Nuremberg Trials' Legacy Tested in New Film

Russell Crowe and Rami Malek star in James Vanderbilt's latest film, "Nuremberg," which has been released in theaters to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the first international trials of the Nazis in the fall of 1945. The movie, based on Jack El-Hai's 2013 book, revolves around the complex personal relationship between Douglas Kelley, a Berkeley psychiatrist, and Hermann Goering, Hitler's second-in-command and the highest-ranking Nazi to be put on trial by the Allies. According to the film, Kelley's assignment was to ensure that the defendants at Nuremberg were fit to stand trial, and the psychiatrist's interactions with Goering are a central focus of the story. Vanderbilt's film runs to just shy of two-and-a-half hours, with the trial itself appearing about halfway through. The movie has sparked a range of reactions from critics and audiences alike, with some praising its thought-provoking portrayal of the Nuremberg trials and others criticizing its missed opportunities. Daniel Jonah Wolpert, a reviewer for Movie Reviews, noted that the film is "full of big questions — and missed opportunities." Wolpert praised the performances of Crowe and Malek, but felt that the movie did not fully explore the complexities of the Nuremberg trials. "The film raises important questions about the nature of guilt and responsibility, but it doesn't fully engage with the historical context of the trials," Wolpert said. The Nuremberg trials, which took place from November 1945 to October 1946, were a landmark moment in international law, as they established the principle of individual responsibility for war crimes. The trials were also a significant moment in the development of human rights, as they set a precedent for holding individuals accountable for atrocities committed during times of conflict. In addition to its historical significance, the Nuremberg trials also have ongoing relevance in the modern world. As the world grapples with issues of accountability and justice, the Nuremberg trials serve as an important reminder of the importance of holding individuals responsible for their actions. "The Nuremberg trials were a turning point in the development of international law, and they continue to influence our understanding of human rights and accountability today," said Dr. Susan Neiman, a philosopher and historian who has written extensively on the Nuremberg trials. The release of "Nuremberg" comes at a time when the world is grappling with a range of complex issues, from climate change to human rights abuses. As the film sparks conversations and debates about the nature of guilt and responsibility, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of the Nuremberg trials. With its thought-provoking portrayal of one of the most significant moments in modern history, "Nuremberg" is a must-see for anyone interested in international law, human rights, and the complexities of the human experience.