Jean-Jacques Annaud's WWII drama tells the fact-based story of the celebrated Russian sniper, Vassili Zaitsev (Law) and his personal battle with the Nazi's best marksman, Major Konig (Harris) - a clinical assassin who will do all he can to kill Zaitsev.

Set against the horrifying backdrop of war-torn Stalingrad, this intense one-on-one battle is set to represent the wider raging conflict around them.

The early scenes depict in harrowing detail the Russian army on boats being bombarded by fighter jets.

Foot soldiers who scrabble across the side of boats in fear are shot by their officers for deserting, and the eventual race across Stalingrad Square is depicted in graphic, horrifying realism.

Jude Law is surprisingly convincing in an action role. His old-fashioned, moody look gives the film a retro feel and creates a believable 1940s hero.

Radiating intelligence, Law's haunted stare and quiet manner capture the inner conflict of a man who has achieved hero status through taking human lives.

As Vassili's nemesis, Ed Harris is brilliant. His cold, calculating marksman betrays a hint of humanity yet demonstrates a complete lack of morals.

Other issues explored by the film are those of propaganda, patriotism, communism and hero worship.

This is not just another big-budget Hollywood war movie. It is European in style, and therefore sensitive - with depth and artistic integrity.

The movie is built around the lives of real life characters whose existences were destroyed during the Second World War.

Natalie Stone