Good war flick

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2012)

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I had never heard about it (and I am a huge fan of the war genre) but came across this movie through another site.
The first 20 minutes I was not completely sure what to make of the movie. The acting was a little 'stiff' and the introduction of the characters was not very well executed in my opinion. But as soon as they come into the city of Stalingrad itself the movie took a better turn.
The battle scenes can be quite gruesome, but very realistic as well (it's not as bloody as for example Saving Private Ryan but still limbs fly over the place). At this point, the depth of the characters also becomes more important. This movie shows you exactly what happens to normal grunts (in the movie it is once said that they are not all Nazis) under extreme pressure of an ongoing and fierce battle, and how they cope with the emotional/psychological stress involved. What I liked is that it shows the battle not only from the German perspective (although most of it) but also from the defender's side, and civilians.
At his point, the acting becomes very good, and I found myself wondering more than once what I would do if I was in their place. At first they are surprised that the Russians shoot their own troops considered as cowards, but they will soon realize that for them there is no viable option of retreat as well. Unless of course they want to end up as the enemy. The deprivation of sleep, food, and the stress of being in combat for months at a time is very well depicted. I can understand that some people will not like this movie, because it shows the human side of the Germans as well, and not just as savage beasts bringing terror throughout Europe (much like for example 'Der Untergang')
However, this movie shows that we are ALL victims of such a terrible war, and in war the difference between right and wrong fades very fast.
The ending to me was heartbreaking. In fact, I haven't seen such an ending in quite a long time, and the musical score with it was phenomenal.
Overall I would rate this an 8/10.
Recommended!