Stauffenberg, l'attentat

It seems that most of the reviews here believe that this German version is somehow "better" than the Cruise version. Whether this is simply anti-Tom Cruise, or anti-Hollywood bias is debatable. I think this version is quite good from the acting, directing, production value standpoints, but really misses the mark on the intricacies of the plot itself or the character development of the other major conspirators, not just von Stauffenberg. The Cruise version is superior in showing the motivations of all the major conspirators and the slow buildup in the plot where the plan to assassinate the monster foments, and how the attempt crumbled due to fate and ineptitude. This German version is good, but in my mind, it is "Operation Valkyrie-Light" and not very satisfying to a history buff and especially a WW2 buff.

This film was made in Germany for a lot less than what Tom Cruise made his overpriced epic for... and it is a far better movie.

What does it do right. Hey, for starters, it's in German. You get the feel for the language and the culture that you simply don't get with Cruise's overpaid Hollywood buddies doing bad optional German accents.

Secondly, it's a more honest look at Von Stauffenburg the man. Von Stauffenburg was a guy who initially supported the Nazis. (In fact, almost all of the July 20 conspirators did, they only turned against Hitler when Germany started losing the war. Kind of like Congressional Democrats!) You also see how his religious convictions guided him. Certainly, God would endorse his actions because he was in the right. (Well, uh, no. What a kookie prankster, that God.)

Essentially, you get less drama, more character interplay and study. Almost all the same characters are here in this film. The only character who is kind of given the short shift is Hitler himself. He only appears in two scenes and get very little dialog. Sorry, if you are going to make a film about killing Hitler, we need to see more Hitler.

Historical details are gotten right. For instance, General Beck commits suicide, but this movie points out he botched his attempt and had to be finished off. This one focuses on Von Stauffenburg more, while Cruises version goes into strange discussions of internal German politics that slowed down the plot.

Now, the only reason this film is getting a second look is because some clever people decided to re-release it alongside the Cruise movie.

In 1944, a group of high command officers plot an attempt against Hitler, and one of the leaders of the conspiracy, Stauffenberg (Sebastian Koch), goes to a meeting with the Fuhrer in charge of exploding the place. However, Hitler survives and the officers are executed.

"Stauffenberg" is another great example of the powerful German cinema. Based on a true event, with remarkable performances, tight direction and excellent reconstitution of a dark period of the contemporary Germany history, it is highly recommended – indeed a must-see film - for fans of war movies. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Operação Valkiria" ("Valkyrie Operation")

This made-for-TV film has a decent cast and is well executed (mind the pun) with excellent costumes and backdrops. But the movie feels terribly rushed and missing back stories and character development. But the greatest crime is the awful voice actors used for the overdub. They either sound like cartoon Germans or far eastern and certainly anything but convincing WWII German accents. I suspect the DVD has the option for original German soundtrack and subtitles in the language of your choice. I would like to watch this again one day but only with the original actors voices and English subtitles.

The first temptation was to see it as a sort of ad usum Delphini version of Valkyria plot. But the first part, the presence in cast and impecable performance of Remo Girone , the fair crafted tension of the second part are virtues changing this superficial opinion.

It is a correct exploration of one of key moments of resistence against Hitler dictatorship , one of expressions of reaction of army to the fall in disaster initiated by Fuhrer.

And , more important, it is a german version , sebastian koch being the inspired option for the role of Claus von Stauffenberg. In short, interesting and useful and correct and honest . Including for its presumed modesty. One of impressive parts - the high loyalty for colonel of his adjutant and the reduced by nice crafted family scenes, including the first.