Stalingrad

Stalingrad

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 2/28/14

Reviewed 3/3/14 at Celebration North Imax 3D 

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Seeing Stalingrad, we didn't have high expectations. Both of us, however, were very pleased with the quality and outcome in spite of its lengthy 131 minutes. This movie is not for everyone as subtitles for the mostly Russian dialogue will be a stopper for many. Russians made the film, so it's of course sympathetic towards their side, but we can all agree they were definitely the lesser of two evils between Germany and Russia. Set in 1942 World War II, Germany has invaded and is now trying to hold Stalingrad for strategic reasons, because there isn't much left of the city. History shows this ends up being one of the bloodiest battles, lasting almost five months and killing an estimated 500,000-850,000 people.

It begins very strangely with present day. The narrator, a Russian relief worker, explains to a victim that he has five fathers that saved his mama during the war. It progresses into the scene in Stalingrad where a few Russians are trying to hold a building in the war torn town. This is the building where "mama" or Katya (Maria Smolnikova) is the only survivor and everyone she has known is now buried under the rubble, or in a grave she dug. This begins the relationship with 18-year-old Katya and the soldiers that trickle in. Over a period of a few days they begin to care deeply for her, but it doesn't start out that way. Having a woman to worry about is not part of their initial game plan. This changes and one eventually professes his love for her and the rest become passionately protective in their father figure stance.

Meanwhile the ruthless Nazis are wreaking havoc all over the city brutalizing the citizens. They need to take the building that the band of Russians are hiding out in and the commander is losing patience. He takes it out on everyone in his army's path.

One of the Nazi Captains assaults a Russian woman that reminds him of his deceased wife. He begins to be madly obsessed with her. This is interfering with his objective that the commander laid out - take down the building or else! The film doesn't show much of the ongoing battle associated with this infamous fight, but a lot of hostility and some combat play out in the town with a little love story thrown in. This does not make for a very exciting 'war movie" but it is still a good story that presents the visual spectacular on the Imax screen. Understandable with the subtitles, this will not be a big box office draw, but could be great for viewing at home on the biggest TV you have.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJