Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a remarkable Canadian/US television drama written by David W. Rintels and directed by Yves Simoneau. The film was released in the year 2000 and features an all-star cast ensemble that includes Alec Baldwin, Brian Cox, and Christopher Plummer among others.

The film delves into the backdrop of World War II. It dramatically brings to life the Nuremberg Trials, one of the most significant events after the war. The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals that took place in the German city of Nuremberg after World War II. They were most notable for the prosecution of prominent leaders of Nazi Germany, who were charged with planning, carrying out, or otherwise participating in the holocaust and other war crimes.

The film begins with the end of World War II. Alec Baldwin plays Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, who is appointed the U.S. Chief of Counsel for the prosecution of Nazi war criminals. As the architect of the defense strategy, Jackson stands out with Baldwin bringing gravity, poise, and solemnity to the assignment.

Jackson, along with other allied lawyers, faces the complex task of prosecuting 21 war criminals, including Hermann Göring (played Brian Cox), Hitler's number two man and chief of the Luftwaffe. Cox delivers a compelling performance, portraying Göring's charm and intelligence, while at the same time, metamorphosing into a person of pure evil, unapologetic for the war crimes committed.

Renowned actor Christopher Plummer plays Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, who is the deputy chief prosecutor for the United Kingdom. Maxwell-Fyfe takes on a significant role in examining the captured Nazis and his cross-examination of Hermann Göring is one of the movie’s most crucial, riveting moments.

Nuremberg holds the viewers' attention with its courtroom drama, gripping dialogues and the dilemma swirling around the lawyers as they navigate through legalities while fighting their own emotional battles. The movie sets the stage for an intense portrayal of justice as it is being levied upon those who committed some of the most atrocious crimes against humanity.

The film brings forth several legal issues faced during the trials, raising questions about war, ethics, and legality. Over the course of the trials, it underscores the complicated dilemma of how to lawfully judge people whose actions seem to be beyond any rational humanity, laws, or even the comprehension of the allied lawyers themselves.

Throughout its duration, Nuremberg also provides some historical insights, encompassing the geopolitics of war, the meticulous genocidal preparation of Nazis, and the world’s reaction. It highlights the intricate preparation and organization of the trials, including the logistical challenges and the disagreements among the allies over the form and nature of the prosecution.

The complexity of the characters in Nuremberg, especially the accused Nazis, is vividly portrayed. Even though the viewers are already aware of the horrific crimes committed by these individuals, the film depicts them in a way where their humanness, not just their monstrosity, is emphasized. This element creates a deeper emotional resonance with the audience.

The movie is punctuated with archival footage, which adds authenticity to the storytelling. These excerpts coherently add to the narrative, especially in depicting the heinous war crimes committed by the Nazis, without sensationalizing the violence.

The brilliance of Nuremberg lies in the way it handles its complex narrative. Its nuanced representation of the pivotal historical trials showcases a range of human emotions, political manoeuvres and the overall aura of the time, without undermining the severity of the crimes being adjudged.

All in all, Nuremberg stands as a strong depiction of a historical event that changed the face of international criminal law. The stellar performances, robust screenplay, coupled with its historical accuracy and intensity of portrayal, make this film not just an unforgettable courtroom drama, but also an important revisit to a significant site in history. It offers a deeply moving experience that strikes a delicate balance between educating the audience about a critical moment in history and providing riveting, thrilling entertainment.