Enemy At The Gates [2001]

Jude Law's finest hour and a half onscreen. An explosive, chair-clutching, eye-opening, heart-pounding, non-stop thriller about two WWII snipers. Who has better aim? Or is it just about that. Enemy at the Gates takes you on roller coaster ride through the lives of two snipers shooting for hero status in their countries. One made famous through a printed paper in his homeland telling of his exploits, another striving for glory hiding beneath a cloak of mystery and stealth.

Each sequence leaves you wondering who will come out on top. For me, I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen the entire movie (except for a scene of unnecessary sexuality that I skipped). Both men seem to have each other's calling card and are just waiting for the prime opportunity to splatter the other guy against the wall.

Jude Law (Vassili Zaitsev) a talented marksman who comes from humble beginnings puts on an incredible performance. I'm usually not a huge fan of Jude Law purely because a lot of his roles seem somewhat plastic in nature or just unreal. This role stands out from the rest in my opinion. Not only is he immersed in this character, but the depth at which he plays him stuns me beyond belief. You will be torn from your seat by the ending, finding yourself pumping both hands in the air crying, "Why?!"

Joseph Fiennes (Commisar Danilov) a less well-known actor who's most famous roles are Robert Dudley in Elizabeth and Will in Shakespeare in Love. Stars as the political officer accompanying Vassili on his quests and writing about them in a paper to give his Russian comrades some hope in battle. Unfortunately, their friendship goes awry because Danilov falls in love with the same female, Tania, played by Rachel Weisz, Vassili is in love with as well. Complicating things, Vassili takes matters into his own hands.

Ed Harris (Major Konig) a master marksman in the German army called out of retirement to "handle" Vassili and his new found heroism. Ed Harris most famous for his role as General Hummel in The Rock, puts on a super-stellar performance with dynamism in character and depth. You hate the guy by the end of the film. Only a master at acting can truly conjure the stronger emotions in an audience. A duel to the death by a battle of wits. Not your traditional Princess Bride battle of wits but instead two masterminds dealing blows on both sides of the lines.

A thriller you won't regret watching.

A few things to note:

1. Being that it is war, there is a lot of graphic war violence. So, if you have a weak constitution for blood or dead people, this is definitely NOT the film for you. However, if you don't mind that sort of thing and you enjoy psychological thrillers mixed with some "guns and roses" action, this is your hot seat.
2. There is a brief scene of sexual content that is completely unnecessary to the plot line, feel free to skip it.
3. Language is pervasive since it is in war time. 

Overall, an awesome film. You feel satisfied and emotionally drained by the credits. A turn of the events at the end though might cause you to throw something at the TV, so buckle up.

Because of the amazing cinematography and incredible acting, I am inclined to give this film 4 out 5 .50 caliber bullets (because regular bullets are too mainstream).

A review request made by my brother J.R. Wadsworth. Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth