Movie Review: Nuremberg

 Movie Number 46 of 2025

The Movie: Nuremberg

The Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens

Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes

Stars: 4.5

The Nuremberg Trials have been covered on the big and small screen many times over. It's an important story that should remain in our view, because, as the adage goes, those who don't learn from the past are bound to repeat it. This is an interesting and thought-provoking movie that looks at the process leading up to the trial, the back story to the first cases at Nuremberg which leads to the final outcome. It is based on Jack El-Hai's book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. 

As war movies go, it's very good, taking into consideration more than the main players. It takes a look into authoritarianism and what can happen when people don't stand up for what is right. (Sound familiar?)

Rami Malek plays psychiatrist, Douglass Kelley, who is assigned to get to know the first round of First Reich prisoners to be tried, evaluating whether they are fit to stand trial. This includes Hermann Goering (Russell Crowe), Hitler's number two, a narcissist and egotist. Along with his translator, Howie (Leo Woodall) Kelley has the mammoth task of trying to understand these monsters of men. 

In the background, Justice Robert Jackson (Michael Shannon) a judge of high standing, is asked to try these men. This has its own traps as the army, led by Colonel Andrus (John Slattery) and having to co-ordinate with the other nations, including Brit, Sir David Fyfe-Maxwell (Richard E Grant). The movie also looks at the machinations of bringing to justice men who have been responsible for the most heinous acts ever done by the human race. 

This is a balanced film. There has been some embellishment for dramatic effect, however this is an engrossing film. Malek and Crowes performances are top notch - the rest of the cast are great too. 

I particularly loved the sets and costumes, which drag you back to the 1940. Cinematographer Darius Wolski's view brings the recently bombed Nuremberg to life. Adding to this, Brian Tyler's haunting soundscape heightens the experience. Director James Vanderbilt's direction is assured, never letting the action drag and bringing in some light, ensuring the film doesn't get too depressing. 

This film will get some Oscar nominations. It's a timely reminder of what unchecked power can do. 

This is definitely worth a viewing on the big screen. It's not a perfect film, but it is a timely one. 

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