|
The bloody battle of Stalingrad in September 1942 forms the backdrop for a real battle of
wills and determination. Nikita Krushchev (Bob Hoskins) challenges the Russian soldiers to think of new strategies to win the war over Nazi Germany which was then at the
height of its power. The young officer Danilov (Joseph Fiennes) wins Krushchev's confidence with his suggestion: "Give them hope... make them desire to win... make them
believe they are fighting a noble cause... give them heroes..." Danilov is given a free hand to use propaganda, making a hero out of Vasilli Zaitsev, a sniper from the Urals
who once saved his life by gunning down five German soldiers with five bullets. The friendship between Danilov and Vasilli gets strained when they both fall in love with
fellow soldier Tania (Rachel Weisz). Meanwhile, Vasilli's national fame gets the eye of the bemedalled German ace sniper Major Konig (Ed Harris) who comes to Stalingrad only
to pick off Vasilli. His fateful meeting with the Russian boy Sacha (Gabriel Thomson) gives an unexpected twist to the manhunt.
Cinematography is superb. War torn Stalingrad, the bodies of the dead and the injured, the
gray skies and rain-and-blood-soaked earth all contribute to the movie's power to portray the evils of war. James Horner's musical score, alternately mournful and
heart-gripping, is also a subtle and significant reminder of how awful war can be. There is great chemistry between actors, one's skillful performance spurring another to
respond just as excellently. The movie is bloody and violent, but that is war, and by its realism the film makes a statement that it is something humanity would do best
to avoid.
What would concern viewers, especially families with impressionable children, watching Enemy
at the Gates? True that certain positive values like courage, friendship and devotion to duty are emphasized in the movie, but the more visual elements (close-up shots
of bullet wounds from sniper's guns, etc.) may grab the viewer's attention at the expense of the good and the beautiful. Enemy at the Gates will have earned its worth as
a movie of value if it can move young viewers into asking questions like: Is it right to manipulate a trusting soul in the name of "truth"? (The innocent Sacha is corrupted
with chocolate bars by the spying, scheming Major Konig). If telling the truth would imperil your life, would it be right not to tell it? If information given in
confidence threatens the life of someone you look up to, would it be right to betray the informer's trust?
(Date reviewed: September 14, 2001)
|
