Films for Breakfast

Over the years, we’ve seen countless historical dramas set during or around World War II – this is hardly surprising, given it remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. Yet among the many stories told, the Nuremberg Trials, which is one of the most fascinating and consequential events to follow the war, have rarely been explored on film – sure, there have been some adaptations here and there, but given how many adaptations we’ve gotten for other subjects surrounding WWII, I’m a bit shocked how little we’ve gotten about Nuremberg specifically.

James Vanderbilt both writes and directs Nuremberg, a gripping true story that follows Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), a U.S. Army psychiatrist assigned to evaluate the mental state of the Nazi leaders imprisoned during the trials. There, he encounters Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), one of the highest-ranking figures in the Nazi regime and a man once dangerously close to Hitler himself. As Kelley continues his sessions with Göring, he becomes increasingly absorbed by their conversations – and by what he believes he understands about his subject. As their uneasy doctor–patient relationship deepens, the stakes surrounding the trials intensify, with Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon) and other world leaders preparing to bring these men to justice before the eyes of the world.

When it comes to films based on real historical events, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with how many of them play like glorified Wikipedia pages – dutifully informative but lacking a genuine punch of emotional texture. I don’t just want a history lesson; I want to feel like I’m there, living these moments alongside the people who experienced them. Nuremberg stands out because it immediately carries a sense of weight and importance. It’s crafted with sincerity and tension in equal measure – from its stirring score and dynamic camerawork to its stacked A-list cast. The film feels confident in the story it’s telling and committed to engaging viewers with the gravity it deserves. A refreshing change of pace.

The screenplay by James Vanderbilt is a real standout here. The dialogue is sharp and piercing, with every exchange between Göring and Kelley adding layers of emotional depth and thematic complexity. It’s equally impressive how the film captures the sheer magnitude of the trial itself; the near-impossible task of uniting world leaders in an event without precedent, as everyone sought to hold these men accountable for unspeakable atrocities. The way these two threads, the intimate and the global, intertwine is remarkably well-balanced and compelling.

Performance-wise, the cast delivers across the board. Rami Malek gives a refreshingly restrained and deeply emotional performance, while Russell Crowe is predictably excellent – he walks a fine line between embodying the terrifying presence of a Nazi leader and revealing unsettling glimpses of his humanity. That reminder, that these were human beings capable of choosing evil, is what gives the film its most chilling resonance. Michael Shannon, John Slattery, and Leo Woodall all offer strong supporting turns, each making the most of their moments onscreen.

While Nuremberg doesn’t reinvent the historical drama, it absolutely understands the gravity and nuance of the story it’s telling. It’s not content to merely recount events; it wants you to feel the weight and consequence of them. Yes, it’s an old-fashioned film, complete with a muted gray palette, but it’s also an immensely gripping and powerful piece of storytelling – riveting from start to finish. A haunting reminder of why the lessons of World War II remain vital today, and why we can never assume such horrors couldn’t happen again – even here in America.