Tom Cruise stars in this movie as a German colonel during WW II, under Hitler’s regime. Most people don’t know that Hitler had systematic internal opposition in Germany, and there were at least 15 attempted assassinations. This movie, based on actual facts, chronicles the last one, which took place on July 20, 1944, just nine months before Hitler eventually committed suicide.

We are conditioned to think of all Germans in uniform during the Nazi regime as monsters. This film helps set the record straight. There were good people and soldiers with conscience in Germany who risked their lives and the lives of their families for the good in humanity and the honor of Germany.

In this case, to no avail, as we all know from history.

Cruise does an excellent job in the portrayal of a German officer. We are riveted to our seats  as we watch  the dangerous coup unravel. And we learn some history that we likely didn’t know anything about.

Rating:  ***