not the best war film of recent years but still great

Rating: Null/10 (31 December 2002)

I have to say this film is great to watch, it has a marvellous opening sequence (though not as good as 'Ryan's Omaha sequence) that has you enthralled from the first minute.
The unusual approach on focusing on snipers made for a refreshing twist, and i think gave more suspense, waiting as each person aimed was nailbiting.
The only actor who let the film down I think was probably Rachel Weisz. Far too posh to be a peasant Russian resistance fighter, she simpered her way throughout the film with probably one facial expression all the way.
The star of the film was undoubtably Gabriel Thomson, who I believe was 13 at the time. Unlike Daniel Radcliffe in HP, Thomson is never once wooden and steals the show. He displayed some amazingly mature acting and emotions.
The action sequences were wonderful, as were the sets.
But (and this is a big phobia of mine) they managed to sneak a sex scene in. I don't know how they did it, but it was there, and for me, totally ruined all tension and emotion they had built up so well. Lord knows how sex fits in with the Battle of Stalingrad but it wasn't necessary and spoilt the film.
Other than Weisz and the sex scene, this film would be a near perfect war film.