Directed by
Roger Spottiswoode
Made by
United Artists
Discover the intricate plot of Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
MI6 dispatches James Bond, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, on a critical mission to scout out a terrorist arms bazaar near the Russian border. Despite M’s insistence that Bond should finalize his reconnaissance, Royal Navy Admiral Roebuck (Geoffrey Palmer) intervenes, ordering the frigate HMS Chester to launch a Harpoon missile at the bazaar. Bond discovers that the bazaar houses two nuclear torpedoes mounted on an L-39 Albatros and must swiftly pilot the aircraft away just in time to avoid destruction as the missile obliterates the bazaar.
The notorious media baron Elliot Carver, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce, launches a devious plan using an encoder procured from the bazaar by his henchman, the cyber-terrorist Henry Gupta (Ricky Jay). With the encoder, Gupta manipulates the GPS signal, leading the HMS Devonshire off its intended course into the treacherous Chinese-occupied waters of the South China Sea. There, it encounters a stealth ship commanded by Mr. Stamper (Götz Otto), which ambushes and sinks the frigate, subsequently shooting down a Chinese fighter jet that ventures to investigate. This series of events escalates tensions, prompting the British Minister of Defence (Julian Fellowes) to call for action while leaving M with a mere 48 hours to uncover the truth and prevent a war.
At MI6, gadget-master Q (Desmond Llewelyn) and Miss Moneypenny (Samantha Bond) assist M (Judi Dench) in sending Bond to investigate Carver, especially after the latter releases news articles about the impending crisis before the Vietnamese government is even aware. Bond jets off to Hamburg, where he rekindles ties with Paris (played by Teri Hatcher), Carver’s wife and an ex-girlfriend of Bond’s. His aim is to glean information to infiltrate Carver’s newspaper headquarters. During his escapade, he bests three of Stamper’s men and successfully cuts off Carver during the live debut of his satellite network.
In a twist of fate, Paris decides to aid Bond by revealing critical information that leads him to Carver’s newspaper factory to retrieve the GPS encoder. However, Carver learns of their reunion and orders their execution. As Bond escapes with the encoder, Paris is tragically killed by Carver’s assassin Dr. Kaufman (Vincent Schiavelli) upon his return. Bond retaliates, killing Kaufman and managing to flee in his remote-controlled BMW.
At an Air Force base in Okinawa, where he meets Jack Wade (Joe Don Baker), Bond learns that the encoder had been tampered with, misguiding the Devonshire into Chinese waters. Determined to uncover the truth, he enlists the help of Wai Lin, an agent from the Chinese Ministry of State Security, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. Their investigation leads them to the sunken ship where they discover a stolen cruise missile.
After a daring escape from Carver’s grasp, they realize Carver intends to incite a war using the missile to eliminate the Chinese government. Their plan is to stop the missile from being fired at Beijing, where Carver hopes to gain broadcasting rights in China for the next century in the aftermath of the conflict. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they infiltrate Carver’s stealth ship, leading to a sequence of explosive events where loyalty, deception, and survival all collide.
In a gripping showdown, Bond manages to turn the tables on Carver and subsequently detonates an explosive that exposes the stealth ship to radar detection. As they brave the perilous situation, Wai Lin becomes trapped and is recaptured, prompting Bond to unleash a final rescue mission. This culminates in Bond’s confrontation with Carver, leading to a climactic explosion that destroys the ship, and amidst the wreckage, Bond and Wai Lin share a passionate moment as help arrives to search for them.
Track the key events of Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
MI6 Mission Briefing
MI6 dispatches James Bond to scout a terrorist arms bazaar near the Russian border. Despite M's insistence on Bond finalizing his reconnaissance, he is interrupted by Admiral Roebuck, who decides to launch a missile at the bazaar instead.
Destruction of the Arms Bazaar
Bond discovers nuclear torpedoes at the arms bazaar and realizes the imminent danger. Just moments before the missile strikes, he manages to pilot an L-39 Albatros aircraft away from the explosion, escaping destruction.
Elliot Carver's Plan Unfolds
Media baron Elliot Carver initiates a devious scheme using an encoder obtained from the bazaar. His henchman, Henry Gupta, manipulates GPS signals leading the HMS Devonshire into Chinese-occupied waters.
Ambush in the South China Sea
The HMS Devonshire is ambushed and sunk by a stealth ship under Mr. Stamper's command. During this chaotic event, a Chinese fighter jet investigating the situation is also shot down, escalating international tensions.
