This sequel to the phenomenally successful German film 08/15 details the further exploits of a German army outfit during the early years of WW II. The first film concentrated on the basic-training period, while the sequel catches up with the protagonists at the dreaded Russian Front. O.E. Hasse, one of Germany's more popular leading men, stars as the unit's commanding officer. Among the returnees from the first film is Hans-Christian Blech, who rose to prominence as a result of the two 08/15 endeavors. American audiences may find it a bit off-putting that director Paul May was able to extract moments of humor from a subject as relentlessly grim as the war in Russia, but by and large he is successful. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi