For Those Who Dare To Stand (Valkyrie (DVD))

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	Valkyrie (DVD)
Date:	16/10/09 (64 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Thought provoking

Disadvantages: Not for those without a war interest

== Introduction ==
Valkyrie was a film that I immediately wanted to see when it was at the cinema earlier this year (January to be precise). Part of my reasoning behind this was a strong liking for Tom Cruise but the rest was because the plot of the film really grabbed me and because Germany before, during and after the war is something I have studied and continue to study in depth I thought it would be well worth a view. Somehow though I never got to the cinema to see it and only got round to doing so last week.

== The Plot ==
Valkyrie is based closely on a true story and from what I have studied I believe the story that the film tells to be very true to the actual events barring a couple of details. The film opens with Colonel Stauffenberg in Africa writing in his journal how he feels that Hitler is doing nothing more than destroying Germany and all that the Germany he knew stood for.

The film then progresses to show a failed attempt to assassinate the Fuhrer and how those who attempted to murder Hitler must cover their backs and protect themselves from being indicted and arrested like one of their colleagues. We then see Stauffenberg introduced to three of the most important figures in the German resistance and quickly we are thrown head first into how he leads those within the inner resistance circle to underhandedly revamp Operation Valkyrie - a political system for mobilising the Reserve Army in times of crisis. If they can pull of this then all that is left for them to do is successfully assassinate Adolf Hitler and then Germany will once more be in the hands of those that care.

Col. Claus von Stauffenberg: I'm a soldier, but in serving my country, I have betrayed my conscience.

== Opinion ==
The tagline for this film is 'Many saw evil. They dared to stop it.' and that really does sum up the whole mood of the film. In my opinion the whole film has been superbly crafted to show as much of the reality of their actions as possible whilst also ensuring that the drama needed to sustain the planning of the plot is of a high enough level to keep audience interest. Like I mentioned earlier, the film does remain very truthful to the real events, as they are known, and therefore there are moments in the film that seem to drag but in retrospect are vitally important to the whole build up.

For me it is important to understand why people act the way they do and why they choose to risk everything for what they believe in and I think that this film has enough dialogue to explain this without allowing the film to become bogged down with the conspirators personal lives. What I also liked was the fact that the film was opened and closed with scrolling writing that explained both the events before and after the opening and closing of the films events respectively.

Col. Claus von Stauffenberg: You can serve Germany, or the Fuhrer. Not both!

== Acting ==
I should probably say at this point that the opinions of my dad and me with regards to Tom Cruise are completely different. I adore the majority of his films and find that he always puts in a good performance were necessary whereas my dad to be honest can't really stand him and will whenever possible avoid films that star him. Eve he however had to admit that as Stauffenberg, Cruise plays an immense part. He gives everything he's got to the role and it really comes through. Not only does he play the character with real conviction but also with a real naturalness that is apparent whenever he's on the screen. His portrayal of the German that dared to stand up, no matter what the consequences, really adds a human face and personality to an era of German people many still view as monsters.

It isn't just Cruise however that excels in his role as everyone else that touches the screen puts in spectacular performances that really bring the film to life and make what you see seem all too real. This for me is definitely the films strong point as it's no good portraying a real life historical event that could have dramatically changed history if you don't do so in a way that is convincing and brings what is on the screen into the homes of all those that watch it.

Henning von Tresckow: God promised Abraham that he would not destroy Sodom if he could find ten righteous men... I have a feeling that for Germany it may come down to one.

== Conclusion ==

I know I'm probably harping on here but I really do think that this film is fantastic. It isn't one that you enjoy watching because enjoy would be the wrong word and completely out of context but it is certainly a thought provoking one and definitely one that I would recommend. It's a film that makes you realise that what you're told isn't always correct and that no matter where and no matter when their will always be people willing and brave enough to stand up for what they believe in.


Henning von Tresckow: We have to show the world that not all of us are like him. Otherwise, this will always be Hitler's Germany.

Summary: A superbly acted and scripted film