Live and Let Die

Live and Let Die

Year: 1973

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Guy Hamilton

ActionAdventureThriller

James Bond finds himself hunted by ruthless killers while pursuing Mr. Big, a powerful heroin kingpin with far-reaching goals. The chase leads him to a dangerous confrontation with Kananga and an encounter with Solitaire, a captivating tarot-card reader whose mystical abilities are crucial to the villain’s elaborate plan. Bond must navigate a deadly game to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and thwart Mr. Big’s ambitions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Live and Let Die 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 & Setting – Live and Let Die (1973)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Live and Let Die (1973). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures a contemporary setting reflective of the early 1970s, a time characterized by political and social turbulence. This period is marked by a rise in street crime and a fascination with mysticism and espionage, elements that play an integral role in the plot.

Location

New York City, New Orleans, San Monique, Harlem

The movie traverses multiple vibrant locations, from the bustling streets of New York City and the lively atmosphere of New Orleans to the lush yet dangerous landscape of San Monique. Harlem serves as a backdrop for Bond's encounter with the underworld and mystique of Mr. Big. San Monique, a small Caribbean nation, is infamously known for its tyrannical ruler and enchanting mysticism.

🏙️ City 🌴 Tropical 🌆 Urban 🃏 Mystical

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Main Characters – Live and Let Die (1973)

Meet the key characters of Live and Let Die (1973), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

James Bond (Roger Moore)

James Bond is the iconic MI6 agent known for his charm, intelligence, and resourceful nature. Throughout the film, he demonstrates exceptional resilience in the face of danger, often using wit to outmaneuver his enemies. His character wrestles with trust issues while balancing professional duties and personal relationships.

🕶️ Spy 💼 Agent 🌍 Adventurer

Dr. Kananga (Mr. Big)

Dr. Kananga, also known as Mr. Big, serves as the film's primary antagonist, orchestrating a nefarious drug operation masked by his charismatic persona. He is ruthless and cunning, using fear and intimidation to control others. His dual identity symbolizes the deceptive nature of appearances in the world of espionage.

👿 Villain 🔫 Gangster 💊 Drug Lord

Solitaire

Solitaire is a captivating tarot card reader with genuine psychic abilities yet conflicted by her allegiances. She initially serves to foretell the future but becomes a key player in the struggle against Kananga. The empowerment Bond brings her highlights themes of betrayal and vulnerability.

🔮 Mystic 💔 Love Interest 🦸‍♀️ Resilient

Felix Leiter (Yaphet Kotto)

Felix Leiter is a CIA agent who works alongside Bond. He embodies cooperation and resourcefulness in the face of danger. Leiter contributes vital information and assists Bond on various operations while navigating the murky waters of espionage with conviction.

🕵️‍♂️ CIA Agent 🤝 Ally 🌍 Resourceful

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Major Themes – Live and Let Die (1973)

Explore the central themes of Live and Let Die (1973), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

Espionage is central to the narrative as Bond navigates a world filled with secrets and deceit. The covert activities of MI6 agents and the sinister plans of Kananga showcase the dangers inherent in espionage. The twisty plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as allegiances shift and hidden motives emerge.

❤️ Betrayal

Betrayal runs through the film, primarily through Rosie Carver's duplicitous actions and Solitaire's torn loyalty. These themes showcase how trust can be manipulated, leading to dire consequences. Such betrayals heighten the tension and drive Bond's responses to dangerous situations.

🔮 Mysticism

The presence of mysticism is encapsulated by Solitaire's tarot card reading abilities and the ominous influence of Baron Samedi. This theme connects the characters to ancient rituals and beliefs, adding layers of intrigue. Mystic elements serve both as tools of manipulation and sources of power within the story.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:46

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Exotic Espionage thrillers with occult elements like Live and Let Die

High-stakes spy missions set against a backdrop of ancient rituals and mysticism.Discover movies like Live and Let Die that fuse spy adventures with the supernatural. If you enjoyed the blend of international intrigue, ruthless villains, and mystical practices, this collection of films delivers similar high-stakes action in mysterious, exotic locations.

mysterioussinisterexoticsuspensefulaction-packeddangerousoccult

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a skilled operative on a mission in an exotic locale, where they must contend not only with a formidable human antagonist but also with their utilization of occult practices or supernatural beliefs. The journey often involves unraveling a conspiracy where ancient magic is weaponized for modern goals.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared core identity: the fusion of the spy genre with mystical or occult themes. They share a tense, dangerous mood, a fast-paced narrative driven by action, and a setting where the familiar rules of espionage are challenged by the unknown.

International drug conspiracy thrillers like Live and Let Die

A lone agent unravels a vast international narcotics network against impossible odds.If you liked the drug trafficking plot in Live and Let Die, explore these movies featuring similar globe-trotting narratives. These stories revolve around heroes confronting powerful narcotics kingpins, often involving government conspiracies, high-octane chases, and the dark underbelly of international crime.

tensedangerousaction-packedsuspensefulcorruptruthlessconspiracy

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a hero discovering a major drug operation and pursuing its elusive leader from one volatile location to the next. The plot is propelled by a series of action set-pieces—chases, assassinations, and confrontations—as the hero pieces together the conspiracy before the villain's plan comes to fruition.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their focus on the drug trade as a central plot engine. They share a high-intensity, fast-paced feel, a tense tone born from life-or-death stakes, and a thematic exploration of international crime and corruption that the hero must surgically dismantle.

Unlock the Full Story of Live and Let Die

Don't stop at just watching — explore Live and Let Die 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 Live and Let Die is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Live and Let Die Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Live and Let Die, 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.

Live and Let Die Summary

Live and Let Die Timeline

Track the full timeline of Live and Let Die with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Live and Let Die Timeline

Live and Let Die Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Live and Let Die that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Live and Let Die Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Live and Let Die

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Live and Let Die: 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 Live and Let Die

Similar Movies to Live and Let Die

Discover movies like Live and Let Die 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.