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Valkyrie Introduces us to Another Hero of World War II |
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Written by BARRY BRECHEISEN
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Thursday, 11 June 2009 |
Every once in a while Hollywood doesn’t just entertain but also educates. Film is an amazing medium that can introduce us to heroic events in history that some how were never taught in our history class. It seems there’s no shortage of heroes and their stories during World War II. Spielberg in 1993 introduced us to German businessman Oskar Schindler, who saved thousands of Polish Jews from the Holocaust in his Oscar winning film, Schindler’s List. This past year director Bryan Singer introduced us to yet another heroic story during World War II. The film tells the story of a great plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in the film, Valkyrie. Now out on Blu-ray, the film comes with some nice bonus material on the true story and the real men behind it.
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Valkyrie
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 Entertainment
 Art
Special Features
Directed by Bryan Singer
Written by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander
Starring Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Carice van Houten, Eddie Izzard, Terence Stamp, Tom Wilkinson
Rated PG-13
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Valkyrie is based on a true story about a daring attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler and end the war early saving the world from the atrocities by the hands of the Nazi’s. Here’s the catch, the soldier’s are Germanys themselves. Yes, contrary to what we have always believed and heard, not all Germans including the ones serving their country believed in what they were doing during the war. The story apparently is a very well known tale in Germany but not as well known outside of the country. Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) with a secret alliance of military personnel and politicians devised a plan to kill Adolph Hilter and then stage a coup, under Hitler’s own doctrine known as Valkyrie, which would take control of the government. Of course history tells us they were not successful in their efforts and much like the film Titanic where we already know the end results, it is in the execution and the performances that make the film.
Valkyrie is an incredible tale about extraordinary men against all odds doing what they believe in regardless of the cost. The film came out with mix-reviews, yet the true story stands on its own and is worth taking the time to watch. Now on Blu-ray the film may get a second life to educate the world on a horrible period of humanity.
Extras
First up the package includes a digital copy of the film which is almost becoming a standard these days. Two commentary tracks are offered here one with lead actor Tom Cruise, director/producer Bryan Singer and co-writer/producer Christopher McQuarrie; and a second one with Christopher McQuarrie and co-writer Nathan Alexander). Both are worth putting on the second and third time viewing the film. The Journey to Valkyrie featurette chronicles the whole process from conception to bringing the film to the screen. The Road to Resistance: A Visual Guide hosted by real life grandson of Colonel Stauffenberg, Philipp Von Schulthess, takes a look at his Grandfather’s life and takes us on a tour of the real locations. The African Front Sequence featurette looks at the making of the opening sequence. Taking to the Air is another featurette on the planes used for the film. Recreating Berlin is a featurette on just that. Reel Pieces with Tom Cruise and Bryan Singer live at NY’s 92nd Street Y is a length interview discussing the film. Last but not least The Valkyrie Legacy is an excellent documentary by famed director Kevin Burns. Every film based on a true event should have a documentary like this one. The film goes into great detail of the true events the film is base on. Plus it delves into Hitler and the rise and fall of Nazi Germany and the effect it had on the country. An excellent film and might be a good enough reason to have waited to see the film on Blu-ray instead of the theater.
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