Atmosphere, plus important entertainment!

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 2001)

True, this movie is heavy on atmosphere, but isn't that at least one of the points great art can strive for? Many critics have said the love story was an awkward "add on" affair. I disagree. "Stalingrad," the town and the battle, has always been a mere name to me. And a drab one at that. This movie is rich in vibes, rich in humanity. Maybe it would have been strange to portray Stalingrad as a corny love story if wee knew anything about the place or the times. As it is, this movie, love twists and all, is the first and only human slant on the Russians and the history that I have ever seen. Plus, in addition to all that good civic-duty stuff, it's a well made, entertaining, and exciting movie to boot! Go see it-- you'll like it!