Based on the real Hero of the Soviet Union, Vasily Zaitsev. His sniping achievements at Stalingrad and his role as a propaganda icon are historical, although specific events are dramatized.

Zaitsev's memoirs mention a duel with a German sniper school head named Konings/Thorvald, but German records do not confirm König's existence or rank. Many historians believe he was likely propaganda or fictional.

A fictional character representing the role of political commissars and the Soviet propaganda machine. His specific actions and the love triangle are invented for the film.

Based on accounts of a female sniper who knew Zaitsev, but her existence and relationship with him are debated by historians and not prominent in Zaitsev's own memoirs. Her film storyline is heavily fictionalized.

Based on the real Khrushchev, who was the senior political figure directing the Stalingrad defense. His portrayal captures his known ruthlessness and involvement, though specific scenes are dramatized.

A fictional character used for exposition (explaining König's background) and dramatic effect (being killed by König).

This depicts a common myth. While equipment shortages existed, especially early in the war or in penal units, sending regular troops into attack deliberately unarmed on this scale was not standard practice at Stalingrad.

Blocking units existed under Order No. 227 to prevent unauthorized retreats, but the film likely exaggerates the frequency and scale of them machine-gunning their own troops. Their main role was often less lethal deterrence.

Zaitsev was recognized for his marksmanship, but the specific fountain scene where Danilov witnesses his initial five kills is a fictionalized dramatic invention.

The Soviet propaganda apparatus heavily promoted Zaitsev's exploits in newspapers and radio to boost morale during the desperate battle, making him a national hero.

This central plot is based on Zaitsev's account of hunting a German sniper chief (Konings/Thorvald), but lacks German corroboration. The specific details and duration of the duel are likely fictional or exaggerated.

This entire romantic subplot is a fictional addition created for dramatic purposes and has no basis in historical accounts.

Khrushchev was a key political leader on site, involved in strategy and maintaining discipline, often harshly. The specific dialogues and interactions are likely dramatized.

Control of Stalingrad's large factories (Red October, Barrikady, Tractor Factory) was central to the battle, involving brutal close-quarters fighting depicted in the film.

While based on a real boy spy, Sasha Filippov's role as König's informant and his specific death (being hanged by König) are fictional plot devices. The real Sasha was reportedly shot by the Germans.

Both sides used extensive propaganda, including leaflets, loudspeakers, and radio broadcasts, to demoralize the enemy, a feature of the battle reflected in the film.

The film effectively portrays the savage, close-range fighting through ruins, sewers, and destroyed buildings characteristic of the Battle of Stalingrad.

The real Vasily Zaitsev was seriously wounded by a mortar or artillery shell in January 1943, damaging his eyes (though he eventually recovered and returned to service).

The film's production design excels in recreating the vast, apocalyptic landscape of destruction – bombed-out buildings, rubble, and ruined factories – typical of Stalingrad.

Generally accurate portrayal of Red Army uniforms (telogreika jackets, pilotka caps, helmets) and personal equipment appropriate for the winter of 1942-43.

Generally accurate representation of Wehrmacht uniforms, helmets, and gear for the period and theatre, showing wear appropriate for the battle conditions.

The iconic sniper rifles used by Zaitsev (scoped Mosin-Nagant M1891/30) and König (scoped Mauser Kar98k) are accurately depicted, along with other period small arms.

Effectively conveys the intense psychological stress, constant danger, filth, cold, hunger, and pervasive brutality experienced by combatants and civilians during the battle.

The film shows the onset of the harsh Russian winter, a crucial factor that hampered the German army and contributed significantly to their eventual defeat at Stalingrad.

Represents the extremely hazardous crossings of the Volga River, which were vital for Soviet resupply and reinforcement but constantly under German artillery and air attack.