Valkyrie [DVD]

 

 

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Given that this was made and released as a mainstream film with a big Hollywood name (Cruise) in the leading role, I had wrongly assumed that this would turn out to be another glitzy mis-recreation of an important historical event. How wrong I was! I was very pleasantly surprised with the treatment of the subject matter which was both sensitive and accurate: a rarity indeed!
Whoever has adapted this important historical event into a screenplay has done a tremendous job creating characters who are believably human (complete with flaws) whilst remaining faithful to the events. The cast is an excellent line-up of some of the best serious actors currently treading the boards and I was pleasantly surprised at just how much British talent is showcased here. It is obvious that a great deal of homework has been done and this could serve as a great lesson to other film-makers that you do not have to distort, invent or change the facts of history to make it entertaining (NB: U571, Pearl Harbour, Inglorious Basterds!).
I would recommend this film to anyone who has even a passing interest in WW2 or even viewers who simply enjoy a good tale well told.

As an expert on Nazi Germany, having studied the subject for over 35 years, having grown to understand its causes and motivations and how these lead to an appalling - yet well stated intent - to massacre and conquer, this film simply captivates and overwhelms. I had heard a great deal of criticism levelled at Tom Cruise for attempting to play a 6ft 2 Colonel who is regarded as the chief hero of the German resistance.

However, with one tiny inaccuracy at the start of the film, it proceeded in its relentless journey to impress time after time, with its locations, infinitesimal attention to detail which can only be described as a triumph of research and its utterly moving telling of a story doomed to fail from the day it was conceived.

If ever there was a tale about how not to carry out a military coup this is it. Endless good intentions utterly ruined by a total failure of communications.

I found the scene at The Berghof, when Stauffenberg has to get Hitler to sign the Walkure amendment to enable the plan to take shape, simply unbearable in its tension. Every member of the senior German government was instantly recognisable to me without any names being used and most of them not speaking, they were that superbly portrayed and chosen. The exceptional detail of the Berghof layout was just awe-inspiring.

The aircraft scene (which there is an interesting documentary about on the disc) is again outstanding, this is exactly how Hitler travelled. Even the way everyone reluctantly puts out their cigarettes (Hitler loathed smoking)as he arrives. The focus on a mosquito biting a guard - emphasising the sultry summer heat and mosquito infested Rastenburg site was genius. You didn't have to do it, but in doing so, for detail freaks like me, this was extraordinary.

The acting was outstanding, simple as that. I may not get an Oscar or any awards, but I regard this film as one of the finest historical recreations ever made.

To all involved thank you. I and several others were in floods of tears at the end when I saw this twice at the cinema, and already three times on Blu-Ray. Never mind the digital copy that sits on my iPhone so I can bore others to death at will.

I cannot say anything bad about this film. It was a risk to make it, asking for massive criticism and yet its sensitivity, detail and accuracy, especially using (even if unintentionally in one case) the actual locations where possible, just made it as near perfect as can be reasonable 65 years past the event.

Unfortunately I was expecting to see more of the trial and the dignity in which these men died.
The plot and failed attempt portrayed was rather dull and the trial rushed and hashed. In reality, the method in which Hitler's Judge of Death dealt with them in court was nothing short of intimidating and yet they stood before him dead men but strong in mind and spirit. But yet this film failed to capture that drama.
You can see clips of the trial on YouTube.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great film.
A good film, rolls along nicely. A good mix of well known actors with slightly lesser known ones. Well done Eddie Izzard for his part, thought he played a good part. Read more

Published 15 days ago by Suzanne Henseler

5.0 out of 5 stars A hugely underrated film.
THE STORY:
This is the famous true story of a group of German Army officers, led by the charismatic Claus von Stauffenberg, who staged a daring attempt to assassinate Adolf... Read more

Published 24 days ago by Ian Tapley

5.0 out of 5 stars Love!
Love this film especially how the background was in german as it is suppose to be german, surprisingly didn't mind all the other accents once they started to talk in the actual... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Stuan001

5.0 out of 5 stars Valkyrie - Unexpectedly good film
On paper this is a film that I should have hated. An American take on WW2 history, a director whose films I followed with interest following his remarkable debut, but with whom I... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Victor

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking
I was reluctant to watch this film as I expected it to be a typical Hollywood distortion of the second world war, however I was amazed by the attention to detail, the production... Read more

Published 2 months ago by Teruel

5.0 out of 5 stars Valkyrie
I bought this film for my partner, as he is interested in anything to do with the second world war. I was very please that after viewing, not only did my partner enjoy it, I did... Read more

Published 4 months ago by Ms. S. Bevan

4.0 out of 5 stars Superior effort from Tom Cruise
When it comes to Tom Cruise movies, there are normally two certainties. Namely: the poster art will consist solely of his face and no matter what the situation, his character... Read more

Published 7 months ago by Chris White

4.0 out of 5 stars Bought for a friend
Saw film at cinema when on general release but enjoyed watching again when I purchased dvd as gift for a friend.

Published 7 months ago by tiamaria

5.0 out of 5 stars Ride of the Valkyrie
Despite what many people would imagine this film is a triumph. Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Eddie Izzard just to name a few star brilliantly in this plot to assassinate Hitler... Read more

Published 7 months ago by jimjamyaha99

4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, despite some flaws
A good film about the Von Stauffenberg plot, the conspiracy that almost succeeded in killing Adolf Hitler during the later stages of World War II. Read more

Published 11 months ago by Andres C. Salama

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