Valkyrie is a historical thriller film directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men, Superman Returns) starring Tom Cruise. The film is based on the true story a plot by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

October 30, 2008, (Sawf News) - Valkyrie is a historical thriller film directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men, Superman Returns) starring Tom Cruise. The film is based on the true story a plot by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Cruise plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a loyal officer and real life German hero, who took it upon himself to try and stop Hitler as the demented tyrant led the country inexorably to its destruction.

Claus von Stauffenberg is severely wounded in Africa and returns home to Nazi Germany where he helps conceive Operation Valkyrie, a plan approved by Adolf Hitler, to implement a shadow government to manage turmoil within Germany in the eventuality of the Führer's death.

Stauffenberg draws a distinction between Hitler and Germany and decides to act in order to save the country. He becomes part of the July 20 plot, a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler and execute Valkyrie in order to take control of the country and make peace.

Stauffenberg finds himself taking on not only the responsibility of leading the coup, but also the task to assassinate Hitler himself.

Stauffenberg lost his left eye, right hand and two fingers on his left hand in an Allied attack in Tunisia. Cruise had to practice dressing, moving items and writing considering those disabilities. He prepared for the role for eight months; he hired a researcher, studied history books, and spoke with some of von Stauffenberg's family.

The film was shot in Germany at various locations where many of the actual events had occurred, including the historic Bendlerblock where Stauffenberg and his comrades had plotted to assassinate Hitler.

The period costumes were designed by Joanna Johnston (Munich, Saving Private Ryan).

After frequent changes in the release date, the film will now open in theaters on December 26.

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