# 17 Years Later, This 20-Minute Opener Is Still Better Than Every World War II Movie Since

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/17-years-later-this-20-minute-opener-is-still-better-than-every-world-war-ii-movie-since/
- Published: 2026-10-25T10:22:16+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T11:11:45+00:00
- Original publisher: Collider
- Original article: https://collider.com/inglourious-basterds-quentin-tarantino-best-opening-scene-world-war-2-movie/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Film, World

## Key points

- The article praises *Inglourious Basterds*’ tense opening.
- Hans Landa’s interrogation drives the scene.
- Christoph Waltz’s performance is key to its impact.

## Summary

An opinion piece argues that *Inglourious Basterds* has one of the most effective opening sequences in any World War II film. It says Quentin Tarantino’s carefully paced tension establishes the film’s central conflict and makes the scene’s impact linger long after it ends.

The sequence centres on Nazi officer Hans Landa questioning French dairy farmer Perrier LaPadite at his home, while Shosanna Dreyfus and her family hide beneath the floorboards. Christoph Waltz’s performance as Landa is presented as crucial to the scene’s menace; the article notes that Tarantino nearly shelved the film before casting him. Though other war films may surpass it in other respects, the piece says none begins with quite the same force.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.