Attack on Leningrad [Blu-ray] [Import]

The World War II presentation "Attack on Leningrad" takes a harrowing real life subject and should have been a powerful and unforgettable movie experience. Wanting to be a historical epic, a sweeping romance, and a heart-rending tragedy--the film, ultimately, falls short on all fronts. It's a real shame, too. Setting a personal story amidst the siege on Leningrad, where German troops isolated the city for nearly 900 days as its inhabitants starved to death, seems like a can't miss proposition to tell a devastating and important tale of survival and perseverance. But this Russian production fails to shed much light as either a personal story or as a tribute to a great city (which is certainly what director Alexander Buravsky must have intended). Populating the cast with international actors including Mira Sorvino, Gabriel Byrne, and Armin Mueller-Stahl further upped my expectations for a truly memorable experience. Sadly, though, the movie flounders at its most basic element--the screenplay.

Sorvino plays an English journalist covering the war in the Soviet Union. On a routine excursion, her unit is attacked and she is presumed dead. When she is subsequently found by a female member of the Leningrad militia, her death has already been reported and the superior officers don't want to contradict their statements. Taking up residence with the soldier, the two women form a grudging friendship and Sorvino (now under an assumed identity) connects with various neighbors where conveniently language differences do not hamper communication efforts. Of course, two plucky Russian children are in the mix (one is even disabled) to maximize emotional impact. Living conditions continue to deteriorate and circumstances become dire as everyone dreams of escape. Everything is drawn in rather broad strokes. For example, Germans are portrayed as cackling evil doers or as patriots completely opposed to their country's barbarism with no middle ground. And in one of the most preposterous subplots ever, corrupt Russian officials actively work to ensure no one finds out Sorvino is alive. Seems like they would have bigger fish to fry in this three year siege that killed 1.5 million citizens.

What is most disappointing is that the true story of Leningrad should have made a potent drama. But filtered through Sorvino's story--nothing rings true. Attempting a romantic angle, we're also supposed to believe that Gabriel Byrne is Sorvino's true passion and soul mate (although the two have no chemistry or connection and the screenplay doesn't do much to support this notion). With the mix of languages in the film, all of the dialogue sounds forced and artificial. No one speaks in a natural cadence or in a believable way and I must presume this had largely to do with English to German to Russian translations. In many ways, the film looks great--but there is little realness in this well-meaning film. I wanted to love "Attack on Leningrad." Truly, I did. The subject matter deserves a thought-provoking treatment that really delves into the epic tragedy. But this isn't that film, no matter how much I wish it was. An interesting misfire. Only about 2 1/2 stars which I'll round up for good intentions. KGHarris, 10/11.

Awful, ham-fisted attempt to put onto film a subject that has been long overdue. The near 900 day siege (or snippet thereof) of Russia's second largest city during World War II should be the ideal premise for an engaging drama, but unfortunately this Russian/British co-production fails on many levels. It isn't interesting, dramatic, correct or entertaining. It also isn't well directed (Aleksandr Buravsky) or acted for the most part, despite having personalities like Gabriel Byrne, Mira Sorvino and Armin Mueller-Stahl in the cast.

The basic story is about Kate Davis (Sorvino), a British journalist reporting from Leningrad, who by circumstance is left in the city when the siege starts in earnest. She seeks shelter with a Communist official, Nina (Olga Sutulova) and a Leningrad family. Together they try and avoid starvation and German bombs, in the hope of getting through the ordeal alive.

However, everything seems uneven, disjointed and somehow half-hearted which is a dreadful shame as it was possible to make a good film with the material at hand.

Other failures include appalling clichés, terrible dialogue, silly sub-plots and some ill-fitting post-production dubbing. Notoriously absent are the Finns, who were responsible for the Northern sector on the Leningrad front and also few and far between are scenes of cannibalism, which was rife throughout the city. As well as that, every bombing attack is carried out by smiling German pilots in BF109 fighters, rendered in sub-par CGI and there are moments of supposed drama and tension that actually made me laugh out loud!

There are some good points, though. The opening scene is rather well done, even if the German panzers are woefully incorrect and the idea pinched from 'Enemy at the Gates'. The Russian and German characters speak Russian and German (for the most part anyway, the Russians can speak incredibly good English when needed!) and Olga Sutulova's performance as the Communist militia (Nina) is rather well done, dwarfing everybody else. Unfortunately, it's just impossible to ignore the film's shortcomings and simply enjoy the story as the amateurish inaccuracies and terrible script (right down to the last scene) invade the enjoyment so overwhelmingly.

War is hell...

...but it isn't half as bad as having to sit through this.

"Is it true that the Fuhrer's new plan is not to take Leningrad, but to wipe it from the face of the Earth?" During WWII the Nazis planned to take Leningrad on their march to take over Russia and the world. They are met with resistance and the battle begins. Kate Davis (Sorvino) is a foreign journalist and is on her way to be evacuated with everyone else when she is hit. Thinking she is dead the plane leaves without her. This movie opens with a spectacular war scene that while not that graphic it is still very powerful and memorable. Then the movie shifts to the dramatic side and follows Kate from her life of safety to struggling to stay alive. This movie shows the power of the human spirit and how in times of need you find who and what you need to make it through. A pretty movie true story. The main problem is that it tends to drag in a few parts and is a little too long. I don't mind long movies but if there are parts that are not needed they can be taken out to make the movie's pace a little better. Other then that I recommend this movie. Overall, a good yet slow account of Kate's struggle for life in a country ravaged by war. Much like the movie "Winter In Wartime". Which I though was better then this one. I give it a B-.

Would I watch again? - I don't think so.

*Also try - Enemy At The Gates & Winter In Wartime