"Stauffenberg" is one of the most famous German television movies from the 21st century. It runs for 90 minutes roughly and was written and directed by Jo Baier, based on the actual events of course. If you have seen Tom Cruise's "Valkyrie" or are just curious about history, you will certainly know about the basics here. This is the story of the man who tried to assassinate Hitler with a bunch of his friends when it was very obvious that the Fuehrer was leading Germany into disaster. Apart from Sebastian Koch ("The Lives of Others"), who plays the title character, there are more known actors here. At least, German movie fans should be aware of Tukur, Milberg, Krüger Jr., maybe Kunzendorf and also Olli Dittrich in a small performance as Joseph Goebbels that could not be any more different though compared to what he usually does.
I thought this was a pretty good watch. First of all, I am happy they did not feel the need to stretch this towards 2 hours, but kept it very essential at 1.5 hours. And yet it was complete. I personally found the film was at its best in the second half, when the assassination attempt already happened and the main characters, for the most part, were not aware that he survived the movie. It is also not a problem at all that the final pivotal moments of Stauffenberg's assassination was included also right at the start of the film as almost everybody who considers watching this will know about the title character's fate and those who don't will at least know that Hitler was not killed by Stauffenberg. Good job from everybody involved. A rewarding watch in terms of story, acting and the visual side as well. I certainly recommend giving this one a chance.
I thought this was a pretty good watch. First of all, I am happy they did not feel the need to stretch this towards 2 hours, but kept it very essential at 1.5 hours. And yet it was complete. I personally found the film was at its best in the second half, when the assassination attempt already happened and the main characters, for the most part, were not aware that he survived the movie. It is also not a problem at all that the final pivotal moments of Stauffenberg's assassination was included also right at the start of the film as almost everybody who considers watching this will know about the title character's fate and those who don't will at least know that Hitler was not killed by Stauffenberg. Good job from everybody involved. A rewarding watch in terms of story, acting and the visual side as well. I certainly recommend giving this one a chance.