Michelle in MO Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 We just saw the movie yesterday as a family. I wouldn't say that the movie was a "home run", so to speak, but I do believe it accurately portrayed the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt upon Hitler's life by Count von Stauffenberg (played by Cruise) and Tresckow (played by Kenneth Branagh) and other members of the German Army. I'm very glad that it didn't have a "Hollywood spin" on events, kwim? It was more of a movie focused on the events, so there was not a lot of deep characterization of Stauffenberg and others. I think it would have been difficult to give an in-depth portrayal of the men involved while at the same time depicting events, all within two hours. I think some elements of what happened might be confusing for someone not aware of the background of this attempt (i.e., names, dates, what happened when, etc.), but overall I would say the movie was accurate and did an admirable job portraying those events leading up to the attempt. I also appreciated that the movie showed how Stauffenberg and others tried to take control of the Nazi government. Stauffenberg had indeed thought Hitler had been killed in the bomb blast, so "Operation Valkyrie" was set into motion. If your kids watch the movie closely, they'll see some of the errors that led to the failure of this most famous attempt, but I don't want to give you any spoilers, either (unless you want them!). I wouldn't say that there was anything I thought inappropriate for most kids over the age of 13, other than there is some violence towards the end (i.e., the execution and suicide of key leaders). I did not find Tom Cruise's "star status" to be a distraction in playing the role of von Stauffenberg. For an excellent follow-up, you might have your children watch "42 Ways to Kill Hitler", which was aired by National Geographic Channel earlier in December, I believe. Here's the link: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/42-ways-to-kill-hitler-3522/Overview It's airing again on Wednesday, January 7th at 4:00 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherLode Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 Thanks for the review. If this movie had come out 3 years ago, I wouldn't bother to see it. TC had worn out his status! How do you fit a movie in with all the happenings of the 25th? ML Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 Hi Michelle, I just posted on the General board that my kids were the only kids in the theater. It was awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharon in MD Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 We just saw Valkyrie tonight and we really thought it was a great movie. I think it is about as well done as a two hour treatment of such an intricate plan can be. If you have any history buffs in your family go see it. It does not really rely on Star Power...rather on good development. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted December 27, 2008 Author Share Posted December 27, 2008 Thanks for the review. If this movie had come out 3 years ago, I wouldn't bother to see it. TC had worn out his status! How do you fit a movie in with all the happenings of the 25th? ML Christmas celebrations with my family on the 21st and with my dh's family on Christmas Eve. So, Christmas Day we slept in a little, ate a nice Christmas breakfast, took a nap (I did, anyway!), and then went to see the movie in the afternoon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 I did not find Tom Cruise's "star status" to be a distraction in playing the role of von Stauffenberg. That's funny because Tom Cruise was the reason I didn't really want to see the movie. Thanks for the review; we're planning to see it this evening. We just finished reading Night so this should be a good finish to our study. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 That's funny because Tom Cruise was the reason I didn't really want to see the movie. Thanks for the review; we're planning to see it this evening. We just finished reading Night so this should be a good finish to our study. I'm not a fan of TC, either. But after this, he has wooed me back into his good graces. He does an excellent job at portraying this "man on fire" with a firm conviction and the will to see it through, regardless of cost to self or family. Stauffenberg was portrayed beautifully by TC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariaTX Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 My husband and boys went to see this movie on Christmas day (my daughter and I saw Bolt). Although none of them were exactly excited about TC, they all do enjoy history. They really enjoyed the movie and learned some stuff as well. I'll have to wait for DVD.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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