Unforgettable but(unfortunately)flawed

Rating: Null/10 (23 August 2001)

If I were rating this film on a scale of one to ten, I would give it a seven for one reason only, that being the soppy love story that was thrown in for some unknown reason. Otherwise, I would rate it at least nine, if not ten. This is a gripping story that, but for the "love breaks" would give it an edge-of-the-seat quality seldom seen in recent movies.
Jude Law and Ed Harris are simply outstanding as the protagonists, as is Bob Hoskins as Kruschev. The movie shows the gut-wrenching reality of war as none other since "Saving Private Ryan". From the opening shots of the siege of Stalingrad, to the bleak ending in a bombed out shell of a once beautiful city, the story is compelling and suspenseful. For war buffs, this movie is a must. But be prepared for a starkness seldom seen, and one that draws the viewer into the true horror of war.
Take out the love interest, and this movie will stand with the very best of its genre. Don't miss it.