Stalingrad (2013)

Director: Fedor Bondarchuk

Starring: Mariya Smolnikova, Thomas Kretschmann, Yanina Studilina, Pyotr Fyodorov

A group of Russian soldiers fight to hold a strategic building in their devastated city against a ruthless German army, and in the process become deeply connected to two Russian women who have been living there.

Director Fedor Bondarchuk already won me over with films like ‘9th Company’ and ‘Attraction’ (his latest film), which are both among my favorites. I finally got my hands on ‘Stalingrad’ and watched it in great anticipation, and wasn’t let down one bit! ‘Stalingrad’ is among my favorite war films. It was also one of the more touching war films, and not detailed gore like some war movies. I really enjoyed the back ground stories of each of the main characters. All of them had a very definite reason for being there and being who they are. The film features some of the best visuals I’ve ever seen with great sound. The music was awesome, as well. The battle scenes were incredibly well done.

‘Stalingrad’ received several nominations and won for Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Action in a Foreign Film. It was also nominated for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film.

In Russian.