“Nuremberg” Starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek Debuts to Mixed Reviews Amidst Resurgent Global Conflicts
TORONTO – Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Justice Robert H. Jackson and Rami Malek’s depiction of Hermann Göring anchor “Nuremberg,” a new courtroom drama examining the 1945-1946 trials of Nazi leaders, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Initial reactions to the film,set for a November 7th theatrical release from Sony Pictures Classics,are proving divisive,with critics acknowledging the film’s historical weight but questioning its relevance in a contemporary landscape saturated with images of global conflict.
The film arrives at a fraught moment, as international law and the prosecution of war crimes are once again at the forefront of global discourse. While the horrors of World War II remain a stark warning, some reviewers suggest “nuremberg” struggles to offer fresh insight into the complexities of accountability and justice, particularly given the constant stream of contemporary atrocities documented in real-time. The film’s reliance on archival footage, powerfully utilized by Kramer decades prior, feels less impactful in an era desensitized by readily available visual evidence of war.
“Nuremberg” focuses on the unprecedented legal proceedings held in the aftermath of WWII, where Allied powers sought to hold prominent Nazi figures responsible for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against the peace. Crowe embodies Jackson, the chief prosecutor tasked with building a case against the architects of the Holocaust and the devastating conflict that engulfed Europe. Malek delivers a chilling performance as Göring, the highest-ranking Nazi official on trial, capturing his arrogance and attempts to deflect responsibility.
Critics note the film’s meticulous recreation of the courtroom setting and the compelling performances of its leads. However, a central concern raised by multiple reviewers is whether revisiting these historical events, without offering a new perspective or grappling with the evolving challenges of international justice, feels sufficient. The question posed is whether simply remembering the past is enough when the world continues to witness similar atrocities.
The film’s release comes as global conflicts escalate and the principles of international law are increasingly tested. “Nuremberg” serves as a potent reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for war crimes, but its impact might potentially be limited by its reliance on familiar narratives and imagery. The film’s grade currently sits at a C+,suggesting a technically proficient but ultimately uninspired addition to the genre.
