I've always heard about this film but never seen it. I think when it comes to Germans and making war films (or anti-war films), you can expect it to be top quality. The Russian version I had seen bits and pieces of on YouTube and though there were some interesting parts, there was a lot of laughable moments. Best example is one you mentioned, where the Russians are on fire but they still charge, and overrun a German machinegun nest. Right then and there, I threw my hands up and gave a cynical chuckle. I might still watch it though in its entirety; I don't know. But I will definitely watch the German one sooner or later. Good article.