Product description VALKYRIE - Blu-Ray Movie .com Unpretentious and dramatically straightforward, Valkyrie is a suspenseful yet ennobling story about the last attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler prior to the end of World War II. Tom Cruise is effective if a little opaque as hero Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who channels his anger at Hitler's atrocities and mismanagement of the war by joining a secret organization bent on killing the Führer. When the outspoken Stauffenberg hits on the idea of linking Hitler's death with an official policy to safeguard Berlin during a government crisis--a contingency plan called "Valkyrie"--the group realizes a post-assassination coup could be covered by rapidly implementing the plan. History tells us the plot failed, of course, and Hitler killed himself months later. But that doesn't stop Cruise or director Bryan Singer from approaching the film as a thinking person's thriller, told from inside the conspirators' camp, where the outcome of their deeds were uncertain for several tense hours.In the tradition of The Great Escape, Valkyrie is a war movie full of famous faces, including Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy and Eddie Izzard. (The lesser-known David Bamber is very good as Hitler, hunched and cracking under pressure.) The film's gravity is offset a bit by the fun of seeing all these actors in a factually-based slice of history, and by a few, interesting stylistic flourishes on Singer's part, including the peculiarly unsettling image of a mosquito sizzled to death in close-up. --Tom Keogh Stills from Valkyrie (Click for larger image)
K**X
Gripping and Well-Executed Historical Thriller
Valkyrie is a tense and compelling film that brings a critical moment in World War II history to life. Tom Cruise delivers a strong performance, and the pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish. A powerful story told with respect and suspense.
D**S
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I love everything about VALKYRIE (even with Tom Cruise in it): The compelling (true) story; the terrific cast; the writing, pacing, plot, suspense; the staggering authenticity, from the various uniforms to vintage planes to German teletype machines. This is a movie that is pure quality, made by filmmakers and actors who pay fitting tribute to a small group of German patriots who almost pulled off the impossible in July, 1944.I knew about this assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler at the Wolf's Lair in the summer of 1944; what I didn't know is how elaborate it was, how many were involved, and how they almost pulled off a coup mobilizing the German Reserve Army under a directive signed by the Fuhrer himself (Operation Valkyrie). I also didn't know the conspirators were almost exclusively of the aristocratic class, from General Ludwig Beck (Terence Stamp) to Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise). All were men (and women) horrified at what the Nazis had done to their beloved Germany, along with all the atrocities and brutality; they wanted to take control and negotiate with the Allies for peace--before all of Germany lie in ruins. But before they could negotiate, they had to take control of the government, and taking control of the government meant killing Hitler.What a story. And as the events of Operation Valkyrie transpire--even though we all know how it plays out--the viewer is taken on a magnificent thrill-seeking ride, culminating in an emotional, powerful ending. And the cast--top notch. No, I'm no fan of Tom Cruise, but here he turns in a commanding, extraordinary performance as Colonel von Stauffenberg, the leader of Operation Valkyrie. Cruise is surrounded by quite an impressive ensemble, including Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, and Carice von Houten. Look for a quick cameo by Bernard Hill. David Bamber plays a very believable Hitler right down to the Fuhrer's creepy mannerisms, while Jamie Parker is very good in his small role as Stauffenberg's loyal-to-the-last-second aide.Special features. This special edition contains a commentary by Cruise, director Bryan Singer, and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie. The commentary contains a plethora of information--not only about making the movie and what the actors were experiencing, but bountiful historical snippets and information about the characters themselves. It's extremely informative and entertaining (and Cruise has a fantastic sense of humor). This DVD also contains the documentary "The Valkyrie Legacy", which aired on The History Channel. It, too, is very compelling and informative. As a special edition this DVD for VALKYRIE is just about as good as it gets. A must-have for all historical and film buffs.--D. Mikels, Author, The Reckoning
A**S
"To those who did not bear the shame"
As the end credits said, this movie is an excellent tribute "to those who did not bear the shame, but resisted with by sacrificing their lives with freedom, justice, and honor."I know there might be a few historical inaccuracies, but this film is stellar. Hitler became so powerful because he was able to unite the church, academia, the culture, and the government under his authority. Resisting him meant standing for personal convictions while your pastor, your professors, your favorite celebrities, and your government institutions (basically everyone a person could look to for truth) called such efforts evil, stupid, isolating, and illegal. I'd like to say I would stand with these men and women in such a terrible situation, but I hesitate to make such claims to courage.The movie itself was well-acted and the plot was developed in such away that people who have never heard of Operation Valkyrie will be able to understand in 1 viewing. And it is very entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. But what I liked most about it was the character development as each person had to pick a side. I liked seeing the diversity of motives as the film wrestled with the question, "What does true patriotism look like?" Is it loyalty to a leader even as he commits such atrocities that his nation is no longer worthy of respect? Or is it loyalty to what one dreams one's nation should be: a nation of justice and freedom, a nation worth fighting for? Is patriotism really worth giving one's life? Seeing these people who recognized that truly loving Germany meant overthrowing Hitler, having to make decisions about whether it was really worth sacrificing one's life to attempt a coup when Allied victory seemed inevitable, made this film worth watching.
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