Realistic or not, the message is clear

Rating: Null/10 (20 March 2001)

Enemy at the Gates is one of the best movies I have seen, even if it does follow a tried and tested Hollywood formula. The formula made it predictable, but the atmosphere, setting, and overall realism made it all work for me. The accents weren't accurate, but instead British and American. Get over it. This isn't the first time that's been done.
The love scene was definitely not out of place, but instead necessary to the movie. It was something beautiful, something so human, that was warped by the death surrounding them. If you can't put a human face on the brutality of what was happening around them, then I'm afraid you missed the point, because that is what EatG is all about. Realizing the impact of war on the human condition, and even experiencing it a little bit for yourself.
The desperation of the Soviets is made clear in the beginning of the movie, but I can't speak for how accurate it really is. The carnage that follows however was most accurately portrayed, at least to the best of the film's ability. The majority of casualties in WWII were not the result of the fighting, but instead of the slaughter of millions soldiers and innocents alike. This movie drives that point home early, and it does it well. The final few scenes were also formulaic but somehow satisfying. Ed Harris stole this movie and was so good at being the bad guy, it was hard not to enjoy his fate, no matter how absurd it was. This movie has a definite emotional impact on anyone that watches, and that alone makes it a worthwhile viewing.