You'd be forgiven in confusing this film with the recent Hollywood star laden version released in 2008 that saw Tom Cruise as the heroic Claus Von Stauffenberg yet Purists will claim that this previous 2004 German TV film (released as ‘Stauffenberg’) documenting the failed assassination attempt of Hitler, is the real story, depicting in it's truest form, a German rendering of a German story. But the Valkyrie story isn't a just a German story, it's a story of humanity for humanity and it will pull at the heartstrings of many a viewer.

Due for DVD release this month, the usual suspects can be found in the German cast but with a notably exceptional performance from Sebastian Koch (The lives of Others) as the treasonous yet intrepid colonel, but where this film fares better against its US clone is the understated use of tension, scenes unfold arduously yet become more and more gripping throughout until we reach the inevitable climax with the foiled Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators thrown against the wall.

Both written and directed by Jo Baier Operation Valkyrie is an enjoyable interpretation of this retold story with German speaking actors bringing authenticity and strong characterisation perhaps lacking in the US version and thus confirming that good film making certainly isn't about budget or big buck casting.