Valkyrie is a 2008 American historical thriller film set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The film depicts the 20 July plot in 1944 by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and to use the Operation Valkyrie national emergency plan to take control of the country. Valkyrie was directed by Bryan Singer for the American studio United Artists, and the film stars Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, one of the key plotters. The cast included Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Eddie Izzard, Terence Stamp and Tom Wilkinson.

Cruise's casting caused controversy among German politicians and members of the von Stauffenberg family due to the actor's practice of Scientology, which is viewed with suspicion in Germany. Because of this, the film makers initially had difficulty setting up filming locations in Germany, but they were later given access to film in locations pertaining to the film's story, such as Berlin's historic Bendlerblock. German newspapers and filmmakers supported the film and its attempt to spread global awareness of von Stauffenberg's plot.

The film changed release dates several times, from as early as June 27, 2008 to as late as February 14, 2009. The changing calendar and poor response to United Artists' initial marketing campaign drew criticism about the studio's viability. After a positive test screening, Valkyrie's release in North America was ultimately changed to December 25, 2008. United Artists renewed its marketing campaign to reduce its focus on Cruise and to highlight Singer's credentials. The film received mixed reviews in the United States. It opened commercially in Germany on January 22, 2009, where reports were mixed about the German reception of the film.

let the hate begin...

I'll be there, well Im seeing this Button, Gran Torino, and Bedtime Stories over the next couple days. Who gives a shit what time of the year it is, I'll see well made thrillers anytime.

Good for you Gun.. I only hope everyone else feels the same way and I'm fairly confident that the only people in attendance for this opening day will be YOU, The Cameraman, and the Usher..

Got dragged to saw it today with my dad. I can definitely confirm that the showing we were at was sold out, so I wouldn't expect this to be too big of a financial disaster.

I actually agree with a lot of what bradley said. Singer is in classic Singer mode here - he does as little as necessary to elevate the aesthetic slightly above TV movie quality, and then lets a fairly engaging premise do all the heavy lifting. It's not god awful by any stretch, but it is a decidedly pedestrian affair.

"...Valkyrie suffers from the most foregone conclusion since Titanic."

...and while that may work for lesser viewers.

Seriously. I'm a snob.