Nuremberg Review: World War II dramas have been done to death. Every few years, Hollywood pulls another story out of the ashes, hoping to strike gold again. But here’s the thing: Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, actually earns its place in the conversation.
I went into this film with pretty low expectations, especially after that bland trailer. But once the lights went down, I realized, this one’s different. It’s not your usual big-explosion war film. It’s quieter, psychological, and a slow burn that digs deep into the moral rot behind the Nazi trials.
My Rating: 3.5/5
| Title | Nuremberg |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Genre | Historical Drama, Courtroom Thriller, Biopic |
| Director | James Vanderbilt |
| Writers | James Vanderbilt |
| Main Cast | Russell Crowe (Hermann Göring), Rami Malek (Dr. Gustave Gilbert), Michael Shannon, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Richard E. Grant, Colin Hanks |
| Runtime | 2h 28m |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Based On | True story of the 1945–46 Nuremberg Trials following World War II |
The Story — Justice on Trial
Nuremberg revisits one of history’s most crucial events: the trials of Nazi war criminals after Hitler’s fall. The story centers on psychiatrist Dr. Gustave Gilbert, played by Rami Malek, who’s tasked with evaluating the mental state of the Nazi leaders awaiting trial, including the infamous Hermann Göring, played by Russell Crowe.
If you know even a little bit about the real Nuremberg Trials, you’ll understand how complex this was; it wasn’t just about punishing evil, but about defining what justice means after unimaginable horror.
What surprised me most was how much of the film focuses on the strange psychological tension between Gilbert and Göring. It’s unsettling, human, and sometimes even intimate in ways that make you squirm.
Performances — Crowe Dominates, Malek Falters
Russell Crowe absolutely owns this film. His portrayal of Göring is terrifying and magnetic, the kind of performance that gets under your skin. You hate the man, but you can’t look away. Crowe brings arrogance, charisma, and a touch of madness that makes every scene with him pulse with energy.
Now, on the other hand, Rami Malek… not so much. I usually respect him as an actor, but here he just feels miscast. His line delivery lacks emotional weight, and his character feels more like an observer than an active participant in this psychological chess game.
It’s ironic because the story is told through his perspective, yet Crowe completely overshadows him.
The supporting cast, Michael Shannon, John Slattery, and Mark O’Brien, all bring solid energy. Shannon, especially as the prosecutor, carries the moral burden of representing humanity’s outrage.
Direction & Tone
Director James Vanderbilt (yes, the same guy behind Zodiac and Truth) takes a restrained, almost documentary-style approach. There’s no flash or spectacle here, just dim interrogation rooms, smoke-filled courtrooms, and heavy moral dialogue.
The cinematography is sharp and somber, drenched in muted tones that echo the despair of post-war Europe. The use of real wartime footage is disturbing and powerful, not for shock value, but to remind us that this story isn’t fiction.
That said, the pacing does test your patience. At 2 hours and 22 minutes, Nuremberg often feels like it could’ve easily lost 20 minutes. There are stretches where it drags, especially when Malek’s character goes through repetitive emotional beats.
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The Good & The Bad
| What Worked | What Didn’t |
|---|---|
| Russell Crowe’s haunting performance as Göring — easily Oscar-worthy. | Rami Malek feels out of place and emotionally flat. |
| Gripping courtroom tension that feels authentic and raw. | The pacing is too slow; the movie drags in the middle. |
| Stunning cinematography and historical accuracy. | Some dialogue scenes feel over-explained. |
| Real WWII footage adds emotional depth and realism. | Could’ve been 20 minutes shorter without losing impact. |
| Powerful final act that captures the horror and consequences of the war. | Emotional connection with the main character never quite lands. |
Final Thoughts
Nuremberg (2025) isn’t a film for everyone. It’s dense, dialogue-heavy, and morally exhausting, but in the best way possible. It’s less about action and more about accountability, truth, and how humans justify evil.
If you’re fascinated by World War II history or love courtroom dramas like Judgment at Nuremberg or Bridge of Spies, this one’s definitely worth your time.
Russell Crowe gives his best performance in years, and even though Malek doesn’t quite hold up, the film itself leaves a lasting impact.
It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful, intelligent, and deeply human.
My Rating: 8/10 A slow but emotionally charged historical drama carried by Crowe’s powerhouse performance.
