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Valkyrie
- Review Date: December 24, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Thriller
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Tense, violent WWII thriller offers lots to talk about.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
In 1943, wounded German officer Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) comes home from service in Africa to serve in the Ministry of Defense in Berlin. There, a secret cabal of officers, civic leaders, and ex-military men inducts him into a secret plot to not only seize control of the German government, but also to kill German dictator Adolf Hitler. As the advancing Allies come closer and closer to Berlin, von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators must act boldly without being discovered, risking certain death against the possibility that Germany might be released from the yoke of Nazi rule.
Is it any good?
Directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, Superman Returns), VALKYRIE turns a lesser-known historical footnote into a gripping, well-executed thriller. Cruise is surrounded by a terrific cast (including Kenneth Branagh, Terrence Stamp, and Bill Nighy) as his co-conspirators, while Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson plays a military commander trying to play both sides. After years of seeing German officers presented as bad guys in films, wrapping your head around the concept of German military men opposed to Hitler and his rule -- so opposed that they're willing to risk their lives and those of everyone they know -- is a tricky challenge.
Cruise is easy to watch -- von Stauffenberg is a cool customer
constantly in danger of having the situation explode in his face -- but
the real star of the film is Singer's superbly executed direction and
engaging technical skill. Aided by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander's screenplay, Singer pulls an unexpected amount of suspense out of a story with a foregone conclusion; we know the conspirators didn't succeed. But there's plenty of tension to be found in showing how they tried -- and exactly how they failed. Valkyrie is a remarkably well-crafted thriller with plenty of food for thought between the explosions and ticking-clock suspense.
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
Excellent movie for adults...."iffy" for children, based on age and emotional maturity
I know I'm probably going to be slammed for this, but I am going to admit that I watched this movie with my 8 year old son......after he saw Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he began making statements about "Germans" and "Nazis"---I was repeatedly offended by this, and made a point, as I always do, to emphasize that people should not be judged on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, etc. and that discrimination to any degree is unacceptable to me.
After hearing repeated negative remarks about how "all Germans are killers" and love Hitler--I sat him down to explain that there were many attempts to assasinate Hitler--BY GERMANS!!
He couldn't believe his ears. When National Geographic showed a special on Valkyrie (the actual event--not the movie), he watched it with me.
I rented it, watched it first without him, and then watched it with him....
I think the message was loud and clear--and PLEASE don't judge me for this--I know 8 may be too young...but I know the personal limitations of my children, and he handled it just fine. We discussed it--and it appears that his streak of discrimination regarding Germans as a whole has ceased.
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AGE
Great Suspenseful Thriller
I got to see this movie back in the cinema in christmas time also seeing a few other movies as well. This one was a great historical thriller that also worked because it was suspensful and had a great story that kept you interested. It may be confusing to younger audinces which is why i dont reccomend it to people who cant pay attention for long. On the other hand there isnt too much to worry about here besides a bit of violence and one F bomb.
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AGE
Check out my page for other great recommendations.
I'm not here to give a review because if it shows up on my page its a 5 star movie and so therefore you know what i think about it.
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AGE
wha...
i didnt get it... i just dont see why this is all that good
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AGE
Heroic War Epic with great message
One thing I might be conserned about is that little kids might be confoused on a man disobaying his country.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 5, 2009
AGE
On for 10+, Iffy for 8+
I loved this movie. No one under ten should see it, although this is no real violence, only at the beginning and end of the movie.
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AGE
Excellent Film
Except for some violence and one use of f---ing this powerful film is pretty clean.
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AGE
History and violence lesson for the older child
Personally, I like anything that deals with WWII. And this is on my list of most favorite movies set in the WWII years. This is perfect for anyone who likes a movie based on historical fact mixed with suspense and a terrific plot with diving depth, which, as CSM suggested, can open up a lot of good discussions.
There are things to watch out for, though. The violence is very realistic, as is the plot, and the effect will vary from kid to kid. The language isn't frequent but the sort you often find, sadly, in movies these days. Some of the messages could be misinterpreted by younger kids and would be good for them when they are old enough to decipher right from wrong and good guy from bad guy. Same goes for role models.
Overall, this was an admirably done movie. For any history loving kids, hopefully there still are, and for those who savor the realism, this is your match. I never really comprehended, before seeing this movie, that people in Germany did try to assassinate Hitler and bring an end to his ruthless Reich. Which also brings to mind this is a good history lesson. I can also say that this might give teens and young viewers and different and clearer view of injustice, violence, and doing what is right. Merry Good Discussions to you!
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AGE
Great Movie. Not that violent.
Not as violent as said to be. Only 3 or 4 swears. Can't critize excessive smoking, because back then smoking was a part of daily lives. On a scale on Valkyries historical accuracy: 9/10.
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| Director: | Bryan Singer |
| Cast: | Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Cruise |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 130 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 25, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | May 19, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and brief strong language |
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