The year is 1942 and the Nazis are cutting a deadly swath through Russia. The citizens of Stalingrad mounting a brave resistance, spurred by the exploits of an expert sniper, Vassili Zaitsev (Jude Law), whose deeds have become legendary. To stop Vassili the Germans dispatch their best sniper, Major König to Stalingrad. As the city burns, Vassili and König begin a cunning game of cat and mouse.