11 Things You Learn Rewatching From Russia With Love

11. The Pre-Title Sequence Is One Of The Series' Weirdest

From Russia With Love Sean Connery
United Artists

The Bond movies are typically known for their showy, action-packed pre-title sequences, but Russia with Love served up a subversive set-piece right out of the gate.

The film opens with SPECTRE assassin Donald "Red" Grant (Robert Shaw) and James Bond (Connery) appearing to pursue one another through a hedge maze at night, ending with Red seemingly strangling Bond to death.

As it turns out, however, this was merely a SPECTRE training exercise, and "Bond" was actually a poor goon wearing a Bond mask. By focusing on the villain rather than the hero and giving fans a brief opening shock, it was one hell of a bizarre, expectation-defying way to open the spy sequel.

From Russia With Love Pre Titles
United Artists
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.