All Quite on the Russian Front

Rating: 6/10 (26 October 2008)

It's 1942, and the Russians are brutalized by the Nazi Army at Stalingrad. Still, the Russian resisters proclaim, "Never will the enemy put his foot on the soil of Stalingrad!" Sharp-shooting soldier Jude Law (as Vassili Zaitsev) meets, and bonds with, commissar comrade Joseph Fiennes (as Danilov). Mr. Fiennes, who survives massacre by playing possum, is very impressed with Mr. Law's sniper fire. Law had been firing between the eyes since his days as a shepherd boy. After losing several Germans to Law's bullets, the Nazis send their own Major sharpshooter, Ed Harris (as König), out to bag Law. Meanwhile, Law and Fiennes form the obligatory "love triangle" with fetching Rachel Weisz (as Tania).
Jean-Jacques Annaud directs big production values well enough, and the story's setting is a refreshing change from the usual western-fronted World War II epics. But, the whole thing collapses under its unnecessary, and startlingly ordinary "love triangle". Law and Ms. Weisz are the main lovey-dovey duo. Their love-making scene may remind you about... well, not waking up the roommate. Duplicitous chocolate-loving young Gabriel Thomson (as Sasha) and Mr. Harris portray somewhat more interesting supporting characters.
****** Enemy at the Gates (2001) ~ Jude Law, Joseph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz