Review of Enemy at the Gates (2001) by Philippe D — 25 May 2009

I put a long time ago that I was not interested in seeing this movie. I kick my past self for thinking like this. I probably thought this was some kind of Vietnam movie. Wrong.

When the phrase "World War II film" is heard, people think of America versus the Japanese, or America/Britain versus the Germans. But how many people will think of a WWII movie with the Russians versus the Germans? Not many. Especially me. Like many other war films, there are a lot of liberties this film takes. It happens. But in the end, you can't just look at it and disapprove of it because of that. Well, maybe you can. After all, those Stalingrad vets did. But that was their right and opinion and one I respect. You have to look at the effort put into this film though. The loactions, the costumes, the weaponry, the use of British actors attempting to be Russian. It's all spot on!

Incredible acting from Jude Law, Joseph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz. Meanwhile, Ed Harris just scares the hell out of me being the Nazi Major. It is definitely frightening, not only the Nazi actions, but also those on the part of the Soviets. The Soviets were very brutal, and though I said that liberties were taken making this, some things in this film are just cold hard fact. Bullets from both sides indeed.

If you are a war movie fan, you will enjoy this. If you are a romance movie fan, you will need some patience watching this film. If you are a comedy movie fan.....well, I don't know why you are watching this unless you are an action movie lover too. I recommend seeing Enemy at the Gates to anyone interested, not interested or just plain neutral about the whole watching-a-movie craze. Just be sure to not be queasy about blood.