Nuremberg

Rating:
Summary: The trial of the centery
Review: "Nuremberg" is a pretty good reenactment about the 1945-1946 Nazi war crimes trials. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson (Alec Baldwin) is sent to represent American interests in the newly formed international court. Very conscience about it being viewed as 'victor's justice', Jackson, as well as represenitives from Russia, France and Britian, do everything possable to make sure that the trial is fair. The Nazis being tried were the top Riech leadership, headed by Hitler's right hand man Hermann Goering (Brian Cox in an amazing role that manages to put a human and realistic face on a ruthless man able to order such evil atrocities). The highlight of the movie is home movies presented into evidence. The movie is real archive films shot at liberated concentration camps. They show the condition of the barely alive Jewish prisoners, and the huge mass graves of the murdered prisoners (this film is very hard to sit through, but it is in no way exploitive). Alec Baldwin dose OK as Jackson, although I thought Baldwin's hushed voice was wrong for such a authoritative man. Otherwise he was good. Christopher Plumer lends arostocrisy to his role of English justice, sort of Jackson's British counterpart. Michael Ironside plays a MP commander who is in charge of the prison where the Nazi defendents are being kept. He plays a type more than a person, so there really isn't a lot of depth to his role. But he has played that 'type' for years, so he knows what is expected of him and delievers. I must say that it was nice of him to be tough and firm without him being abusive to his charges. Brian Cox stole the show as unrependitant Nazi leader who still believes in the dream of German supierority. His performance was very strong and forceful; you aren't likely to forget him any time soon. The major problem in the film is with Jackson's secretery (Jill Hennessy), with whom Jackson has an affair with. Hennessy is a great, strong actress, as her TV shows showcase ("Law and Order" and "Crossing Jordan"). But it seems film dose not know what to do with her. In "Nuremberg" (and to a lesser degree "Exit Wounds") she plays beautiful women who are seen and not heard by the far more visible lead men. That is a shame because of her talent dosn't get adaquetly used. Also the extra marital affair was totally unnessesary; a film with as powerful a theme as the Holocaust and the Nazi trials hardly needs 'spicing up'.

Rating:
Summary: A small victory for humanity
Review: "Nuremberg" is based on the true story of the notorious "Nuremberg Trial" that took place at the conclusion of WWII in Germany. The trial was led by Justice Robert Jackson (Alec Baldwin), whose vision was to prove that western morality was superior to that of the Nazis. Twenty-two high-ranking Nazis were forced to stand trial for committing crimes against humanity. Included in the Nazi gang was the infamous Hermann Goering (brilliantly portrayed by Brian Cox) who was Hitler's second in command.

One of Jackson's primary concerns was to give the Nazis a fair trial, of the likes that their victims never obtained. As the movie progresses, Jackson runs into Goering in the witness box and finds him to be somewhat of a challenge. The courtroom exchanges between Baldwin and Cox are highly entertaining and are some of the best scenes in the movie.

To give the Americans a run for their money, Goering proceeds to incite the other officers so that they become increasingly defiant. In an attempt to sway the Nazi officers so that they admit fault during the trial, they send in a Jewish Psychologist, Captain Gustav Gilbert (portrayed by Matt Craven). Throughout the movie Craven's character comes to terms with the atrocities that were inflicted on his people by speaking to some of the architects of the maniacal genocide. His dialogues with the Nazis allow him to reach an interesting conclusion as to the nature of evil in men.

History buffs should be warned that this movie is only based on the true story and may be inaccurate with regards to some of the details. Having said that, the story is well presented and holds the viewers' interest for the entire 3 hours. To add a bit of spice to the proceedings, Jackson is given a love interest (his secretary). I am not sure whether this was fabricated or actually occurred in real life. Nonetheless the viewer is given a treat by witnessing the evolution of Jackson's romance as the trial unfolds.

I must say that this movie is highly entertaining and eye opening at the same time. The cast is superb including the already mentioned Alec Baldwin along with Michael Ironside, Max von Sydow, and the always-entertaining Christopher Plummer. It is rare these days to find a 3-hour movie that can captivate an audience for its entire duration. I am pleased to say that this is one of those movies. I highly recommend "Nuremberg" to anyone that wants to learn more about the atrocities that took place in Europe in WWII and how they were dealt with. At the same time, I would also recommend this movie to anyone that is simply seeking an entertaining wartime movie that contains a brilliant plot and a great cast.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding drama that servves as a chilling reminder
Review: "Nuremburg" is a chilling and disturbing look at the Nuremberg trial of Nazi war criminals after WWII. The story is historically accurate and captures the political and psychological climate of the times. It also serves as a distressing reminder to a young generation that has not experienced war in its lifetime of the horrors of which humanity is capable.

