Valkyrie: A True Soldier's Tale In Defiance ***Spoiler***

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2012)

Talk about a difficult subject matter to capture on film, 'Valkyrie' was it.
Not only was the subject culturally sensitive it was no doubt time sensitive (dated) as well. Generations ' X and Y' are probably not well acquainted with what was at stake back then. Maybe many 'baby-boomers' also lack insight about the turmoil that existed inside National Socialist Nazi Germany in 1944.
Those of us who are better versed in world history though are not perplexed by the events 'inside' Nazi Germany. Moreover, we know now what a successful coup would have meant. Possibly the duration of WW II, well, the European 'theater' part could have been shortened had Hitler's would-be assassins succeeded.
And of course at the center of the maelstrom lay Colonel Klaus von Stauffenberg. His role as portrayed by Tom Cruise in the plot to kill the Nazi Supreme Commander was nothing short of supreme bravado even in failure. Cruise, to my surprise delivered a credible account of the German loyal to the Republic but not to Hitler.
Moreover, the Wehrmacht's swearing of an oath of total allegiance to Hitler was all a mistake. Those who swore did on the basis of cleverly concocted lies. Colonel von Stauffenberg states as much many times.
Despite the advance billing of an 'all-star' supporting cast, none of them were needed. Even including Kenneth Branagh and Terrence Stamp as key conspirators, did not alter the cold, bare facts. The film was all about Cruise, er, Col. von Stauffenberg.
A German looking Tommie handled the center stage heat and stress well. By extension an argument can be made here that this was actor Cruise's signature performance on film. That's how I saw him.
Fancy that: the avowed Hitler hater finds redemption in failure. Don't believe me? Ask Tom. The main actor expressed his loathing of Hitler in an interview during filming.
As an adjunct, the director tried his hand at political subterfuge on at least one occasion. If I recall correctly, Hitler's character poses a vexing thought. The camera pans closer. A polished lens soon finds the German leader's cold stare. Thereafter he lays down the gauntlet to Colonel Cruise.
For posterity's sake I'll repeat Hitler's words.
"If one understands this (Valkere), then one understands (German) National Socialism."
Say again...
Sorry Tom, we're out of space. Ex-Chancellor Hitler got the last word. Better luck next time, (if there is one).