"Sophie School: The Final Days" is a gripping film about a group of German young people who bravely went against the Nazi regime.

The film may be more historically accurate than some other cinematic tellings of the story because the screenplay writers had access to Gestapo documents about the trial, which recently resurfaced.

It was nominated for best foreign language film at the 2006 Oscars, and Julie Jentsch won a European Film Critics Association award for best actress.

The film tells the tragic tale of Sophie Magdalena Scholl’s involvement with the White Rose; a World War II group that used non-violent means to struggle against totalitarian tyranny.

The group consisted only of five students and a professor, but they had a huge and lasting influence. They made up leaflets that rejected German militarism and argued for freedom of speech.

The pamphlets also wisely predicted that Germany would be defeated in Stalingrad. They also alerted people to the mass murders of Jews that were taking place in concentration camps.

White Rose members were eventually arrested and beheaded. The group became a symbol of successful passive resistance and inspired the Michael Verhoeven film, "The White Rose."

This story has been told many times before in films, so there are few major surprises in the plot. However, the film is worth seeing for its shockingly intense performances.

Julia Jensch’s turn as the Joan of Arc-like Sophie Scholl is simply terrific. Her character initially seems meek, passive and demure. But when she is being interrogated by the Nazi Gestapo, she draws upon hidden reservoirs of strength and stands her ground. Jensch makes you believe that this short, shy woman could take on anyone.

Even though the film takes place in World War II, recent revelations about US wire tapping and overseas torture make it clear that the film is also relevant in the modern day America.

"Sophie Scholl" won’t make everyone completely forget "The Pianist," "Life is Beautiful," and "Schindler’s List," but it is a powerful and affecting Holocaust film in its own right. It succeeds marvelously in putting a human face on history.