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Valkyrie is a historical thriller film from 2008, directed by Bryan Singer and starring Tom Cruise, who also produced the movie. It is based on a true story that focuses on the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler by German army officers in July 1944. The film starts with a gripping scene of the German army's victory in the invasion of France in 1940, with Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) leading the charge. However, while on the frontlines of Africa, Stauffenberg is severely injured, losing an arm, fingers, and an eye in the process. After being given a desk job by Hitler and tasked with finding a way to win the war, Stauffenberg becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Nazi regime.

In 1944, when Stauffenberg is stationed in Berlin, he gets involved with a group of other officers who are planning to overthrow Hitler in a daring coup. The plan, codenamed "Valkyrie," involves the assassination of Hitler, the overthrow of the government, and the establishment of a new government that will sue for peace with the Allies.

The film follows the meticulous planning of the plot and the obstacles that the conspirators face, from gaining access to Hitler to convincing other officers to join the cause. Bill Nighy portrays General Friedrich Olbricht, the chief military planner of the conspiracy, and Carice van Houten plays officer Nina von Stauffenberg, Claus's wife.

As the plot unfolds, the conspirators face setbacks, not the least of which is Stauffenberg's own injury. Cruise portrays Stauffenberg's character with intensity and conviction, bringing a sense of urgency to the historical events.

The film also delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the conspirators, who are risking everything to stop Hitler's tyranny. They struggle with the fear of being caught and the harm that might come to their families and loved ones.

The film is notable for its attention to detail in portraying the era, with an emphasis on the military uniforms of the era and the architecture of the buildings in Berlin. The movie also uses archival footage and voiceover of Hitler's speeches and newsreels to give the audience a sense of the historical context.

Overall, Valkyrie is a gripping thriller that masterfully portrays the historical events surrounding the plot to assassinate Hitler. With solid performances from Cruise, Nighy, and van Houten, the film is an engaging and thought-provoking look at a critical moment in history.

Valkyrie is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 56.