Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Red Grant in From Russia with Love sets the gold standard for Bond henchmen. Grant is not flashy or overly talkative, and that combined with his ruthless mentality makes him stand out. His muted effectiveness feels far more dangerous than the typical grandstanding Bond enemy and his defining moment on the train to Trieste remains one of the best confrontations ever. What begins as a battle of wits tightens into a brutal fight to the death, with Bond almost bested.
It’s so memorable that it is implicitly referenced in the awesome train fight between Bond and Hinx in Spectre. It’s a knowing nod that proves some confrontations are too good not to revisit.