The film examines a number of fascinating angles of the trial. Instead of just focusing on the trial itself (of which there is plenty), it also offers a look at the political rivalry and infighting of the victorious nations, and a number of character studies of the prisoners. The most prominently portrayed of these is Hermann Göring (Brain Cox), Reich Marshall of the Third Reich and a member of Hitler's inner circle. Göring is portrayed as a cunning and charismatic adversary, who almost succeeds at making a sham of the entire trial.

The haunting question that must pervade anyone's mind that ponders the atrocities that occurred in WWII Germany is verbalized in the film by Elsie Douglas (Jill Hennessey). She says, "How could civilized human beings ever do that to other civilized human beings?", to which Justice Jackson (Alec Baldwin) replies, "Maybe civilization is overrated." This film provides some insight into the motivation of the German leaders, examining the warped perspective of the perpetrators who attempt to rationalize to themselves and to the court the horrors they committed . They point to the German sense of duty and obedience that is ingrained into their culture. After all, they were only following orders. There is also the undercurrent of Hitler's ruthlessness in using the SS to eliminate all opposition. In a particularly lucid moment, Göring says that if you look up and down the cellblock all you see is "yes men" because all the "no men" are six feet underground. Göring also points out the hypocrisy of the criticism of German hatred of the Jews by a U.S. society that interred millions of Japanese citizens, and tolerates segregation and hate-crimes against blacks.

Certainly, this is no justification for the systematic annihilation of 10 million of their own citizens, and as the film progresses a number of the prisoners begin to express deep remorse for their actions. Still, it shows that this wasn't a group of sociopathic monsters in the conventional sense. They were otherwise normal men who had accomplished the inconceivable by dehumanizing their victims to the point where the horrors they committed every day were no more disturbing to them than hunting deer to trim the herd. This is the most frightening thought of all, because it portends the possibility that such unthinkable acts could happen again. As long as we are able to believe that these men were a gaggle of homicidal maniacs, a freak societal aberration, we can reassure ourselves that this couldn't ever recur. However, when it dawns on us that normal people are able to rationalize such behavior, we realize that under the right circumstances the potential for such inhumanity always exists. Complacency is an inadvertent ally of oppression, and this film should shock even the most casual viewer out of it. In this regard, it is instructive and enlightening.

The direction by Yves Simoneau is excellent and rises well above his mostly TV credits. The mood of the period is realistically rendered with a great deal of period accuracy. The costumes and period props are excellent with an eye for detail. He does an outstanding job creating background reaction shots, especially among the prisoners, that show their sarcastic disdain for their captors and display their smug superiority. He brings great power to numerous scenes using various camera angles. The holocaust footage used is some of the most disconcerting and inclusive I have ever seen. If there is any criticism to be leveled against the crafting of this film, it is that it delved too deeply into minutia, especially the sexual undercurrents between Jackson and Elsie Douglas. However, given the fact that it was produced as a TNT miniseries, the director was forced to fluff it up for the additional runtime.

The acting is also outstanding. Alec Baldwin gives a solid performance as Robert Jackson, a man obsessed with justice. Baldwin has never been known for his passion, but he elevates his game in certain parts of this film. Jill Hennessey is also excellent as Elsie, rendering her as a tough and smart woman who is a guiding force in the entire proceeding. However, by far the best performance is delivered by Brain Cox as Göring. His is a brilliant and complex performance that brings the reprehensible and magnetic Nazi leader to life in a way that is both attractive and loathsome. Colm Feore also gives a spine tingling performance as Rudolf Höss, the Commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, who cavalierly discusses the efficiency techniques of eliminating prisoners, with the cold precision of an industrial engineer.

This terrific drama rises far above its TV roots. I rated it a 9/10. It is important viewing which reminds us that we cannot become complacent about tyranny, and we must be ever vigilant to guard against its recurrence.

Rating:
Summary: A small victory for humanity
Review: "Nuremberg" is based on the true story of the notorious "Nuremberg Trial" that took place at the conclusion of WWII in Germany. The trial was led by Justice Robert Jackson (Alec Baldwin), whose vision was to prove that western morality was superior to that of the Nazis. Twenty-two high-ranking Nazis were forced to stand trial for committing crimes against humanity. Included in the Nazi gang was the infamous Hermann Goering (brilliantly portrayed by Brian Cox) who was Hitler's second in command.

One of Jackson's primary concerns was to give the Nazis a fair trial, of the likes that their victims never obtained. As the movie progresses, Jackson runs into Goering in the witness box and finds him to be somewhat of a challenge. The courtroom exchanges between Baldwin and Cox are highly entertaining and are some of the best scenes in the movie.

