Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Enemy at the Gates is based on the true story of a propaganda-built Russian Sniper Division hero who terrorizes Germans during the Battle of Stalingrad. The Germans, determined to stomp the rising Soviet moral, ships in their own sniper hero to kill the Russian. Amidst the setting of battle and urban rubble, a contemporary showdown between the all-star snipers begins. Beautifully brilliant true story to base a movie on, isn't it? Maybe someday, a decent film can do Enemy's wasted premise some justice. Onto my biggest gripes with this movie...

My biggest problem with Enemy at the Gates wasn't the cliched and nauseating script, or amateur directing and cinematography, it was the terrible handling of language. 99% of the Soviet main characters are British actors making full use of their native accents. This creates a terrible tension in the audience as no one really believes that this is the "Soviet Red Army." The Nazi dialog is handled in a very similar way, with the exception of one or two actors who attempt to make use of a German accent. Enemy's language problem is very frustrating and softens any audience member's belief that this IS a battle between the Nazis and Soviets. A better way to present the dialog of this film would have been for the actual languages to be utilized with English subtitles. I believe that the success of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has helped accustom the modern mass audience to the world of subtitles, and while Enemy at the Gates might not have been such a huge success in the American market, at least the director and screenwriter could still have their artistic integrity.

Another problem I have with Enemy at the Gates is the use of the female characters. I understand that political correctness in modern society molds art, but please...one half the Soviets are good-looking women soldiers always kissing and making nasty love to their male counterparts? Don't think so! Also, what is with the Rachel Weisz character? Looks like the screenwriter forgot to read the "WWII Battle Movies and Romantic Comedies Don't Mix" book. Unfortunate really; without the Weisz character this movie would have been ten times better.

The last major problem that I'll go into any detail about is the strong anti-communism flavor of this movie. The screen writer seems to believe that Soviet soldiers question the values of communism. Within the dialog, the main characters are constantly grappling with the problems of Marxism and the "evil" of their Soviet government. Why on earth would the writer believe this to be realistic? Where in other WWII movies do you see the main characters questioning the quality of their respective political ideologies like democracy, communism, or fascism? Perhaps the writer felt that the Western audience would feel better about the Soviet heros if this anti-communism sentiment was included. If so, I am insulted by the lack of credit Enemy's script gives to the audience's intelligence.

Obviously, the problems with Enemy at the Gates doesn't stop there. The plot (as a complete package) is just as corny as daytime television, and does the original true story no justice whatsoever. For a complete list of plot holes and goofs read some of the other reviews on this film.

Readers, please note that I did not read any reviews before seeing this film, and I am in no way concerned with historical accuracy. I went into the theater with a blank and neutral mind, and came out demanding my money back.

Although this movie is trash, it's still not the worst product on the market right now, and in comparison to some of the pulp WWII movies of the 50's, Enemy's acting brings the rating a tad higher (hence the second star).

If you really want to see a quality Jude Law picture, rent Gattaca. Despite his pretty good performance here, Enemy at the Gates isn't worth spending your money on. If you really want to watch a quality WWII film, rent The Thin Red Line or the critically-acclaimed Saving Private Ryan. Just do yourselves a favor and steer clear of this film-making disaster. Huge disappointment.








Recommended: No

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older