Not 5 star.

Rating: 5/10 (6 January 2000)

Cannot comprehend 5 star rating. The acting in this film is atrocious and the quality of wounds and blood is comic. The Eastern Front conjures up the most courageous men and destructive battles mankind has witnessed. This movie doesn't get close to this. It takes three steps instead of the necessary ten. It is only 5 star in that Vilsmaier had the courage to attempt a war movie in this theatre. Any movie about this theatre is completely awing to an American audience, since we do not learn much about this theatre of WWII in our history classes (little more in college). Read Frontsoldaten, Forgotten Soldier and Cross of Iron for a good primer to this area. Wait for a big budget with good actor movie by the likes of Spielberg before you make a case for this movie. Cannot believe people view this higher or even equal to Saving Private Ryan.