and private casino rooms, but you can find it in some of the best casino sites in the UK. The popularity of the game is due to the easy to learn Texas Hold’em rules. Once you remember the strength of the poker hands, all you have to do is check your hand and the community cards. Calculating the strength of your hand is the easy part – the challenging task is to figure out what are the hands of the other opponents.
It is not a secret that the best poker players are also incredible psychologists, and some can even be called empaths. In the Casino Royale poker scene, you will see that Bond ignores the hand he has and concentrates on Le Chiffre. His provocation, supported by the luck the last hand brought him, helped him win. There is no doubt that the tension of this scene is the reason why Casino Royale’s IMDB reached 8/10 stars, and made it one of our recommended poker movies.
James Bond Roulette Strategy
In our Casino Royale review, we described the tense poker game 007 took part in. If you are not a devoted fan of the 007 movies, you may not know that James Bond feels like home at a casino. The secret agent has been playing baccarat and roulette on multiple occasions. Since the Ian Fleming character became so popular, there is even a James Bond roulette strategy. The strategy is extremely easy to learn, and you can try it at an online casino. We advise you to pick a legit operator that the offers best roulette bonus offers.
A Tribute to Sir Sean Connery – The All-Time Favourite 007
In the Casino Royale cast list we see that Daniel Craig becomes the sixth actor who gave his body and face to Ian Fleming’s secret agent. The Casino Royale James Bond version is quite different from the rest in regards to action and fighting scenes. The only thing that remains constant is Bond’s charm.
The fans of the agent often argue which Bond is the best. We will not enter this discussion, because to us, all movies hold the spirit of the age they are created in. Undoubtedly, the most popular and loved James Bond was Sir Sean Connery ever since the first 007 movie Dr. No was released in 1962. Connery wore the 007 status for seven movies before Roger Moore stepped into Bond’s shoes in Live and Let Die 1973.
Sir Sean Connery is remembered as the favourite James Bond of at least three generations. You may not know, but just like he hit the roulette tables and bet on number 17. After he lost a few times, Connery’s luck changed, and he won. Even though the amount is not considered one of the biggest roulette wins, it was a lucky win considering that the bets were 36:1.
Born in 1930, the Scottish actor took part in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1998), and proved to be the best choice for Indi’s father. We have seen him in The Hunt for Red October (1990), The Untouchables (1987), DragonHeart (1996) as Draco, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), and more. He had 94 roles in movies, TV, and voicing video games. Sadly, the actor died on October 31st, 2020, and we will never know what other incredible adventures he could have taken us on.
Casino Royale Review FAQ
Our Casino Royale review took you on a journey to one of the most popular James Bond missions. We told you about the cast, the awards, and the locations in the movie. Now, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about this film.
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