Russell Crowe & Rami Malek Shine in 'Nuremberg' at TIFF

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On September 7, 2025, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) hosted the world premiere of the highly anticipated historical drama “Nuremberg”. This film explores the post-World War II trials of Nazi leaders, providing audiences with a deep and intense look at one of history’s most significant legal proceedings.

The premiere drew massive attention, and the film received a long standing ovation from the audience, signaling that it could be one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Directed by James Vanderbilt, known for his meticulous research and storytelling, “Nuremberg” is based on the real-life events following the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

The movie focuses on the 22 top Nazi officials who were tried for their crimes, including Hermann Göring, one of the highest-ranking figures in Hitler’s regime. The film also highlights the role of U.S. Army psychiatrist Dr. Douglas Kelley, who evaluated the mental state of these leaders during the trials.

Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring

Russell Crowe, a veteran actor and Academy Award winner, plays Hermann Göring. Göring was one of the most powerful leaders in Nazi Germany, second only to Hitler in influence. Crowe’s performance has been widely praised for capturing the complexity of Göring’s personality.

In the film, Crowe portrays Göring as arrogant, confident, and deeply flawed. He shows Göring as a man who, even after the fall of the Nazi regime, believes he can talk his way out of trouble.

Crowe said in an interview that playing such a character was challenging because it required balancing Göring’s charm and intelligence with his cruelty and arrogance. He mentioned, “You get to the end of the war, they decide there’s going to be a trial. And Hermann, he still thinks he can talk his way out of this.”

Crowe’s performance has already been recognized as one of the highlights of the TIFF premiere, with many critics noting his ability to bring depth and humanity to a historical figure often viewed as purely evil.

Rami Malek as Dr. Douglas Kelley

Rami Malek, another Academy Award-winning actor, stars as Dr. Douglas Kelley, the U.S. Army psychiatrist who evaluated the Nazi leaders. Kelley’s role was crucial because he was responsible for assessing the mental health of the defendants, determining whether they were fit to stand trial.

Malek’s portrayal emphasizes the psychological tension between morality and duty. He explores the difficulties of understanding men who committed horrific crimes while trying to maintain professional objectivity. Malek stated that playing Kelley required extensive research into psychology,

military protocol, and historical records. His performance adds a layer of complexity to the film, showing the human side of justice and morality during one of history’s most difficult periods.

The combination of Crowe’s intense depiction of Göring and Malek’s thoughtful portrayal of Kelley creates a powerful dynamic, capturing the clash between evil and ethical responsibility.

Supporting Cast and Characters

• The film also features a strong ensemble cast that contributes to its historical authenticity. Notable actors include:
• Michael Shannon, known for his intense and versatile performances, plays a key figure in the prosecution team.
• Richard E. Grant, who portrays British lawyer David Maxwell Fyfe, plays a critical role in examining legal proceedings and ensuring the trials are fair. Grant praised director James Vanderbilt for his dedication to accuracy and historical detail.
• John Slattery, a veteran actor, contributes depth to the depiction of the Allied forces’ efforts to bring justice.
• Leo Woodall, a rising star, adds youthful energy and perspective to the story.
• The cast’s performances help bring history to life, making it easier for audiences to understand the weight of the trials and the challenges faced by both prosecutors and defendants.

Historical Context

The Nuremberg Trials were held after World War II to bring Nazi leaders to justice for their crimes against humanity. These trials were significant for establishing principles of international law and accountability for war crimes.

The movie not only portrays the legal proceedings but also explores the psychological and moral struggles of those involved. It shows how prosecutors, judges, and psychiatrists grappled with questions such as:

• How do you judge a man responsible for mass atrocities?
• Can someone like Hermann Göring be held accountable if he claims mental instability?
• What is the role of morality in law?
• By addressing these questions, the film educates viewers about history while also providing a dramatic narrative filled with tension, emotion, and ethical dilemmas.
• Audience Reception at TIFF

The premiere of “Nuremberg” at TIFF 2025 was met with enthusiastic applause. After the film ended, the audience gave a four-minute standing ovation, reflecting their appreciation for the performances and storytelling. Critics praised the film for:

• Accurate representation of historical events
• Strong performances by the lead actors
• Emotional depth and moral complexity
• High production values and cinematography

Director James Vanderbilt noted that while there have been many World War II films, relatively few focus on the post-war trials. He said, “There have been a lot of World War Two movies but there haven’t been a lot of post-World War Two movies.” Vanderbilt wanted to highlight the legal and psychological battles that took place after the war, offering a fresh perspective on history.

Production and Research

The film is based on Jack El-Hai’s book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist”, which examines the relationship between Göring and Dr. Kelley. Vanderbilt and his team conducted extensive research, including reviewing historical documents, photographs, and trial transcripts, to ensure historical accuracy.

Every detail, from courtroom settings to costume design, was carefully crafted to reflect the era. Richard E. Grant noted that Vanderbilt’s commitment to authenticity helped the actors deliver realistic and credible performances.

Upcoming Release

Following its successful premiere, “Nuremberg” is scheduled for theatrical release in November 2025. Film critics and audiences alike are anticipating its wider release, expecting it to become an important film for both historical education and cinematic storytelling.

The release also opens the door for the film to compete in awards season, as the performances of Crowe and Malek have already been recognized as strong contenders for accolades.

Cultural Impact

“Nuremberg” is more than just a historical drama. It serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, accountability, and ethical responsibility. The film shows how individuals can face moral dilemmas in extreme situations and how legal systems work to hold even the most powerful accountable.

By focusing on the human side of history, the film allows viewers to reflect on the consequences of war, the significance of legal systems, and the complexity of human psychology. It is a story that resonates today as it deals with themes of justice, ethics, and the responsibility of individuals in society.

The premiere of “Nuremberg” at TIFF 2025 was a major success. Russell Crowe’s portrayal of Hermann Göring and Rami Malek’s performance as Dr. Douglas Kelley were widely praised, earning a standing ovation from the audience. The film also benefited from a talented supporting cast, meticulous research, and thoughtful direction by James Vanderbilt.

The movie sheds light on the post-World War II trials, exploring both the legal and moral challenges faced by those who sought justice. With its powerful performances, historical accuracy, and compelling narrative, “Nuremberg” is expected to be an important film in the upcoming awards season and a memorable cinematic experience for viewers around the world.

Russell Crowe