Cruise = Stauffenberg ; Walkürie

Rating: 8/10 (9 January 2009)

Operation Valkyrie is in effect! Opened Christmas Day, 2008, was another of the World War II films, but this was different. Much different. Tom Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, the leader of the Resistance rebelling against Hitler. His "side-kicks" include Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, and Tom Wilkinson. The film is based around the movement to assassinate Hitler and move their group into power using an operation called Valkyrie that Hitler himself had approved upon.
I found this film very interesting, and a good lesson, especially for someone like myself who has never heard of the details of the attempt assassinations of Adolf Hitler. The acting was fantastic, especially Tom Cruise with his eye-patch that covered half his face. I thought it would be a distraction or minimize the amount of expression in his face, but he did a fantastic job! And, of course, Bill Nighy and Kenneth Branagh are always stunning in whatever parts, big or small, that they take in any film.
As I watched the film, I was listening mostly for the writing than watching for the cinematography or other. And the writing was fantastic, and I can't wait to get some official quotes out on the internet (because I LOVE the deep, thoughtful quotes of movies or books). Anyways, one other concern I have heard from others is about the lack of German accents in the film (because, yes they are Germans, not allies), but I say no concern for them. I find that accents in this film would have distracted from some of the more important scenes. If anything, it makes the film just a little bit better.
Overall, the film was great and is definitely worth the price of the theater tickets, the popcorn, and the DVD when this is released. It belongs on the shelf next to Downfall.