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ENEMY AT THE GATES (R)

Plot Summary: A young Russian sniper in WWII becomes a national hero---and then is hunted by the Nazi’s number one sniper

Reason for the Rating: Strong graphic war violence and some sexuality.

At first, ENEMY AT THE GATES seems like a pretty typical movie—another film about World War II (the latest Hollywood fad). As such, it contains extensive war-related violence right from the start. We witness bullets going through heads, arms and legs being dismembered, and plenty of dead bodies floating in the sea. We see that the good guys, in this case the Russian army, are fighting a losing battle against the German Nazis. The situation seems clear, and we’re ready to watch some excellent actors (Jude Law as Vassili Zaitsev and Ed Harris portraying Major Koenig) add a unique flare to what we imagine as just another war film.

This is where ENEMY AT THE GATES breaks free from war movie stereotypes. It’s simply not typical. Yes, there is a war raging, but the central plot is a very personal one. It involves two snipers (Zaitsev and Koenig) fighting a battle of wits and skill against only each other, individual to individual. The entire battle basically centers around which sniper will be the first to finally assassinate his foe.

Consequently, this movie brings up some very personal issues, such as pride, hope, and nationalism, in the midst of a suspenseful situation. It includes all of the normal war movie action, but it also manages to show us what goes on behind the scenes. It boils the well-known big picture down into a tiny portrait of human challenges and heroics. This seems to be what the war was really all about.

ENEMY AT THE GATES has many positive qualities that make it an excellent film---positive themes of courage and passion, superb acting all around, a compelling storyline based on historical facts, and more. On the other hand, it’s not perfect, nor appropriate for everyone. The violence is extensive; it is almost as personal as the rest of the movie, which (though realistic) makes it seem much more gruesome and disgusting. Also, there is a gratuitous sex scene (one that is unnecessary and probably one of the worst I’ve seen).

I wish I could write two different reviews for ENEMY AT THE GATES—one for adults who won’t be bothered by graphic war violence and sex, and one for families who should probably avoid this movie altogether. It’s an amazing—yet offensive—film all at the same time. A movie like this requires careful parental discretion.

FamilyFans.com Recommends: For adults who aren’t bothered by violence and sex, it’s a winner, but kids should stay away from this one.

After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

-- What does it take to become a hero?

-- Why do you think wars start?

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