Cinema Reviews

Stalingrad Review

19th Feb 2014

Stalingrad is the first Russian film completely produced with IMAX 3D technology, and the first Russian and non-American film produced using the IMAX format.

The film opens during a rescue mission during the aftermath of a Japanese earthquake, to comfort a group of children trapped under the rubble a rescue worker tells them a story of survival, the story of his five fathers. The story takes place in the autumn of 1942, the Germans have invaded Stalingrad, bringing superior weapons and highly trained soldiers. But the will of the Russian army is strong and they will do anything to protect their motherland, fighting for their lives and loosing men along the way.

After loosing most of their men in a fiery attack the surviving Russians set up a command post in a ruined building in the devastated city, but they not only find a perfect spot for their snippers but also a young Russian girl named Katya. She is the only surviver left in the building who refuses to leave the only home she knows. Soon she becomes a light and symbol for the men – she represents all the people they are fighting for.

Each of the men find something about the young Katya that starts see them fall in love with her, give them hope and a sense of purpose.

Across the square, the German troops are stationed waiting waiting to take down the final Russians that remain. Amongst them is a soldier who has lost his focus and his heart to a Russian women, she becomes an outcast after he makes his ‘affections’ known. And with no where to turn she has to rely on him, even with the language and countries views as barriers between them.

The film traces the battle between the two camps, and reminds us about the brutalities of war and how barbaric humans really can be. Something every now and again we need to be reminded of, so we don’t make those same mistake again, repeat our history.

This film needs to be seen on an IMAX screen, the imagery, while telling a tragic story is mesmerizing. The 3D is perfect and takes you into the film so you soon become part of scenery. So much time has been taken and spent on the detail of the surroundings, its like stepping back in time and watching history on the screen. Some scenes left me speechless and riding a total wave of emotions. The cast is incredible and the acting superb, and will have you feeling for these characters, feeling torn over their beliefs, and possibly bring a tear to your eye. There’s a moment where you know the film has to draw to a close but you whats going to happen, and you want the camera to cut away but it doesn’t, and you have to sit through a devastating scene.

Try and see this at the IMAX how its meant to be seen, you wont regret it.