Good, but not great...

Rating: 3/10 (9 November 2014)

I found this movie good...but not great. Being a self-professed history and military nerd, I found too many tactics related errors and Hollywoodizations (Yes, that is a a word. At least it is now...) the portrayal of German soldiers, both armored and foot, very problematic unrealistic and downright disrespectful. From the Hitler Jugend ambush to the armored ambush featuring Tiger 131 to the climactic battle, they are given short shrift and no tactical respect. To wit-
A one Panzerfaust ambush with no follow on fires or supporting infantry fires on a linear road with plenty of escape routes for the ambushed. Even with inexperienced troops, this isn't happening...
The tank platoon is hit by entrenched, established forces with clear pre-established and ranged fields of fire...and the Tiger is drawn out into the open in some kind of cavalry duel with Fury? No. Way. The ambush if not successful and led by anyone with any experience would have resulted in a tactical withdrawal to fight another day. The Tigers KwK 36 main gun could have eliminated Fury and its support from over 1000 meters away...why would he be drawn out into a cavalry charge?
Finally, the climactic battle scene...in which elite Waffen SS infantry are drawn into a senseless battle against one disabled tank at a meaningless crossroads. Any commander with half a clue would have stuck to his mission and simply diverted around the tank through the surrounding area, leaving Fury isolated and alone. The SS sniper who ultimately took out Wardaddy was a needless piece of fluff too...why he would need to be ghillied up and ease forward at the stalk is beyond me. With the heat of battle joined all about him, he could have easily flanked out the fully exposed Fury and kept her crew pinned down for the remainder of the evening, allowing his kameraden to move forward to their objective. Don't even get me started on the Panzerfausts and their penetration capability...
And how many rounds were fired at Brad when he was exposed on top of Fury? Tell me that one stinking senior soldatten could not have just calmly fired one round into his head to end the whole thing? But I guess if he had, we would not have had much of a movie now would we?
But I digress. At times, a gripping, suspenseful and enjoyable movie, but if you are a military veteran and or nerd like me, don't bother. Re watch Private Ryan or Band of Brothers. They at least make you care about the characters.