Enemy at the Gates

Name: Enemy at the Gates
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller, War
Released: March 16, 2001
Duration: 131 min
Rating: 53
Cast: Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law

2001

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 33 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 140 Ratings

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6.9

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6.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 140 Ratings

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Enemy At The Gates

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Movie Details & Credits

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: March 16, 2001 | R

Starring: Ed Harris, Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law

Summary: While the Nazi and Russian armies hurl rank after rank of soldiers at each other and the world fearfully awaits the outcome of the battle of Stalingrad, the celebrated Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev (Law) quietly stalks his enemies one man at a time. His fame, however, soon thrusts him into a duel with the Nazi's best sharpshooter, MajorWhile the Nazi and Russian armies hurl rank after rank of soldiers at each other and the world fearfully awaits the outcome of the battle of Stalingrad, the celebrated Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev (Law) quietly stalks his enemies one man at a time. His fame, however, soon thrusts him into a duel with the Nazi's best sharpshooter, Major Konig (Harris), and the two find themselves waging an intense personal war while the most momentous battle of the age rages around them. (Paramount Pictures)… Expand

Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud

Genre(s): Drama, History, Thriller, War

Rating: R

Runtime: 131 min

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Critic Reviews

Film.com Gemma Files

Though issues of politics and philosophy are touched upon, this is a film about the people inside the uniforms -- a story of human beings under pressure, forced by circumstance to make choices both impulsive and, on occasion, heroic. It's also the new year's single most satisfying movie experience thus far. Read full review

Peter Travers

Any flaws in execution pale against those moments when the film brings history to vital life. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

A physically gorgeous production with a strong, clear conflict at its center. It's grueling but also exhilarating. Perhaps its ambitiousness is the film's biggest problem. Trying for dramatic sensitivity, historical scope, touching romance and shocking violence and suspense, it gets stretched too thin.

Richard Corliss

Law, sexy and crafty as ever, and here with a flinty innocence, proves again he has the star-quality goods.

Kenneth Turan

Has little to occupy us once its battle scenes recede. One of those goofy movies where devil-may-care Russian soldiers unwind by playing the balalaika far into the night, it takes itself far more seriously than anyone else will be able to manage. Read full review

Amy Taubin

It does offer Annaud the opportunity to show his directorial muscle in elaborate battle scenes, where many bodies are torn apart and blood flows freely. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Most of the prime goofiness is given over to Vassili and Konig sharpshooting at each other while the battle rages. The movie's a red elephant.

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User Reviews

Petrovita

Jul 30, 2012

A great WWII movie. Loads of action and splendid acting. If you love snipers and WWII, this is the movie for you. Some romance scenes in it aswell, well made movie.

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

Alex6

Oct 16, 2010

An epic war based film filled with drama, action and gore. Holds historical accuracy and value, and the acting is floorless. The production team deserves bags of credit; great picture, and an even better soundtrack - jam packed with all the necessary micro-elements such as realistic soundAn epic war based film filled with drama, action and gore. Holds historical accuracy and value, and the acting is floorless. The production team deserves bags of credit; great picture, and an even better soundtrack - jam packed with all the necessary micro-elements such as realistic sound effects and compelling music.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

d0vla11

Aug 24, 2018

Pretty good WW2 movie with a solid story.
I was not impressed with the acting, but the intense that was built held me till the end of it. Also the film represented the horror like it really was in Battle of Stalingrad.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

WriteFilmLive21

Dec 1, 2012

"Enemy at the Gates" is a decently engrossing, suspenseful war film centered around a historical duel that took place between a Russian and German sniper. Rachel Weisz is a nice surprise to see here, and adds some healthy romantic interest, and the rest of the lead cast puts forth good"Enemy at the Gates" is a decently engrossing, suspenseful war film centered around a historical duel that took place between a Russian and German sniper. Rachel Weisz is a nice surprise to see here, and adds some healthy romantic interest, and the rest of the lead cast puts forth good performances. The most interesting part of the movie is the story it's based on and the dueling scenes, beyond that you can expect some fairly standard war film fodder. Certainly not a bad movie by any means, so check it out if you're a war buff.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

Tyranian

Oct 15, 2019

This film has many screenplay issues but also good performances and some strong scenes.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Holly

Apr 30, 2008

Your joking right? this isnt a good war movie!! I should note i dont think i liked black hawk down that much either. But i'm extremely fond of saving private ryan(luv the characters and story) this ones concept, snipers playin cat an mouse is sooo cool but unfortunately, i felt bored, Your joking right? this isnt a good war movie!! I should note i dont think i liked black hawk down that much either. But i'm extremely fond of saving private ryan(luv the characters and story) this ones concept, snipers playin cat an mouse is sooo cool but unfortunately, i felt bored, aggitated and quite shockingly resentful towards the film. the climax was lame, the acting wasnt horrible but its just how this ones written that doesnt wanna tick into stylishness. A mere disappointment. I am one of those rare people who actually despise this film beyond recognition. If only we had a different writer for it, such a waste of talent.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

ErraticCommunist

Jan 11, 2008

Hands down the worst movie ever. It's absolutely ahistorical waste of time filled with anti-russian propaganda. Vasily Zaitsev most likely rolled over in his grave after this crap was released.

0 of 3 users found this helpful

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45	#45 Most Discussed Movie of 2001
26	#26 Most Shared Movie of 2001