To give the Americans a run for their money, Goering proceeds to incite the other officers so that they become increasingly defiant. In an attempt to sway the Nazi officers so that they admit fault during the trial, they send in a Jewish Psychologist, Captain Gustav Gilbert (portrayed by Matt Craven). Throughout the movie Craven's character comes to terms with the atrocities that were inflicted on his people by speaking to some of the architects of the maniacal genocide. His dialogues with the Nazis allow him to reach an interesting conclusion as to the nature of evil in men.

History buffs should be warned that this movie is only based on the true story and may be inaccurate with regards to some of the details. Having said that, the story is well presented and holds the viewers' interest for the entire 3 hours. To add a bit of spice to the proceedings, Jackson is given a love interest (his secretary). I am not sure whether this was fabricated or actually occurred in real life. Nonetheless the viewer is given a treat by witnessing the evolution of Jackson's romance as the trial unfolds.

I must say that this movie is highly entertaining and eye opening at the same time. The cast is superb including the already mentioned Alec Baldwin along with Michael Ironside, Max von Sydow, and the always-entertaining Christopher Plummer. It is rare these days to find a 3-hour movie that can captivate an audience for its entire duration. I am pleased to say that this is one of those movies. I highly recommend "Nuremberg" to anyone that wants to learn more about the atrocities that took place in Europe in WWII and how they were dealt with. At the same time, I would also recommend this movie to anyone that is simply seeking an entertaining wartime movie that contains a brilliant plot and a great cast.

Rating:
Summary: Historically important on the Goring front
Review: A great movie. I haven't seen the DVD yet, so this is more or less a review of the substance of the film. The most important thing in this movie is the portrayal of Herman Goring by Brian Cox. Many historians and documentaries (especially by the British) have attempted to make Goring out to be some sort of floundering Sgt. Schultz character like that of Hogan's Heros. Well the fact of the matter is the man was a cunning, shrewd and diabolical warrior and bureaucrat who should not have been underestimated. As mentioned in other reviews here, his twisted logic and mental gymnastics are impressive and, if not taken with care and analysis, almost believable. Frightening in its depth. I will be buying this DVD shortly. It's A portrait in the ultimate maxim of "KNOW YOUR ENEMY." Many through the years have wondered how the people of Germany could have let these Nazis lead their nation down the path of destruction. The narcistic sociapathy portrayed in this film explains that better than most other WWII films. No special effects, no frills, sheer mental warfare. The portrayal of a concentration camp supervisor is also particularly chilling. Baldwin turns in one of his most intellectual performances of his career. This movie is on the level of "Inside the Third Reich" both the book by Albert Speer and the television mini-series featuring Derek Jacoby as Hitler. Nuremburg is a keeper and a critically important document in understanding the psychology of the managerial infrastructure of the Nazi regime. Your most humble and loyal servant, Drew Dixon Adventurer/patriot extraordinaire

Rating:
Summary: The crimes of war
Review: A new precedent was set in the months following the conclusion of World War II: the Nazis in charge of putting the holocaust into motion were to be tried as criminals. This was new legal ground that needed to be conquered by attorneys operating under a brand new set of judicial rules. The household name for the proceedings would come to be known as simply the Nuermberg trials.

Given the fact that there were 20+ defendents, there were two ways the makers of this movie could have taken. The first would be to do an in-depth re-creation of each & every Nazi's case. Of course, the film would then end up being twice as long as I, CLAUDIUS.

Or, they could focus on one major character and have the rest of the personages blend into the background. This is what they did. The primary Nazi whose career is examined in detail is the leader of the Luftwaffe: Hermann Goering. Meanwhile, the likes of Rudolph Hesse, Karl Dönitz and the rest play more-or-less an incidental role in the film.

The direction and acting is exceptional in this rendition of one of the 20th century's darkest hours. Christopher Plummer is excellent as the thoughtful yet fervent British legal representative. Brian Cox plays a riveting Reichmarshal Goering and the usually stoic Alec Baldwin turns in one of the better performances of his career.

This is a terrific (albeit depressing) movie about a pivotal moment, not just in the 20th century, but in all of human history. Perhaps we have finally come to the point where we will no longer tacitly condone the despotism of madmen, or the insane paroxysms of the mob. Never again can we think of genocide as a "solution" to anything. Rather, genocide itself is a problem that REQUIRES a solution.

I recommend this film to everyone over the age of 18. It is so important that I wish everyone would see it at least once. Even if you don't care for the acting, the direction, the script, etc., the film is STILL worth watching for the message it conveys and the history that it recounts.

Rating:
Summary: "Nuremberg" Will Add to Your Understanding About Pure Evil
Review: Alec Baldwin's "Nuremberg" is not the equal of the earlier masterpieces "Judgment at Nuremberg" and "Schindler's List." It also has the further disadvantage of being a work better appreciated by those with a substantial historical background. The previous films could be enjoyed even by viewers possessing little knowledge about that horrendous period. The names of Robert Jackson, Herman Goering, Hans Frank, and Albert Speer are admittedly not widely recognizable.

