By The film marks the re-teaming of Director Bryan Singer and Writer Christopher McQuarrie, who brought you the Academy Award winning film “The Usual Suspects.” This time the duo electrifies the screen, by recounting an historical event that shook a nation. “Valkyrie” examines the German soldiers involved in the July 20, 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
The film’s courageous storytelling is not complete without its all-star cast of veteran actors. The film stars Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Christian Berkel, Eddie Izzard and Terrence Stamp.
The film opens with Colonel Claus Von Stauffenburg (Cruise), writing letters home in German from battle. Cruise, who narrates in German during the first two minutes, makes a transition to English when he appears on screen.
The film is set in WWII Germany. Colonel Claus Von Stauffenburg has fortuitously returned from Africa after being badly wounded in war, losing his right hand, left eye and a couple of fingers. After his recovery, he reunites with his family. Disgruntled with the Nazi regime, Stauffenburg is approached by Major General Henning Von Tresckow (Branagh). Tresckow along with other German soldiers are clandestinely a part of the German Resistance. After failed attempts to assassinate the Fuher, Tresckow believes his position has been compromised. He believes that Stauffenburg should be at the forefront of the German Resistance.
Stauffenburg joins the resistance, in hopes to secure order back to Germany. Stauffenburg coordinates with various members, including General Olbricht (Nighy), Colonel Quirnheim (Berkel) and General Ludwig Beck (Stamp), in initiating Operation Valkyrie. The plan is to assassinate Hitler, in order to disarm the SS and arrest major Nazi officials. In seeing this plan to fruition, Stauffenburg must gain additional assistance from General Fellgiebell (Izzard) and General Fromm (Wilkinson).
“Valkyrie” turns into a non-stop suspenseful thriller. With each calculated step, there’s always something that prevents the members of the resistance from completing their mission.
The cast does a great job portraying their characters. Cruise’s performance is less than stellar. Despite his slow start in the opening of the film, Cruise finishes with a believable performance. He is a heroic figure throughout and plays into that element. Veteran actors such as Nighy from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and Wilkinson from “Michael Clayton,” give talented performances. David Bamber, who portrays Adolf Hitler, eerily resembles the malevolent political leader.
“Valkyrie” is a film about the actions of courageous men and emphasized that not everyone in Germany was like Hitler.
Stars: 3 out of 4
OUR VIEW: A poignant historical thriller that will have you at the edge of your seat.
SUMMARY: Recounts the July 20, 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
