A Dreary Film But Great Acting

Rating: 6/10 (25 September 2001)

I wasn't too impressed with this film overall, but what was really good was the acting. The film drags on ruthlessly between the duels of the Russian hero sharpshooter, played by Jude Law, and his enemy, the German sharpshooter, brilliantly played by Ed Harris. The Ralph Fiennes role was interesting as well as we see him go from friend to traitor. The dark mood of the film can't help to put a drab mood on the viewer as well, as it tries to be a "Saving Private Ryan" look-alike. Unfortunately, the cinemotography used which tried to copy that modern war masterpiece didn't work in the context within this story. Good acting, but otherwise just a run-of-the-mill war film that left much to be desired.