- Joined
- Jul 3, 1997
- Messages
- 66,755
- Real Name
- Ronald Epstein
ENEMY AT THE GATES
This film could have been a masterpiece
war epic. It comes very close in many ways
to being just that with a few minor flaws.
However, ultimately, this is a highly riveting
two hour film that should be on everyone's
must purchase list.
Enemy at the Gates is based on a true
story of two snipers -- one Russian and
one German who ultimately must face each
other with only one left to stand.
But I am getting a little ahead of myself here.
The year is 1942. The Germans are closing in
on one of the last standing cities in their way
of dominance. The city is Stalingrad. It is
there that Kruschev (Bob Hoskins) leads a worn
band of soldiers known as the Red Army. Times
are tough and the army needs a hero. That hero
is Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), a remarkable
sharpshooter who takes out four German soldiers
in a beautifuly choreographed sequence near the
start of the film.
As witness to Vassili's heroism, a political
officer named Danilov (Joseph Fiennes) uses
propaganda to catapult the name of Vassili as
Russia's greatest sniper hero.
This bothers Russian heroism bothers German
Major Konig (Ed Harris), who goes to Stalingrad
to face Vassili.
It's sniper vs. sniper!
There are so many things to love about this
film. From the very start, you can't help but
fall in love with the beautiful cinematography
as the Red Army disembarks from an arriving train
as you look out upon the shores of Stalingrad.
The sky is overcast and pale with rising smoke
as boats war amongst each other in the water.
Although much of this movie takes place
amongst the ruins of Stalingrad, there seems
to be such beauty in the way these scenes are
photographed accompanied by a sweeping harmonious
soundtrack by James Horner.
This film at many times looks like a piece
of artwork, and I really fell in love with
it all. The war sequences are well-done and
often riveting.
Where this film falls short is in the pacing.
There is a 3-way love story between Vassili,
Danilov, and a beautiful soldier (Rachel Weisz).
Most of the times a love story can compliment
a picture like this, but I felt it got in the
way. Still, the movie had so many more strong
points to it.
The DVD looks and sounds spectacular. It is
nothing less than what you would expect from
Paramount Home Video. The disc also has a
chock-full of extra material including a
BEHIND-THE-SCENES featurette, cast & crew
interviews and a theatrical trailer.
I have to be honest. I bought this title
blindly after hearing mixed reviews. This
was another one of those movies that I found
myself applauding once the end credits rolled.
Buy this!
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Ronald Epstein (pronounced like the English "Ronald Epstein")
Circa 2000
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