Nuremberg (2025) Review: A Gripping WW2 Movie
By now, you’ve probably read several reviews about Nuremberg or maybe even watched it already. I, however, waited for the film to arrive on OTT platforms. After finally wrapping up a few other commitments, I got the chance to watch it, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.
When the trailer first dropped online, I found it interesting but not particularly extraordinary. With so many films already made about World War II, I wondered what could make this one different. But once I started watching, the film kept me completely engaged throughout its entire runtime, without relying on high-octane war sequences or intense action. In this review, let me break down what makes the film stand out.
What’s It About?
Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, has a massive star cast with Russel Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Colin Hanks, John Slattery, and others. It is based on the famous Nuremberg trials, which took place after the death of Adolf Hitler, to convict the Nazi war criminals like Hermann Göring and others. Among all of these, a US psychiatrist, Douglas Kelley, is appointed to psychologically decode the criminals along with Guidice Robert Jackson, who has the almost impossible task of conducting an international trial of justice, taking place for the first time in history!
What Works -
Performance
The film is based on true events of history, and so there’s nothing overly dramatic or path breaking the makers could have done with the script for obvious reasons. But the film is simply based on high-octane performances. Especially from Russel Crowe, who plays a ruthless and cold Nazi villain, Hermann Göring, and is supported by Rami Malek, who plays Dr. Douglas Kelley. Besides these two stalwarts, we also have a superb Michael Shannon, along with Leo Woodall and others in lesser capacities. But all the performances feel natural and are more than enough to keep you hooked.
Screenplay
The film starts dramatically with the surrender of Hermann Göring in the hands of the Allied forces. But even after surrendering, the man never lets go of his arrogance and charisma. During his conversations with Dr. Kelley, you are bound to find the man having a point and may even believe him to be a good person for a moment. But the film never justifies the ruthless crimes that the Nazis have done to the Jews and will make you hate them more by the interval. There are scenes where your heart will ache, and you may be confused about who was the bigger evil in this war.
Nuremberg never shy’s off to acknowledge the exceptional IQ of the Nazi officials and throws a question to you in the end, does it end with the execution of the Nazis? Aren’t there similar people everywhere in this world, even in your beloved country?
BGM
The BGM of the movie is designed to be suitable for each scene of the film without being over the top. It is never extremely loud for the ears and has a perfect blend of every flavor that was required.
Direction
When you are promising a war film, the general audience will definitely put their money on spine-chilling war scenes, including violence, gore, and action. But how can you keep the audience glued to their seats with a war drama for around 2 hours and 28 minutes? This credit goes to the director who has made the film with definite banger scenes at the perfect time interval. I never felt the runtime. Special accolades should be given to the courtroom drama scenes, which appear in the final 30 minutes.
Dialogues
A drama-based film, which is high on performances, needs amazing dialogue to keep you hooked. And Nuremberg never disappoints in this department. It has some of the best dialogues for Hermann Göring, and especially the courtroom scenes with Michael Shannon.
Importance of the effects of War
Despite keeping the primary focus on the Nuremberg Trials, the film also deals with how the war has taken a toll on various lives and affected others. It also shows how the families of war criminals who never had anything to do with war were treated. The film also focuses on one thing: the Nazi’s never wanted to let go of their arrogance, even in prison, and at the end, they were humans!
What Doesn't Work?
Love Angle
For me, this film only has very few negative points. A forced romantic angle between Dr. Douglas Kelley and the reported Lila. It added nothing to the plot and felt very forced. I don’t think it was required.
Treatment of Female Characters
Nuremberg doesn’t have a lot of female characters in it. But the ones who are present are not given much space either. Beginning with the news reporter Lila, who played the love interest of Dr. Kelley, but didn’t have anything to do with it, actually. We also had the character of Emmy Göring, who also had very limited screentime. I personally think they deserved more.
Final Words
Nuremberg breaks the stereotypes of a template-based war movie and tries to do something more. In its honest efforts, it stood out perfectly and deserves all the praises and awards. If you haven’t watched it yet and have doubts about it, go watch it immediately. Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
Rating:
Leave your comments below about your thoughts on this. Happy watching. For more such reviews and breakdowns keep browsing The Watchlist Diaries.
Avik
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