Valkyrie (2008)

Valkyrie (2008), directed by Bryan Singer, is a historical thriller based on the true events of the 20 July 1944 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. With Tom Cruise in the lead, the movie dramatizes the courage, strategy, and ultimate failure of the German officers who risked everything to overthrow the Nazi regime.

Detailed Summary

Opening: Colonel Stauffenberg’s Disillusionment

The film introduces Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise), a decorated German officer who grows disillusioned with Hitler’s leadership as the war drags on. His injuries in North Africa—losing an eye, a hand, and fingers on the other—serve as both a symbol of his sacrifice and his deepened conviction that Hitler must be stopped.

The Conspiracy Forms

Stauffenberg joins a circle of high-ranking military officers and civilians, including General Ludwig Beck (Terence Stamp) and General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy). They plan not just to assassinate Hitler but to seize control of the government immediately afterward, using Operation Valkyrie, a real contingency plan designed to mobilize reserve troops in case of a national emergency. The conspirators aim to repurpose this plan against Hitler himself.

The First Attempt

The conspirators work out the logistics of getting close to Hitler. However, Hitler’s security and paranoia make any assassination attempt dangerous. Several early opportunities fail because Hitler leaves meetings early, or the explosives cannot be placed discreetly. These failures heighten the tension as suspicion grows within the Nazi hierarchy.

The July 20 Plot

Finally, on July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg manages to place a bomb inside a briefcase at Hitler’s headquarters, the Wolf’s Lair. After an agonizing sequence of near-discoveries, he sets the timer and exits. The bomb detonates, causing chaos. Believing Hitler is dead, the conspirators put Operation Valkyrie into motion. They mobilize the Reserve Army, cut communications, and begin arresting key Nazi figures.

The Turning Point

Unfortunately, Hitler survives the explosion with only minor injuries. As news spreads, confusion and hesitation paralyze the coup. High-ranking officers and troops begin to doubt the conspirators. Loyalists regroup, and orders from Hitler himself discredit Stauffenberg’s claims. What seemed like success crumbles quickly.

Movie Ending

In the climax, the conspiracy collapses. Stauffenberg and his closest allies are arrested. Facing execution, they stand firm in their beliefs. Stauffenberg is executed by firing squad in the Bendlerblock courtyard, alongside General Olbricht and others. His last words, according to the film, are a cry for a “new and better Germany.”

The ending emphasizes the tragedy of failure—Hitler’s grip tightens, and the war continues for another year. However, the conspirators’ bravery is portrayed as a moral victory, showing that even within Nazi Germany, resistance existed. The film concludes with text noting the historical legacy of the July 20 plotters, who are now regarded as heroes in Germany.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Valkyrie does not include any post-credits scenes. The film ends on a somber note, fitting for its historical subject matter, and closes with factual epilogues about the fates of the main characters.

Type of Movie

Valkyrie is a historical war thriller with elements of political drama. It balances suspenseful execution of a conspiracy with the moral weight of real-world history.

Cast

• Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg
• Kenneth Branagh as Major General Henning von Tresckow
• Bill Nighy as General Friedrich Olbricht
• Tom Wilkinson as General Friedrich Fromm
• Terence Stamp as General Ludwig Beck
• Eddie Izzard as General Erich Fellgiebel
• Carice van Houten as Nina von Stauffenberg

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by John Ottman, who also edited the film. The music is tense and dramatic, often underscoring the suspense of the assassination attempt. The final sequences use somber, mournful tones that align with the tragic outcome.

Filming Locations

• Berlin, Germany: Many scenes were shot at historical sites, including the Bendlerblock, where Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators were executed.
• Bavaria: Provided settings for the Wolf’s Lair and other military locations.
• These authentic filming locations add realism and gravity to the movie, grounding it in the true history it depicts.

Awards and Nominations

While Valkyrie received mixed reviews from critics, it earned recognition for its technical and artistic achievements:

• Nominated for Best Music at the Saturn Awards.
• Received multiple nominations for production design and costume design at smaller award ceremonies.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Tom Cruise’s casting as Stauffenberg was controversial in Germany due to his Scientology affiliation, but the production gained approval after historical advisors vouched for the film’s accuracy.
• Filming at the Bendlerblock required special permission, as it is both a memorial and historic site.
• Bryan Singer, known for The Usual Suspects and X-Men, approached the project with an emphasis on realism and suspense rather than action spectacle.
• Cruise wore a prosthetic eye patch and hand attachments to accurately portray Stauffenberg’s injuries.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based directly on the true events of the 20 July plot against Hitler. Historical documents, testimonies, and biographies of Stauffenberg inspired the screenplay.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no alternate endings were filmed, some deleted scenes included additional character moments between Stauffenberg and his wife Nina, which were cut for pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Although not based on a single book, the film draws from several historical accounts, including “Hitler’s Valkyrie” and “Operation Valkyrie.” Compared to these works, the film condenses certain timelines and simplifies relationships for narrative clarity.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Stauffenberg’s first meeting with the conspirators, where he boldly insists that Hitler must die.
• The tense sequence of placing the briefcase under the table at the Wolf’s Lair.
• The aftermath of the explosion, when the conspirators believe they’ve succeeded.
• The dramatic firing squad execution.

Iconic Quotes

• Stauffenberg: “I am involved in high treason with all means available to me.”
• Beck: “We have to show the world that not all of us were like him.”
• Stauffenberg’s last words: “Long live sacred Germany!”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The uniforms and insignia were painstakingly recreated from original wartime materials.
• The scene of Stauffenberg’s execution was filmed on the exact spot where it historically happened.
• Some minor characters are composites of multiple real-life officers, streamlining the story for audiences.

Trivia

• The film was originally scheduled for release in 2008 but delayed multiple times due to production issues.
• Bryan Singer collapsed from exhaustion during filming but quickly returned.
• German actors were brought in to add authenticity, but the film ultimately used English dialogue for accessibility.

Why Watch?

Valkyrie is a gripping historical thriller that combines suspense with moral weight. It’s not just a war movie—it’s a story about conscience, courage, and sacrifice. Even though we know the outcome, the film keeps viewers invested through meticulous pacing and strong performances.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Usual Suspects (1995)
• X-Men (2000)
• X2: X-Men United (2003)
• Superman Returns (2006)
• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – uncredited completion

Recommended Films for Fans

• Downfall (2004)
• The Pianist (2002)
• Conspiracy (2001)
• Schindler’s List (1993)
• Darkest Hour (2017)