Stalingrad (1992)

71% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(7,043 ratings)

This German battlefield drama, released on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the climactic 1943 defeat of the Nazi forces at Stalingrad in Russia, does not paint a pretty picture either of war itself or of the Germans fighting in that war. Out of hundreds of thousands of previously… More This German battlefield drama, released on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the climactic 1943 defeat of the Nazi forces at Stalingrad in Russia, does not paint a pretty picture either of war itself or of the Germans fighting in that war. Out of hundreds of thousands of previously victorious German soldiers who took part in this most crucial battle of WWII, a mere six thousand ruined men survived. Today, the word "Stalingrad" is used by Germans to signify any particularly ruinous reversal or defeat. In the story, the lives of several German soldiers are followed as they are transformed from arrogant and victorious killers into demoralized cowards who will do anything at all in order to survive, usually without success. Due to a political climate of resurgent sympathy for the fascists at the time this film was made, is was particularly important to the filmmakers to show the soldiers as lacking any shred of military dignity or real courage. Thus, though this big budget, well-made film did well in Germany, its lack of any truly sympathetic characters made it less popular elsewhere. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Joseph Vilsmaier
Written By: Jürgen Büscher, Johannes Heide
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: May 26, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Aug 11, 1998
Studio: Fox Lorber

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Certainly efficiently accomplished as a war drama, but strangely enough not a moving experience.
Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
What must ultimately emerge is admiration for human courage balanced with horror at what Melville's 'Ah humanity' can do.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Stalingrad stands out as a totally unique second world war film. It's only flaw is it's dubious acting from time to time, apart from that, it is a stunning account of a doomed band of soldiers with a truly powerful ending. Recommended.
Jani H

It was nice to see a different kind of WWII movie. We're used to look at the life of coalition forces but now it's all about the Germans. Stalingrad was a brutal battle and that can be seen on the big screen also. It's gritty and feels realistic. The action though is… More
It was nice to see a different kind of WWII movie. We're used to look at the life of coalition forces but now it's all about the Germans. Stalingrad was a brutal battle and that can be seen on the big screen also. It's gritty and feels realistic. The action though is not so good, it hasn't aged well in that perspective. The acting is throughout the movie on a good level but the story could've been a bit more interesting. A good war movie but not that exceptional.
Curtis L

Tells a good story about how crappy nazi's are. And stalin.
Alec B

While the film fails at attempting to create an emotional connection between the audience and the central characters the film still succeeds brilliantly at portraying the utter insanity and brutality of what may have been the quintessential battle of WWII.
Quinto W

The film depicts the brutality of war very effectively, with well rounded characters and solid performances, but the lack of a strong narrative driving force sometimes gets the viewer down.
Barry L

How terrible would that have beem?