A historical drama depicting a piece of German history, Valkyrie is not to be taken lightly for its Tom Cruise application. In fact the film is quite the opposite of what I had expected it to be, and because of that effect, I must say that it was an extraordinary experience. This movie follows the rebellious uprising of Claus von Stauffenberg against the Nazi regime by an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler within his own private bunker. The actor Cruise delivers a very convincing character looking past the accent change from raw German militant to an obvious American protagonist seconds in. During the formation of the shadow government that is supported by a collection of close Nazi officers, Cruise nervously accepts his position as the ringleader of the group's intricate plot. I say nervously possibly because his mind was concerned about his family's safety which is illustrated later in the film's progression. Cruise seems slightly out of his league and random in his acting performance from the start, but later on he regains control of his leadership role and pushes past his shortcomings. The camera work is what really kept me in awe. Absolutely fabulous camera work is delivered in this movie from the very starting scene. Each scene builds upon the next, gaining not only momentum but also well needed tension and suspense. The music is properly dramatic and well executed. The environments are not always iron cross industrialism but also crisscrossed with lush scenic pauses detailing the beauty of Germany despite its abusive darkness. A powerful message is delivered from this recreation. Not only a message of individualism but also one of extreme optimism when all odds are against you.
