TC Candler's Review A

An epic duel...

A Russian sniper (Law) is picking off German officers one by one on the Russian front during World War II. He is becoming a hero of the people and is almost single-handedly winning the battle for the Russians. The German command counter by sending their renowned marksman to the same area to stalk and kill the Russian hero. They face off in battle sequences and stalking maneuvers trying to out fox each other. The result is a cat and mouse thriller that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. The love interest is played nicely by Rachel Weisz who brings emotion into the Russian's life and complicates the duel.

A great cast, stunning battle sequences, beautiful cinematography and a riveting plot make this a theatrical treasure that will be one of 2001's best films!

This is an extraordinarily exciting film. Every scene is constructed with such detail and focus toward creating tension that we feel like we are actually staring through the sights of the rifles ourselves. The duels are not those in your typical Hollywood action flick, rather they are methodical and nail-biting in the way we see them trying to out think one another. There are very few blow up, shot ringing, explosion scenes. The key scene comes about half way through when both snipers are caught in a quandary. Each has the other's position pin pointed although they cannot see one another... nor can they move an inch for fear of being shot. Who makes the first move? It is one of many riveting scenes that are littered throughout.

The romance is very powerful and well portrayed by both Jude Law and Rachel Weisz. They are adults who are very different and are caught in hell on earth during WWII. The couple work well as a team and struggle to be together against all the odds.

Ed Harris gives a chilling performance as General Koenig and Jude Law is powerful as the real life Russian hero, Vassili Zaitsev. Rachel Weisz is equally mesmerizing in yet another great role for her.

The cinematography is quite spectacular. I was reminded of the graininess of Saving Private Ryan's first 30 minutes. The battle scenes are understandable and logical unlike many incomprehensible messes that directors try to fool us with, but they are still grand in scale and appear to have really high production values. This must have been a really expensive film to make, but it's worth every penny.

The ending is solid enough but doesn't tug at the heart strings like it could have. I feel like more emotion needed to be shown to provide closure for the audience... it seems a little rushed.

However, this is a real epic adventure. If you want a fun night of action, tension, romance and suspense... watch this film!!!

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A Richard Propes -     Jacob Hall - A

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