I enjoyed this movie very much because it presented the plain soldiers point of view. I felt that it was an accurate portrayal, gruesome in some places, but entertaining for anyone who enjoys war movies. Most WWII movies are seen from the American point of view and this was defintely eye-opening. The beginning scenes of the patrol at the Soviet lines in the dead of winter were dramatic. Soldiers that were recovering from wounds were not treated much better than the men at the front. All officers were treated as Gods. They got the best food, and their word was law. In one case a major stole the iron cross off a dead soldier. He was a coward and hated anyone who was promoted in the field. He finally was put to the test and failed. James Coborn, who played the hero in this saga, had won the Iron Cross on two occasions and it made no difference to him. He was concerned about his men. And did what he could to save them. After being wounded, he was sent to the hospital and was ultimately sent back to the front. He went awol for a period of time, but realized that his men needed him to survive. No one was spared, not even children, Russian children and ultimately German children as Germany was running out of adults to fight this war at the home front. The war scenes were superb. At one time the Russian tanks overran the Germans, caving in their fox holes. James Coborn, James Mason, and Maximillan Schell starred in this movie. I felt they all did a great job. I really disliked the character portrayed by Maximillan Schell. He did a good job making you hate him.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age