Our Review

                   Movie: NUREMBERG

 Rating: PG-13, violent content involving the Holocaust, strong disturbing images,   suicide, some language, smoking and                     brief drug content

                      Length: 2:28

         Release Date: November 7, 2025 

Jeanne: As the vile --- and terrifying --- tenets of fascism rise in countries all around the world, it is the perfect time for James Vanderbilt’s engrossing film, NUREMBERG. Based on the book, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, Vanderbilt wrote the screenplay from which he directs.

Immediately following World War II, the Allied countries; the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union, make the unprecedented decision to hold an international tribunal at Nuremberg, the city which gave rise to the Third Reich. At the forefront of this momentous commitment to seeking justice is United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon). He is aptly aided by Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe (Richard E. Grant --- marvelous in this small but pivotal role), the British prosecutor.

But before the remaining high-ranking members of the Nazi regime --- Hitler had already committed suicide --- can be tried, it’s suggested that U.S. Army psychiatrist Lt. Col. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) should assess their mental state to determine if they are competent to stand trial. Of particular interest is Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), the infamous former Reichsmarschall and Hitler’s second in command.

Upon his arrival in Nuremberg, Kelley is assigned Sgt. Howie Triest (Leo Woodall) as his translator. But as Kelley and Göring begin playing cat-and-mouse in their interviewing, it becomes abundantly clear that Göring speaks English. What ensues is a battle of wits between Kelley, Göring and the rest of the men he evaluates in an attempt to learn how evil takes root.

While Kelley is completing his assignment, Robert H. Jackson is building his cases against these Nazi leaders, whom he believes deserve a fair, legal process. U.S. President Harry S Truman also wanted to seek justice, whereas Churchill just wanted them shot --- and Stalin desired a Stalinist trial, where the outcome is decided beforehand.

Do not for one minute think NUREMBERG is simply a courtroom drama. Though most adults know the outcome, many younger people don’t --- and this is becoming a problem, as others try to bury the truth of what the Nazis truly did. Even before the real-life trials began, the extent of the Nazi cruelty was not fully known.

However, once the films shot by the liberating forces of the “work” camps are finally shown on screen during the proceedings --- and Vanderbilt utilizes those same movies --- the atrocity of six million Jews and millions of others being slaughtered can no longer be denied. It was brutal then for people to see --- and it’s still brutal today --- no matter how many times these horrific images are brought to the public’s attention. And the fact that there are still morons who deny the Holocaust happened is reprehensible. But, I digress ---

Vanderbilt’s screenplay keeps the pace of NUREMBERG from faltering. The intrigue surrounding these characters and the trial proceedings drives the narrative, especially the scenes with Crowe and Malek crowded into Göring’s claustrophobic cell. The tension at times is palpable, but after a while, their relationship takes a turn.

Kelley goes in person several times to meet Göring’s wife and little girl --- a huge infraction on his part. He is pulled from the project and replaced by psychologist, Dr. Gustave Gilbert (Colin Hanks). But Kelley remains in Nuremberg for the trial. Göring had tried convincing Kelley that he was not personally responsible for the death camps. But once Kelley witnesses the proof himself at the trial, he is enraged, setting up one of the most powerful scenes in the movie.

The cast is simply superb. Everyone is at the top of their game ---Crowe and Malek are phenomenal. But one other performance definitely stands out --- Woodall as the young German-speaking sergeant. He has one monologue that lasts seven minutes and Vanderbilt was blown away when he auditioned --- trust me, the audience will be, too.

At two hours and 28 minutes, NUREMBERG flys by --- and David never blinked, let alone shut his eyes. It’s exactly the kind of movie the Academy loves, so expect it to be nominated for Best Picture.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

David: NUREMBERG is as powerful a film as you are ever likely to see. Yet it is primarily a dialogue-driven production. Writer/director James Vanderbilt painstakingly constructed a screenplay based on the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, by Jack El-Hai. Vanderbilt has taken some creative liberties with events leading up to the trial of Nazi war criminals, and to the courtroom scenes themselves, mostly involving psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, earnestly portrayed by Oscar winner Rami Malek.

It was Kelley’s responsibility to interview/befriend Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), the Nazi leader who rose to power as Hitler’s second in command. The intent was to provide lead prosecutor United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon) with details about Göring that would ensure a guilty verdict.

The three main leads are beyond superlative in their roles. Crowe’s Göring comes across basically as a normal, almost decent human being. But we always feel a sense of evil watching his testimony. Shannon is commanding as he performs his prosecutorial duties, although he does get major assistance from co-prosecutor Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe (Richard E. Grant). But it is Malek who has, perhaps, the toughest role in the film as Kelley. He and Göring play a fascinating game of matching wits.

The rest of the supporting cast includes John Slattery as Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the supervisor of the prison in Nuremberg where the Nazi defendants are detained. Slattery is always a pleasure to watch as he goes through his paces. Colin Hanks plays Dr. Gustav Gilbert who takes over the task of dealing with Göring after Kelley was removed from his involvement.

But the supporting role with the most emotional punch goes to Leo Woodall as Sgt. Howie Triest, a young German native who acts as translator for Kelley. Woodall’s performance is Academy Award material.

Vanderbilt’s behind the scenes crew is replete with Oscar-caliber talent. Names like Dariusz Wolski, cinematographer, and Eve Stewart, production designer, help to make NUREMBERG the compelling film of the year.

There is enough archival footage to illustrate the cruelty of the prison camps. How can anyone be complacent, no matter how many times it is viewed, when a bulldozer pushes scores of naked, dead bodies into a mass grave?

NUREMBERG is particularly critical to maintaining the history and tenor of the despicable acts of the Nazis during World War II. Nazism cannot be relegated to a chapter in the history books, or worse, forgotten by future generations. This film will doubtless be a leading candidate for Best Picture at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!