Review of Enemy at the Gates (2001) by Ted D — 19 Apr 2009

A film that will sadly be forced to sit in the shadow of Saving Private Ryan. It's one of those films that tries to mix varying stories together: a legendary duel between two of the best snipers in the world, a love triangle, and a social commentary on the German and Russian ideals of back then. Some aspects are more subtle than others, but the pieces themselves came together real well. Although I don't know what it is, it seems the very ending of the film was missing something. Considering where they were taking it I think think the ending could have been handled differently. Perhaps it just lacked that final little umph.

The film tried to absorb so much but I don't think enough of it was asserted to make all of that clear. Granted, the movie's great. It gets really exciting and dramatic as the story draws to a close. It's just not as profound as it could have been, when you compare it to Saving Private Ryan.

As for performances, it was well acted. I personally give props to Ed Harris. He really gave the character an outwardly cold touch. It contributes to the film's most affecting moment, a particular shot to be specific. You'll know it when you see it.

Those into action movies will get drawn in by the various encounters between the two snipers. The love triangle will also be enough to draw in a generally wider audience. The taste of political atmosphere may turn out to be irrelevant to some but might also be the one thing to top it off for others.