The Nuremberg trials were conducted by the Allied victors soon after the end of World War II. It was the first international tribunal in the history of humankind devoted to the criminal behavior of the losers. The challenge was to conduct a fair trial premised upon justice and not revenge. Although the evidence was overwhelming regarding the holocaust, large scale theft, and other transgressions, many of the defendants claimed that they merely followed orders. This line of defense may seem appalling in our day and age, but during that era it was widely accepted. Judge Jackson (Baldwin) was picked by President Harry Truman to carry out this most delicate task without alienating our Soviet Russian allies. The irony of course is that the Soviets were also murderous thugs, but in this less than perfect world compromise with evil is sometimes unavoidable.

Brian Cox brilliantly portrays Reichmarshal Goering, the heroic German fighter pilot of the First World War who ultimately became Hitler's right hand man. Goering possessed superb management skills, courage, a great sense of humor, cultural sophistication, and an ability to insightfully comment on the Nazi reign of terror. He also had a hard time comprehending the legitimate reasons why the civilized world considered him a diabolical monster. Observing the brief discussions between Goering and U.S. Army psychologist Captain Gustav Gilbert (Matt Craven) may do more to reveal the mindset of the Nazi hierarchy than reading numerous books. Gilbert a Jewish American had the awkward responsibility of providing care and understanding to those who ruthlessly slaughtered his own people. Captain Gilbert's self discipline and maturity were constantly put to the test.

Artistically speaking "Nuremberg" deserves only four stars, but that is not a valid excuse to keep you from seeing it. The very last scene has Max von Sydow as Samuel Rosenman uttering the hope that perhaps the Nuremberg trials will be the last of their kind. Rosenman is not childishly naive, and knows that history will likely be repeated. The at least metaphorical reality of original sin regrettably makes this a virtual certainty. We have the moral duty to learn how to increase the odds in our favor. Make sure that you see "Nuremberg!"

Rating:
Summary: Better than Judgment at Nuremberg
Review: Aside from Alec Baldwin's somewhat laconic performance, this film is much better than the original Judgment at Nuremberg, in my opinion. Brian Cox is phenomenal as Goring and steals the show. Baldwin's only shining moment is his grilling of Goring in which he finally shows some emotion. As always, Jill Hennessy looks great, but her character here is useless fluff.

Rating:
Summary: Nuremberg
Review: Director: Yves Simoneau

Stars: Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, Brian Cox, and Matt Craven

Release Date: 2001

Nuremberg depicts the Nazi war crimes of World War II and the Hitler era. Alec Baldwin stars at Robert Jackson, a Supreme Court justice who decides to serve as chief prosecutor of the Nazi war criminals for crimes against humanity. Robert Jackson works to give the Nazis a fair trial even though it is clear they repressed organized labor, harassed the church, and persecuted and exterminated the Jews of Europe. Brian Cox plays Hitler's deputy, Hermann Goering, a very manipulative killer portrays his part perfectly, so much so that you dislike him from the very beginning. Matt Craven plays, Captain Gustav Gilbert, who is Jewish and the prison psychiatrist who tries to help the prisoners keep their sanity, while trying to understand the evil inhumanity inflicted on his people. Through out the movie Jackson and his secretary, played by Jill Hennessy, add a little softness to the movie by falling in love and have an affair. There are scenes of the concentration camps and the senseless killing of the Jews that will make you appreciate the pain and suffering of the Jewish people of Europe.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent portrayal of the War Crimes Tribunal...
Review: First, ever since The Hunt for Red October I think Alec Baldwin's career has been on the slide, but within the constraints of this script he delivers a great performance as Justice Robert H. Jackson. I will mostly remember this film for Brian Cox's unforgettable portrait of Herman Goring, the strutting WWI ace, head of the Luftwaffe and Hitler's right hand man. His descriptions of the mad logic of National Socialism are chilling, and even the jokes he tells to the others in the stockade shows this dark side: "One German...what do you have? A good man! Two Germans...a Bund! Three Germans...a War!" The plot has an unnecessary and silly affair between Judge Jackson and his beautiful secretary, Elsie Douglas (Jill Hennessey of Law and Order). It is too bad that Albert Speer's character could not have been developed more, since he among all the former Nazis was the most sought after technocrats after the war, and he is sympathetic as he attempts to counter Goring's unwavering devotion to Hitler among the other war criminals. The issue of the fundamental fairness of any International Tribunal is discussed at length from the beginning. However, as the film ends (if you know your history you know who swung and who got prison time) I felt a sense of man's justice as useless and incomplete. Hitler and Ribbentrop's partners in waging aggressive war against Poland and committing many other crimes against humanity also ought to have hung from the gallows - Molotov and then Joseph Stalin!