There’s something magical about traditions—those small rituals we create for ourselves that offer comfort, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia. One of my more quirky traditions involves an iconic British spy, a perfectly mixed martini (shaken, not stirred), and a slice of cinematic history: I watch every James Bond film precisely 50 years after its original release date.
It’s an odd tradition, I’ll admit. I can’t recall where the idea came from, but something about revisiting these classic films a half-century after they first graced the silver screen felt… right. Maybe it’s the appeal of looking back at what was once the cutting edge of action and technology. Perhaps it’s the sense of being part of an unfolding timeline. Or maybe it’s just the thrill of rediscovering Bond in his vintage glory, knowing I’ll never quite catch up to the present-day films.
The 50-Year Rule
The rules are simple: each Bond film gets its moment, exactly 50 years after it debuted. No peeking ahead. Whether it’s Dr. No (1962) or The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), the calendar dictates my viewing schedule. It’s like a time capsule experience; I watch these movies in the same historical context as audiences from half a century ago.
It’s fascinating!
Watching Goldfinger (1964, that’s thirteen years before the first Star Wars movie) in 2014 made me appreciate just how revolutionary that laser table scene must have felt.
A Ritual That’s About More Than Movies
This tradition is more than just a quirky way to enjoy films though. It’s a meditation on the passage of time. I’ve grown older alongside Bond (though not as gracefully, I suspect), and rewatching these films feels like checking in on an old friend. Each movie offers a snapshot of its era—its fashion, its music, its technology—and I find myself reflecting on how much has changed and yet, how much remains the same.
It’s also a lesson in patience. In a world where everything is available on demand, forcing myself to wait for each anniversary feels oddly refreshing. There’s no binge-watching here—just a slow, deliberate journey through the decades.
The Bittersweet Reality
Of course, this tradition has a poignant twist: I know I won’t get to watch them all. With new Bond films coming out every few years, the 50-year mark keeps stretching ahead of me, tantalizingly out of reach. By the time No Time to Die (2021) hits my calendar in 2071, let’s just say it’ll take more than shaken martinis to keep me going.
But I like that about it. This tradition reminds me that life is short, and time moves forward, no matter what. It’s a small act of defiance, carving out a little piece of cinematic history to savour on my terms.
Bond Will Return
Every time I sit down to watch a Bond film as part of this ritual, I feel like I’m part of something bigger—a continuum of fans, filmmakers, and audiences stretching back to the Cold War. It’s a tradition that’s quirky, sure, but it’s mine, and it brings me joy.
As I look forward to my next Bondiversary tomorrow, I can’t help but smile. The man with the Golden Gun, the Aston Martins, the unforgettable theme songs—they’re all waiting for me, just as they were for audiences 50 years ago. And that’s a bond worth keeping.
So, here’s to 50 years, martinis, and the indomitable 007. See you at the next rendezvous.