Film Lens
Stalingrad is a 1993 German anti-war film directed by Joseph Vilsmaier that follows a platoon of German soldiers during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II. The story begins in August 1942, as soldiers on leave in Italy are sent to the Eastern Front. The film introduces characters like Unteroffizier Manfred 'Rollo' Rohleder and Leutnant Hans von Witzland, who face the brutal realities of war under the command of Hauptmann Hermann Musk.
As the narrative unfolds, Witzland's platoon suffers heavy casualties and engages in morally complex situations, such as arranging a ceasefire to collect the wounded. The film depicts the harsh winter conditions and the dire circumstances faced by the German Sixth Army, culminating in the soldiers' decision to desert. The film's bleak ending and portrayal of the soldiers' experiences provide a stark commentary on the futility of war.
Why Watch
- •See the harsh realities of the Battle of Stalingrad.
- •Meet characters like Leutnant Hans von Witzland and Hauptmann Musk.
- •Find out how soldiers navigate moral dilemmas in war.
Did You Know
•The film cost approximately DEM 20 million, around EUR 10 million.
•Stalingrad won three Bavarian Film Awards in 1993 for cinematography, editing, and production.
•The film grossed $10 million in Germany and $152,972 in the U.S. and Canada.
•It was the second German film to portray the Battle of Stalingrad, following a 1959 film.
Perfect For
World War II historyAnti-war cinemaGerman film enthusiasts