Licence to Kill

Licence to Kill

Year: 1989

Runtime: 133 min

Language: English

Director: John Glen

ActionAdventureThriller

After a friend is murdered by a dangerous drug lord, James Bond abandons his MI6 duties and embarks on a personal mission of revenge. This thrilling adventure sees him pursuing the cartel's operatives across international borders, facing perilous challenges as he seeks retribution and justice for his fallen friend.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Licence to Kill yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Licence to Kill (1989)

Trace every key event in Licence to Kill (1989) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Wedding Intercepted

DEA agents apprehend MI6 operative James Bond and CIA operative Felix Leiter as they head to Leiter's wedding in Key West. They are tasked with capturing the notorious drug lord, Franz Sanchez, presenting a unique twist to their original plans.

Key West, Florida
2

Sanchez's Aircraft Capture

Bond and Leiter devise a clever plan to seize Sanchez's aircraft using a hook and cord. Their operation is assisted by a Coast Guard helicopter, resulting in an impressive mid-air capture of the drug lord's plane.

3

Tragedy Strikes

In a chaotic turn of events, Sanchez escapes with the help of corrupt DEA agent Ed Killifer. The incident leads to a fierce attack by Dario and Sanchez's henchmen, resulting in the tragic death of Leiter's bride, Della.

4

Bond's Return to Chaos

Upon realizing Sanchez has escaped, Bond rushes back to Leiter's estate, only to find his friend gravely wounded. The harrowing discovery of Della's fate intensifies Bond's resolve for vengeance.

Leiter's estate
5

A Quest for Revenge

Fueled by anger and grief, Bond teams up with Leiter's friend Sharkey to initiate their own investigation into Sanchez's operations. Their quest leads them to the discovery of a marine facility connected to Sanchez.

6

Confronting Killifer

Bond acknowledges the threat of Ed Killifer and confronts him in a tense standoff at a shark-infested pond. Driven by vengeance, Bond eliminates Killifer, cementing his commitment to dismantle Sanchez's empire.

Shark-infested pond
7

Suspension from MI6

Following a critical meeting with M, Bond is summoned to Istanbul for a new assignment. However, he chooses to resign from MI6, resulting in a suspension of his license to kill and leaving him as a rogue agent.

8

Operation Wavekrest

Amid his isolation, Bond infiltrates Sanchez's ship, Wavekrest, thwarting his latest drug smuggling attempt. He seizes $5 million, further laying the groundwork for his ongoing war against Sanchez.

9

Meeting Pam Bouvier

In the vibrant bars of Bimini, Bond encounters Pam Bouvier, a fearless pilot and DEA informant. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, combining their skills in the fight against Sanchez.

Bimini
10

Impersonation Plan

Bond travels to the Republic of Isthmus, adopting the guise of an assassin-for-hire to infiltrate Sanchez's operation. However, this bold plan quickly unravels when he is captured by Hong Kong Narcotics Bureau officers.

Republic of Isthmus
11

Framing Krest

Utilizing Bouvier's insider knowledge, Bond succeeds in framing Milton Krest by planting the seized $5 million on Wavekrest. This pivotal move sets off Krest's downfall within Sanchez's drug operations.

12

Sinister Plans Unveiled

Bond uncovers Sanchez's heinous plan to dissolve cocaine in petrol to sell it as fuel to Asian drug dealers. The criminal network expands as televangelist Joe Butcher unwittingly becomes a pawn in Sanchez's operation.

13

Dario's Recognition

Bond's cover is compromised during a presentation for potential clients when Dario recognizes him. A desperate escape ensues, leading Bond to start a fire in the lab in a bid for freedom.

14

Turning the Tables

In a remarkable act of bravery, Bouvier intervenes just as Bond faces death at the hands of Dario. Taking precise action, she eliminates Dario, allowing Bond to reverse their fate in a thrilling showdown.

15

Final Confrontation with Sanchez

In a climactic battle, Bond confronts Sanchez during his escape with cocaine-filled tankers. The airborne pursuit culminates in an explosive showdown, where Bond uses a cigarette lighter from Leiter to ignite Sanchez’s demise.

Final tanker

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 13:58

Unlock the Full Story of Licence to Kill

Don't stop at just watching — explore Licence to Kill in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Licence to Kill is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Licence to Kill Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Licence to Kill, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Licence to Kill Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Licence to Kill

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Licence to Kill. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Licence to Kill

More About Licence to Kill

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Licence to Kill: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Licence to Kill

Similar Movies to Licence to Kill

Discover movies like Licence to Kill that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.