Is Counter-Attack Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Counter-Attack is definitely worth watching if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 90 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Counter-Attack Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1945, Counter-Attack emerges as a significant entry in the War, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Two Russians fight to escape the seven Nazi soldiers trapped with them in a bombed building. Unlike standard genre fare, Counter-Attack attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any War is often anchored by its ensemble, and Counter-Attack features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Muni . Supported by the likes of Marguerite Chapman and Larry Parks , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Counter-Attack (1945) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Counter-Attack Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Counter-Attack is a War, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Counter-Attack Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Counter-Attack concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to war resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the war themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Counter-Attack reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Counter-Attack Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Counter-Attack uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a war, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Counter-Attack adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Counter-Attack?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy War films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Counter-Attack
- Paul Muni – Alexei Kulkov
- Marguerite Chapman – Lisa Elenko
- Larry Parks – Kirichenko
- Harro Meller – Ernemann
- Roman Bohnen – Kostyuk
Top Highlights
Paul MuniAlexei Kulkov
Marguerite ChapmanLisa Elenko
Larry ParksKirichenko
Harro MellerErnemann
Roman BohnenKostyuk
George MacreadyColonel Semenov
Eric RolfVassilev
Ludwig DonathMueller
Rudolph AndersStillman
Philip Van ZandtGalkronye
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Counter-Attack is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.1/10, and global collection metrics, Counter-Attack stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1945 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Counter-Attack movie hit or flop?
Counter-Attack has received mixed reviews with a 6.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Counter-Attack worth watching?
Counter-Attack is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Counter-Attack online?
Counter-Attack may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Counter-Attack Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Counter-Attack
As the veteran interrogator says right at the start, it’s all about psychology! A group of intrepid Soviet soldiers are being briefed on a very cunning plan to construct, section by section, a bridge that will lie under the waterline - hopefully undetected - thereby allowing a counter-offensive by their forces over a wide, fast flowing, river. With the Nazis all around them, their guide “Lisa” (Marguerite Chapman) and “Kulkov” (Paul Muni) find themselves in the centre of a bombing raid that sees them and seven of their enemies trapped in a cellar. Though they are outnumbered, they have the guns, the lamps and the candles and so are able to keep their enemies at bay - but for how long before the oil runs out or before the need for sleep takes over? The don’t let the grass grow, though, and as they look through the assembled junk for things to use, they discover indications that there might be an officer amongst their hostages. Officers mean information and information can be put to good use by their own, should they ever make it to daylight. What is ensues now is a cleverly crafted thriller that uses the dark, echoey and dingy surroundings of their captivity to create a tension that’s really quite effective. We, watching, have no idea whether there is anyone amongst the prisoners to confess, and with constant sounds of digging surrounding them, we also have no idea as to whether they will be found at all - and if so, by whom. Muni does most of the work here as “Kulkov” lays a few traps for his superior-minded guests and he does it quite well, with the under-used Chapman adding a little additional value too - but I thought it was actually Ludwig Donath who came across best as the slimy “Professor” whilst many of the characterisations from amidst their opposite numbers contributed an extra degree of an almost sophisticated - and defiantly psychological, brutality. There is jeopardy here, and that carries through until the very end. I wasn’t sure about George Macready as a Soviet general, but otherwise this is claustrophobically compelling watch.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
