Tania Chernova: Russian War Hero; Badass Sniper; Not Your Damsel.

In the film Enemy at the Gates, a Russian sniper in WWII, Vasily Zaytsev, is transferred to the sniper division after he saves a comrade of his. In reality, he served as a clerk before being transferred to the Rifle regiment. The story of the film doesn’t mention his early war career at all, but instead jumps into the battle at Stalingrad: while in Stalingrad, Zaytsev meets Tania Chernova, who a comrade of his also likes. The comrade, Danilov, transfers her away from the combat to keep her safe.

This is all a lie. The love triangle is a lie. But more importantly? So is Tania.

In real life, Tania Chernova was a ruthless sniper who met Zaytsev at a sniping school he ran. Tania had lost family and decided to take out her enemies, the Germans, in revenge for their deaths. She was a ruthless and skilled sniper who called the Germans ‘Sticks’ as she though all they were good for was breaking. Tania traveled through Stalingrad on her own and, at times, with Zaytsev, and the two became lovers.

Tania was on the front lines serving her country and fighting against the Germans, and while the story reflects this, it is very sad that the sexist writers of the movie decided to turn her into nothing more than a damsel in distress and a prize for Zaytsev to win that would represent his happiness at the end of the movie.

Tania Charnova was not another person’s prize, or a troubled damsel who needed to be saved: she was a dedicated soldier and a skilled sniper who should be renowned for her skill, fierceness, and bravery during the war.

It honestly makes me sad to see such an interesting woman and historical figure squandered like this by the script. It is honestly shocking and disgusting that they went to such lengths to make her seem delicate, pretty, and helpless, as opposed to portraying the often ugly, flawed human being she truly was; a damaged but still brave and driven young woman who used her pain to help her own country, and by extension the world, by taking on Nazi forces. She should be upheld as an incredible hero and a role model for her intelligence and her shooting skills, not turned into a pretty face meant to entice a male hero.

So that's what I have to say, and that's who Tania Chernova is, and that's why you need to know. I'm gonna go back to drinking my peppermint tea and ignoring this god awful movie's existence, now.