This movie was nothing like I expected, but then again, I’m not sure what I expected. Another World War 2 movie? Good guys and bad guys? I have to say, although totally different, this movie was equally as excellent as ’’Saving Private Ryan’’. I’d heard the name but didn’t know who Jude Law was until this. Now I know he’s a decent actor and has the cutest grey eyes. He, Bob Hoskins, Joseph Ffiennes, Rachel Weisz and Ed Harris brought some excellent characterizations to ’’Enemy At The Gate’’.
Within the first few minutes, we are involved in the horror and futility of war. The Russian Army was ill-prepared and totally lacking in weapons and ammunition - how on earth did their government expect them to fight? Yet they did. And they had not the sense to allow them to withdraw sometimes. Those who attempted to backtrack were shot by their officers who were themselves at the back of the action. Did nobody think that they were actually HELPING the Germans by killing their own? Then again, wasn’t this the Soviet way for a few decades of history?
Basically, young men were brought in by train - LOCKED in cattle cars as they went to the Front. That should have given them an inkling that all was not going to be well. As soon as they arrive they are herded onto boats to ferry them across the river to the ruins of Stalingrad, to try to recapture the debris that was the city named for their illustrious leader. The Germans were not stupid, they knew this water crossing was going to happen frequently, so they just send in their planes to shoot up the vessels as they attempted to cross. The river is littered with dead bodies, and the action is very vivid. Wounds and injuries are graphically displayed.
One young shepherd, Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), ends up killing 5 German soldiers one day, utilising skills he learned from his grandfather whilst trying to keep the wolves at bay whilst growing up. His action is watched by an officer who is a publicist, and so his actions become the fodder for a country in desperate need of heroes. He becomes that hero. A sniper A sure shot, who is feted by the media in order to fuel the patriotism that will provide live bodies to replace those killed in battle.
As his fame grows, the Germans realise he is a thorn in their side, so they bring in one of their own to take him out. Konig (Ed Harris), the best sniper in Germany. This becomes the underlying plot of the film - obviously it is kill or be killed and both are stalking the other whilst trying to avoid becoming prey themselves.
This movie is very powerful, and you marvel at the courage of these people who fought an extraordinary war with so little, and for a leader who offered them so little. It uses the backdrop of the fight for Stalingrad, and the horrors endured. There are ordinary heroes. Ordinary jealousies and people who do things for their own reasons. A touch of romance and the inevitable triangle.
This was no amateur production in any way. The soundtrack was impressive, as were the special effects. You almost felt that you were looking at the bombed out shell of Stalingrad during that time. I have to disagree with some who have given this movie terrible ratings - I think if you are not into Action or War movies, then you won’t like this. If you are, this will leave you with a lot to think about. Yes, they took liberties with certain dates and facts, but I found this to be an enjoyable afternoon escapade. Whetted my appetite to know more about this largely forgotten period of history.