Iffy for 14+
Tense, violent WWII thriller offers lots to talk about.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this tense World War II thriller based on a true story includes plenty of unflinchingly realistic, bloody violence (both on and off the battlefield), as well as several on-screen executions. The film includes extensive discussion of -- and assumes a certain familiarity with -- the crimes and history of Nazi Germany and could lead to lots of discussion with teens about topics like ethics, following orders, and more. Expect some swearing, drinking, and smoking.
- Families can talk about the film's central conflict between political decisions, military procedure, and ethical imperatives. While the men who plotted to kill Hitler were guilty of treason, were they working toward a greater good? Do their ends justify their means? How would the second World War have gone differently if they (or someone else) had succeeded in assassinating Hitler? Families can also discuss the film's use of American and English actors to play German citizens -- a Hollywood tradition, to be sure, but also a curious phenomenon. Does it make the movie less believable? Why or why not?
The good stuff
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Messages: Extensive discussion of the evils of Nazi Germany, as well as of concepts like treason and ethics. Discussion of the difference between political decisions, military orders, and ethical obligations. Discussion of the Holocaust. The film's protagonist is seen wearing a crucifix and praying.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extensive violence, including war action, bombings, and shootings; near the end of the film, several men are executed on camera by firing squad, hanging, or other means. A bomb is set off in a small meeting room. A man commits suicide with a grenade. A character prepares a suicide capsule as a back-up plan when confronted. Bleeding and bloody wounds. Soem shots of wounded soldiers. Other shots of the lead character's mutilated body and hand with missing fingers. Some shots of a wounded eye in a healed state. Discussion of torture.
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Sex: Some kissing. A statue with nude breasts is seen.
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Language: Language includes one use of "f---ng." Other words include "bastard," the ethnic slur "dago," and "whore."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Extensive, historically accurate smoking. Characters also drink hard alcohol and champagne.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Don't Rate the movie if you haven't watched it by hsth4
I watched the movie, and I enjoyed it. You will like what you watch, that is, if you arent already biased against it. I cant stand when people say, I hate Tom Cruise, and I hated the movie. Or I didn't watch the movie, but I hate this type of movie. If you haven't watched a movie, dont rate it and pollute our minds. If you dont like one of the actors, or the genre of a movie, why waste your time and ours by saying the obvious, that you don't like it. Stay home and watch whatever tickles your fancy. As for me, the movie was entertaining, and worth the time and money. I don't think it will win any awards, but still the same, it was fun to watch and time well spent. If you are expecting a loving romance movie, and say the movie sucks, you should have watched a preview or read some reviews. It is what it is.
5
Valkyrie by gswank66
To Start off I would like to say I was all prepared with popcorn & drink and ready to eat and sleep through it. This was my husbands movie pick and I thought I would be bored out of my skull.......WELL not the case the movie was great and it kept us in suspense and exiteced throughout the movie. I had forgotten what a terrific actor Tom Cruise is. We rate it a 5 star
5
Valkyrie by Azeaka
This is an excellent movie with lavish attention to detail and fine performances. Much has been made of Tom Cruise in the lead and his alleged deficiencies compared to the other actors, but in fact he does a solid job which does not in any way detract from the movie. It probably helps to know a bit of history going into the movie if one is not familiar with the circumstances surrounding the plot to kill Hitler, but you certainly don't have to be an expert in history to appreciate the ultimate sacrifices made by von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators. This is not a happy movie --- the subject matter itself is grim --- but it is very well done and highly recommended.
5
Cruise is back! by rkaufmann87
I went in knowing how this was going to end and was hoping to be entertained which I was. Cruise plays a flawed but courageous character, one that believes in his country more than it's current leadership. Little has been written of the true accounts of this story and little is known here in the US however history buffs know the basics. This story helps shed some light on the character of some German leaders who know they were working for the worst criminal alive at the time...Hitler. They knew change was needed in their government, that innocent people were being slaughtered and ultimately Hitler was to blame.
Cruise plays a trusted Nazi leader that knows the direction Hitler is leading Germany. He is aware Hitler must be removed and a new head of government put in place before Germany can ask for an armistice with the Allies. He along with other German patriots put together a plan that almost worked but was doomed for failure.
I enjoyed this film and would recommend it.
4
British Actors just Love Playing Nazis! by Dion129632
A fine movie full of suspense, intrigue, and historical detail. If only they had succeeded...think of the vast number of people that could have been spared - especially in the Holocaust. Damn fine cast...great screenplay...and Tom Cruise in a role that makes you forget he's famous for jumping couches! I look forward to adding this one to my DVD collection,
5
A MUST SEE FILM!! by goldwings2101
I was absoutely blown away by how well the film was written. The ending is really emotional, and had a few people in tears. Say what you want about Tom Cruise, but he did a good job in capturing the spirit, bravery and tenacity of Claus Von Stauffenberg & the supporting cast did a great job as well. I can't reccomend this film enough, and strongly urge everyone to see it.
5
Valkyrie a must see over and over again by WindyCityWeatherchaser80
When I first heard of Valkyrie let's be honest here I didn't think it would be that good. But boy was I wrong. And noted this is only my opinion but tom cruise did an excellent job getting into his character and the way the movie was done the only word that I could say after the movie wasn't yawn it was WOW!!!!!! So look past the Scientology and the way tom cruise is and look at him as an actor. If you are interested in history this movie is a must see and I will see it again
5
Valkyrie by ozalot
Didn't think I would like a "war movie", but went to see it because my husband wanted to go. I was delightfully suprised! It was a great movie, historically factual for the most part. Tom Cruise was excellent in this movie. I enjoyed every minute of it.
5
Valkryie, Historically Acurate, Edge of your seat Awesome! by chicagohorrorfan
Ive seen hundreds of ww2 movies, and this one would be ranked in my top 10. I didnt think I would like it when I first heard about it and that Tom Cruise would fall short, but boy I was wrong!!! Cruise plays the role of his lifetime, and should be considred for an Oscar for this role. Bryan Singers attention to detail is obvious, and the fact that they filmed onsite in Berlin makes this Movie an A+
This story is amazing, and true - which keeps your heartbeating, and on the edge of your seat. Anyone who sees it, should't be disappointed, even if you don't like ww2 movies, Valkryie is not your typical war movie.
5
This movie will stay with me by GracieZG
Valkyrie is a movie about a level of courage we seldom see. It is also about judgment, strategy, timing, and leadership.
A lot has been written about the Holocaust, but not so much about the German experience, where their compromised choices ended up being their own nightmare. It is good to see a movie like this, because these situations repeat themselves. It is good to know history.
It doesn't matter that we know what happened with this 15th attempt to assassinate Hitler ? this movie is suspenseful from the first moments to the end. It is an excellent story well told, well written, well acted, excellent soundtrack, stunning scenery. It will stay with me as most movies do not.