This is an excellent film for someone who does not know the story. Alas being an oldy I was brought up knowing it and for me there was not enough previously unknown detail except I never realised it was a takeover. I was under the impression it was all about assassination. Great acting, great filming, great story just not enough "Gosh, I didn't know that"
Tom Cruise does a good job of portraying von Stauffenberg, supported by the usual cast of supporting British actors (plus Eddie Izzard). Even though we all know the outcome, the film maintains a good level of tension throughout. Interesting to wonder how close the plot came to ending the war nearly a year before it actually ended.
At the time of writing the 3 previous reviewers had all given 3 stars. I disagree. This film says so much about the German ethos in the 2nd world war, the story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is one which everyone should know (previously I knew only that there had been a failed assasination on Adolf Hitler a bit like Ronnie Reagan) it is so much more. Moreover the desert war scenes are terrific. Very gripping and great attention to detail. Historically fascinating, dramatically intense, 3 star no way.