Movie Review – Enemy at the Gates (2001)
During World War 2, the Eastern Front was primarily a tale of slaughter and carnage.
In particular, the Russian city of Stalingrad experienced unspeakable terror as the Nazis put the city under siege, hoping to break the Russian backbone and conquer the city. If the Russian stronghold fell, then the Third Reich would be able to conquer southern Asia and all of its valuable natural resources. The city was a battleground as the two military forces fought it out during the fall and winter of 1942-43.
Enemy at the Gates tells the story of Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev, from his time in the Red Army’s infantry through his climb to glory. Along the way he loses friends in combat, battles a German marksman (Major Erwin Konig), and manages to fall in love with Tania, a local Stalingrad girl.
It’s the sniper battle with Major Konig where the brunt of the movie takes place.
Enemy at the Gates (2001) – (c) Mandalay Pictures
Upon the Major’s arrival in Stalingrad, the movie becomes a cat-and-mouse game as the two skilled hunters battle wit and strategy, hoping to catch the opponent in his sights. Each of the snipers use his tricks to outwit his opponent, and each one nearly gets shot in the process. Of course, one of them ultimately falls in battle. It’s interesting though how the movie reaches that pinnacle, the very moment when the loser realizes that the battle (and his life) is finished.
Enemy at the Gates (2001) – (c) Mandalay Pictures
Enemy at the Gates stars Jude Law as Russian hero, Vassili Zaitsey. Ed Harris plays the cold and cunning role of German sniper, Major Konig. Rachel Weisz plays the role of Tania, Vassili’s love interest and soldier in the local militia. Joseph Fiennes plays the important role of Commisar Danilov, the person responsible for telling Khrushchev and the Russian population about the heroic acts of Vassili. In a small but nonetheless entertaining roles, Bob Hoskins is Nikitia Khrushchev, and Ron Perlman is Koulikov, one of Vassili’s friends and fellow sniper.
Enemy at the Gates (2001) – (c) Mandalay Pictures
Personally, I don’t know a whole lot about the war on the Eastern Front during World War 2. Here in the U.S., the main focus is on the Western Front along with the action in the Pacific Ocean. From what little I’ve read, the actions of the Russian soldiers (in particular their leaders) seems quite accurate. The bombed out, smoking ruins of Stalingrad also look frighteningly realistic, reminders of what Russian citizens had to endure while battling the Nazis.
Enemy at the Gates (2001) – (c) Mandalay Pictures
Don’t expect a cute story here filled with heroics.
With the amount of bloodshed spilled by both sides, this movie is very clearly a reminder that war is hell. This was especially true on the Eastern Front. The Germans fought hard, but the Russian soldiers and bitter cold winter fought back just as hard, enduring the battle and surviving in the end.
Enemy at the Gates (2001) movie trailer
Enemy at the Gates is a fantastic war movie. It’s a must-have if you have any interest in snipers or the massive slaughter known as the Eastern Front. My only issue was that a few characters had more of an English accent than Russian one.
