Today’s quick review: Valkyrie. As Adolf Hitler (David Bamber) leads Germany down a path of atrocity and self-destruction, Colonel Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) joins a conspiracy among Hitler’s highest-ranked officers to overthrow the Fuhrer and put Germany on the correct path. Stauffenberg plans a bold coup by hijacking Hitler’s emergency plan, Operation Valkyrie, and using it against the SS. But pulling it off will require perfect execution.
Valkyrie is a World War II drama based on a true story. Valkyrie follows a cabal of generals and politicians as they plan a coup that could save Europe from destruction or condemn all of them to death. The movie covers the inception of their daring scheme and the numerous complications they run into along the way. Valkyrie succeeds in capably depicting a unique moment in history, but its pacing and emotional arc leave something to be desired.
Valkyrie’s greatest strength is its grasp on the logistics of the coup. Unlike fictional coups, the plot of Valkyrie is full of petty setbacks. Bombs malfunction, allegiances change, and even minor incidents threaten disaster. Seeing Stauffenberg navigate around each bump in the road gives the film a reliable source of drama. The movie also benefits from a distinguished cast that includes Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, and Terence Stamp.
Still, Valkyrie has an unusual story structure. Stauffenberg begins the movie with all the motivation he needs; it’s not something the audience gets to see develop. Much of the early part of the movie is spent hashing out the politics and logistics, while the crucial moments of the conspiracy are oddly mundane, even when the stakes are high. These choices line up with the subject matter, but they dampen the film’s personal angle and emotional impact.
Valkyrie will appeal to history buffs and fans of real-world drama. The movie offers an interesting glimpse into the political and military situation within Nazi Germany, while its acting and writing do not disappoint. But Valkyrie lacks the pathos of other movies that deal with similar subject matter, keeping it from being as powerful a watch as it could have been.
For a more sweeping look at life in Nazi Germany, try Schindler’s List. For a fictional story about an assassination attempt against Adolf Hitler, try Inglourious Basterds. For a plot-driven thriller about a military officer acting according to his conscience, try The Hunt for Red October.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid craftsmanship and a story that doesn’t quite come to life the way it should.