Time Pressure for MI6
In the wake of the ambush, the British Minister of Defence grants M only 48 hours to uncover the truth behind the incident. With rising tensions, M is determined to find the source of the crisis instigated by Carver.
Bond Goes to Hamburg
Bond travels to Hamburg to investigate Carver's connections and gather intelligence. There, he reconnects with Paris, Carver’s wife and his former lover, who aids him in infiltrating Carver's operations.
Paris Betrayed
Paris provides Bond with vital information about Carver's newspaper factory, leading to a dangerous confrontation. However, Carver discovers their reunion and orders Paris's assassination, leading to her tragic death.
Escape and Retribution
As Bond narrowly escapes Carver's assassins with the crucial GPS encoder, he retaliates against Dr. Kaufman, who killed Paris. Bond successfully evades capture, escaping in a remote-controlled BMW.
Discovering the Tampered Encoder
At an Air Force base in Okinawa, Bond learns that the GPS encoder has been tampered with by Gupta. Realizing the scope of the conspiracy, he teams up with Wai Lin from the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
Uncovering the Stolen Missile
Bond and Wai Lin investigate the sunken ship where they discover a stolen cruise missile. They learn that Carver plans to use this missile to incite a war with China for control over broadcasting rights.
Infiltrating Carver's Stealth Ship
Determined to stop Carver, Bond and Wai Lin infiltrate his stealth ship. Their daring plan is filled with explosive confrontations that challenge their wits and push their limits as they attempt to prevent disaster.
Climactic Showdown
In a gripping confrontation, Bond manages to gain the upper hand against Carver. The ensuing chaos leads to a major explosion that reveals the stealth ship’s location, triggering a fierce battle for survival.
Rescue Mission for Wai Lin
As Wai Lin gets trapped and captured, Bond embarks on a last-ditch effort to rescue her. Their situation is perilous, requiring all of Bond's skills and ingenuity to avert certain disaster.
Victory Amidst Chaos
Bond's final confrontation with Carver leads to the destruction of the stealth ship. As chaos ensues, Bond and Wai Lin share a passionate moment just as help arrives to locate them amidst the wreckage.
Meet the characters that bring Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
James Bond
Portrayed as a suave and skilled secret agent, Bond is relentless in his pursuit of truth and justice. His charm is matched by his resourcefulness and courage, putting him at the forefront of international conflict as he battles both physical adversaries and complex moral dilemmas.
Elliot Carver
A cunning media mogul, Carver represents the darker side of influence and power. His manipulative nature and thirst for control drive the plot, showcasing the potential dangers of unchecked ambition. He is charismatic yet ruthless, making him a formidable opponent for Bond.
Wai Lin
An agent of the Chinese Ministry of State Security, Wai Lin is resourceful and fierce, complementing Bond’s efforts throughout their perilous adventure. Her skills and tenacity highlight the strength of collaboration in the face of global threats, making her a significant ally.
Paris
An intriguing character from Bond's past, Paris is both a source of crucial information and a tragic figure who embodies the theme of betrayal. Her complexity adds an emotional layer to the narrative, demonstrating the impact of past relationships on the present.
Uncover the settings of Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary (1990s)
Set in the late 1990s, this era was marked by significant global tensions, particularly surrounding issues of warfare and media influence. The conflict between Western nations and Eastern powers is accentuated as the film addresses the fragile political landscape and the rapid advancement in technology, especially in warfare and espionage.
Location
Russia, South China Sea, Hamburg, Okinawa, Beijing
The movie unfolds across various critical locations, starting near the Russian border where a terrorist arms bazaar is located. The South China Sea plays a pivotal role as tensions escalate, while Hamburg serves as a backdrop for Bond's efforts to gather intel. Okinawa reveals a vital Air Force base that aids Bond in uncovering the devious plot, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation in Beijing.
Explore the core themes of Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Conflict
The film intricately explores themes of conflict—both personal and political—as Bond navigates dangerous territorial waters and confronts an evil media baron. The use of military force and the threat of war underscore the high stakes involved, examining the lengths individuals and nations will go to protect their interests and power.
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Betrayal
Betrayal weaves through the narrative as characters navigate alliances and treachery. Bond's reunion with Paris turns tragic when trust is shattered by Carver, showcasing the harsh reality of deception in both personal relationships and global espionage.
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Investigation
The theme of investigation is central to the narrative as Bond, equipped with cutting-edge gadgets, delves deep into a web of conspiracy. The quest for truth takes him through dangerous encounters, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and resourcefulness in espionage.
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