"The world must know we aren't all like him" -Gen. Henning von Tresckow

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2009)

Tom Cruise's latest endeavor is a masterpiece of cinematic effort. Valkyrie tells the story of the last known attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
Cruise heads a distinguished cast that includes Kenneth Branaugh, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, Bill Nighy and Christian Berkel. Also starring in a minor role is East German refugee turned actor Thomas Kretschmann.
The tale unfolds with Col. Claus von Stauffenberg serving with Rommels forces in North Africa. It is immediately clear that he is disgusted with the war, Hitler and the course of events. After being seriously wounded he is transfered to the army high command in Berlin, where he falls into the company of several very senior officers who share his views. They want to avert the total devastation of Europe and Germany and make peace with the Allies.
While on leave at his home in Bamberg, Stauffenberg formulates the notion that he can use operation Walkuere (Valkyrie) to bring down Hitler's government. Valkyrie was originally Hitler's plan to save his government in the event of mass civil unrest or his death. Stauffenberg realizes that with some revisions it can be used to install a new government. The only catch is that Hitler must be killed for the plan to succeed.
With some careful maneuvering Stauffenberg is reassigned to a senior position in the reserve army that gives him access directly to Hitler. He revises Valkyrie and Hitler approves it without even reading it as he is so impressed with Stauffenberg's knowledge of Wagner's operas.
The plan as conceived by the conspirators is to kill Hitler and then claim the SS is attempting a coup. The reserve army will be activated and arrest senior SS and Nazi officials. The Ministries of War, Interior and Propaganda will be seized as well as SS Headquarters, effectively imploding the government. Members of the conspiracy would then be appointed to senior government and military positions.
A bomb is obtained and Stauffenberg travels to the sweltering forests of East Prussia where Hitler has his headquarters. An initial attempt is canceled when SS Reichfuehrer Heinrich Himmler does not appear at the briefing. A second briefing is scheduled but one of those small but significant twists of fate intervenes. Instead of being held in Hitlers concrete, windowless bunker, where the explosion is sure to kill everyone, it is moved to a wood conference room with plenty of windows, which nullify the effect of the bomb. The bomb is placed next to Hitler and Stauffenberg flies back to Berlin after witnessing the explosion.
Meanwhile in Berlin, General Olbricht (Nighy) was supposed to have activated the reserve army, but is having an attack of nerves. Stauffenberg manages to get things moving, but soon the plot begins to collapse due to Hitler having survived the blast. The plotters are soon rounded up and executed in the most brutal of fashions to include being hung from meat hooks with piano wire. Generals Beck (Stamp) and von Tresckow (Branaugh) commit suicide.
The conclusion is a documentary type review of everyones fate. It is amazing the vast array of people involved, yet the Gestapo never stumbled onto the plot.
Character development was superb. The performers play their parts flawlessly. We are concerned for their well being and can sympathize with their fear and dedication to their cause. One can imagine the inner terror they feel. Clearly exemplified is the fact that there were decent, honorable and courageous men in the German army who chose self sacrifice for their country's well being.
The performances, detailed sets, costumes and script were all first rate. Bryan Singer's iron fisted directing was incomparable as the story sped along with edge of your seat, nail biting intensity.
Special kudos to executive producer John Ottman who also wrote the very effective soundtrack and did the films editing.
The only flaw I detected was during the credits where Josef Goebbels' name is spelled "Joseph" Goebbels. I would highly recommend this film without reservation.