Valkyrie (film)

Valkyrie is a 2008 historical thriller film directed by Bryan Singer, about the 20 July plot in 1944 to assassinate Adolf Hitler and use Operation Valkyrie, a pre-existing emergency continuity of government operations plan, to take control of Germany. The film stars Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, one of the key figures in the conspiracy.

The plot follows Stauffenberg's growing disillusionment with the Nazi regime and his eventual decision to actively participate in the resistance. He joins a group of officers who are already planning to overthrow Hitler and implement Operation Valkyrie. Stauffenberg quickly rises to prominence within the conspiracy due to his position and influence within the army.

The film depicts the meticulous planning and execution of the assassination attempt at Hitler's Wolf's Lair headquarters in Rastenburg, East Prussia. It portrays the challenges faced by the conspirators, including internal disagreements, the constant threat of detection by the Gestapo and SS, and the unexpected survival of Hitler following the bomb explosion.

Following the failed assassination, the film chronicles the conspirators' desperate attempts to seize control of Berlin and other key locations, utilizing Operation Valkyrie to mobilize reserve troops. It highlights the intense struggle for power between the resistance and loyalist forces, culminating in the eventual arrest and execution of Stauffenberg and several other key figures.

The film explores themes of moral courage, resistance to tyranny, and the consequences of political extremism. It received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising the suspense and historical accuracy, while others criticized its pacing and Cruise's portrayal of Stauffenberg. However, it was a moderate box office success.