Enemy at the Gates

Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Bob Hoskins, Ed Harris, Ron Perlman
Directed by: Jean-Jacques Annaud
Rating: R
Genre: Action, War, Drama
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: During World War II, a Russian sharpshooter (Jude Law) becomes the nation's hero due to a clever promotion by a Russian official (Joseph Fiennes). His instant fame attracts a beautiful soldier (Rachel Weisz) as well as an expert German sharpshooter (Ed Harris) sent to kill him.

Review:

Tim: I love snipers. There is something so cool about a man looking through a scope hundreds of yards away and pulling a trigger, instantly killing someone. Obviously, I don't like snipers in everyday life, but in wars and especially in war movies, they are amazing to see. Of course, I am very excited about a movie concerning a German sniper v.s. a Russian sniper with a great deal of WWII hanging in the balance. Speaking of that, it is so refreshing to see a World War II movie not about Americans. I love seeing lesser known stories about the war.

The cast is very good. Jude Law is terrific as the famous Russian sniper. He works well with Joseph Fiennes, who does a good job in a less glamorous role. Rachel Weisz is amazing as usual. I gain more and more respect for her with every role I see. At first, I didn't see Ed Harris as a German sniper at all, but when you see his eyes, you will believe him in the role. Bob Hoskins adds in a good few moments as Kruschev.

This is not the most powerful or well made war movie, but the German v. Russian twist and the focus on the snipers differentiates the film enough to be worthy of viewing. I'll admit the love triangle is a bit weak (I've never been a huge fan of the love-in-the-middle-of-war movies) but with so much going right, it doesn't make too much of a difference. Enemy at the Gates puts a fresh look on the typical war movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Saving Private Ryan, Patton, Schindler's List, Hart's War