Enemy at the Gates is a 2001 war drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. The movie is based on the real-life story of the Battle of Stalingrad, which happened in 1942-43, during WWII. The story revolves around a Russian sharpshooter named Vasily Zaytsev (played by Jude Law) and a German sniper named Major König (played by Ed Harris).
The movie shows the brutality and horrors of war, and how the two skilled snipers use different tactics and strategies to outsmart each other. Vasily is a poor shepherd who becomes a part of the Russian army and rises to become a legendary sniper, while König is a seasoned expert who is tasked with eliminating the Russian sniper.
As the battle progresses, Vasily gains a reputation as a hero, which motivates the Russian soldiers to keep fighting against the Germans. König, on the other hand, infiltrates the Russian ranks and targets Vasily at every opportunity.
The storyline also explores the romantic aspect of the war as Vasily falls in love with a female soldier named Tania (played by Rachel Weisz), who also provides him with valuable intelligence about the enemy's movements.
The movie is a gripping account of the psychological warfare that soldiers engage in during a war, and the immense pressure and fear they face while they fight for their lives. The film is a tribute to the brave soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the Battle of Stalingrad, and it also sheds light on how ordinary people can become heroes in times of war.