" You would think, after fourteen tries, one would succeed "

Rating: 8/10 (6 June 2010)

The history of the Second World War in any Encyclopdia ends with the Death of Adolf Hitler. In the movies, the man who created the Holocaust and so much misery in the world is always seen to have gotten away from justice. He boosted he would create a world Reich which would last a thousand years. Truth is, it lasted barely twelve. In the cinema, his shroud of death pervades countless war movies, concentration camps and an endless litany of German attempts at world dominations. In this film called " Valkyrie " audiences witness the fifteenth attempted on the leader of the Nazi party. Based on a true event which illustrated the difficulties of killing a man who seemed to be protected by a malevolent providence. The story centers on a courageous individual named Colonel Claus Von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) who believes the only way to save Germany is to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Armed with determination of purpose, he is selected by both politician and German officers alike to help save what's left of Germany. The entire episode details the attempt and the many obstacles he had to overcome. The drama is high class as is the acting from supporting cast like Eddie Izzard, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Terence Stamp, Tom Wilkinson and David Bamber as Adolf Hitler. Although not marking the actual footsteps of the real attempt, it does give a surreal appearance which places the audience directly in that terrible time and place. A wonderful film as it likewise gives tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country. ****