Key Highlights
- Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in the historical drama “Nuremberg.”
- The film focuses on the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were put on trial for their war crimes.
- Michael Shannon also stars as Robert Jackson, an associate justice from the U.S. Supreme Court involved in the trials.
- Nuremberg is described as a riveting and Oscar-worthy film that explores power and the roots of evil.
A Historical Drama That Engages and Educates: “Nuremberg”
The historical drama “Nuremberg” (★★★½ out of four; rated PG-13) is a compelling exploration of the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were put on trial for their war crimes. Directed by James Vanderbilt, who previously directed “Zodiac,” the film stars Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, both of whom bring intense performances to their roles.
The Plot: A Psychiatrist Meets a Former Nazi
“Nuremberg” begins in 1945, on the last day of fighting in Europe. Adolf Hitler’s second-in-command, Hermann Goering (Russell Crowe), surrenders to Allied troops in Austria. As he and other ranking German officers are rounded up, some feel they should be shot immediately for their war crimes.
However, Robert Jackson (Michael Shannon), an associate justice from the U.S. Supreme Court, argues for a tribunal to prosecute them for their acts against humanity.
Lt. Col.
Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) is sent to Luxembourg to look after the mental health of the surviving German prisoners, including Goering, and keep them alive until they get to the courtroom. The film follows Kelley’s and Jackson’s parallel story lines until they combine at the trial in Nuremberg.
Performances That Stand Out
Rami Malek’s performance as Douglas Kelley is more effective than his Oscar-winning role in “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Malek transforms from a confident, even cocky shrink to a man who is rocked to his core when understanding the horrifying nature of the Holocaust. Russell Crowe delivers an outstanding performance as Hermann Goering, playing the charismatic and dangerous Nazi through various stages of vanity, anger, self-assurance, and vulnerability. He’s magnetic and scary without overacting.
Leo Woodall also delivers a standout performance as Howie Triest, a translator working with Kelley who reveals his extremely personal connection to the Holocaust in an affecting, tear-jerking scene. The film is lighter than you might expect, given the subject matter, but Vanderbilt lets it play when necessary.
The Impact of Historical Events
“Nuremberg” addresses the dangers of fascism and argues that history has a tendency to repeat itself. Jackson says, “The world needs to know what these men did so that it can never happen again,” a lesson that is particularly relevant in today’s political climate.
Conclusion
“Nuremberg” is an all-star period piece that leans entertaining while getting deadly serious exactly when needed. It’s a must-see for Oscar voters and cinephiles who are interested in historical dramas. With its strong performances, riveting courtroom scenes, and important message, “Nuremberg” is set to be a contender for awards season.
