Kept me up, this movie did. Any student of history already knows the outcome of things, but why stay for the ending? Several reasons why: A powerhouse cast, mostly well-played parts, a compelling storyline (not that Hollywood couldn’t change it if they wanted to); and might I say, able directing. Tom Cruise is almost always surefire snooze as far as I’m concerned, but with a supporting cast of instantly recognisables (Eddie Izzard pulling off a serious role!?) in Valkyrie I’m riveted to the screen, arms grasping the edge of my seat, bated breath and all that. Truth be told I’ve yet to finish the flick, I almost don’t want to. Valkyrie makes you want to revise history. You want the good guys to win. They, well. Go back to your history books.

Since I knew the history surrounding the event the movie was based upon the end was not a surprise. I believe it stayed true to the history books but I had trouble believing that a Colonel (Tom Cruise’s character) issued orders to a general/generals. It seems they took the bits of history on record and ran with it to have enough material for a full length movie.