Valkyrie (Cert 12) Cinema Review (From Northwich Guardian)

Valkyrie (Cert 12) Cinema Review

10:35pm Sunday 10th May 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

VALKYRIE is probably the most diplomatic film you’ll see about the Second World War in quite some time.

For decades now, Germans have had to get used to being the villains of the cinema due to their chequered past.

But here, director Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) presents thereal life case of a plot to assasinate Hitler... by the Nazis.

Colonel Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise back on top form) heads the team of officers, who are morally outraged by the Fuhrer’s actions.

The pulse racing story sees them attempt to infiltrate Hitler’s inner circle, plant a bomb and then use their leader’s contingency plan against him to stage a coup.

Even though you know they don’t succeed, you’ll be on tenterhooks, vying for them all the way.

Bryan Singer once again shows his flair for films with bold cinematography and attention to detail, especially at the beginning when an air raid leaves the hero, Stauffenberg, with only one hand and one eye.

That said, some scenes were a bit drawn out and it did seem odd for a film about a team of Germans to be played by a group of British and American actors.

Nevertheless, the ending works its way up to a real emotional punch – albeit an obvious one – about the sacrifices one makes for what’s right.

6/10 Better than expected

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)