Given the longevity of his career, it's somewhat surprising to note that 2001's
Enemy at the Gates represents composer
James Horner's first foray into the World War II milieu, and while the score cherry-picks a handful of elements from previous
Horner efforts spanning from Glory to Willow, it's nevertheless his most accomplished and original work in some time. A bleak, melancholy work nevertheless punctuated by moments of sweeping symphonic beauty,
Enemy at the Gates exhibits a musical and emotional economy rare in the
Horner canon -- when the drama finally erupts, it means something. Fans of the composer will find much to savor here, and even detractors will discover passages meriting commendation. ~ Jason Ankeny