The 2025 war film Nuremberg has been hailed by audiences as a 'masterpiece' and the movie that 'Oppenheimer should have been,' according to reviews on IMDb. The film, which focuses on the preparations for the post-World War II Nuremberg trials, has drawn comparisons to Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan as one of the greatest war films ever made.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Directed by James Vanderbilt, Nuremberg features an ensemble cast including Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, Rami Malek, Richard E. Grant, Colin Hanks, Michael Shannon, and Lydia Peckham. Crowe's performance as the Nazi leader has been singled out for particular praise, with one reviewer writing: 'Russell Crowe absolutely steals the show, with a captivating performance as Göring. His screen presence is benefitting for such a role, even though he uses a slightly higher register to speak in than his usual rumbling baritone.'
Another reviewer highlighted the chemistry between Crowe and Malek, stating: 'Rami Malek contributes his usual intensity, and he and Crowe play off excellently against each other.'
Comparison to Oppenheimer
Several viewers have directly compared Nuremberg to Christopher Nolan's 2023 Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer. One IMDb user wrote: 'Wow, haven't seen a movie THAT good in years. Even though it's not a high action movie (like Mission Impossible), it was great to see it on the big screen since it was so engrossing. Best acting I've seen in years. Oscar should go to Russell and Rami for sure. This is the movie Oppenheimer should have been.'
Another review echoed this sentiment: 'This film is a must watch for fans of history and movies alike, but is an essential watch for those who would prefer we collectively forget what atrocities we are capable of as a species. We must never be allowed to forget, lest we repeat it. Everyone should watch this.'
Oscar Snubs and Historical Relevance
Despite the critical acclaim, some fans expressed disappointment that Crowe and the film were not nominated for Academy Awards. One reviewer wrote: 'How was Russell Crowe not nominated for Best Actor? Russell Crowe delivered an unbelievable performance as Hermann Göring. How was he not nominated for best actor and how was this powerful movie not nominated for Best Picture?' The same reviewer added: 'The movie based on a true story has meaning that is relative today. As Mark Twain said, History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes. I highly recommend seeing it.'
Nuremberg offers a dramatic retelling of the events leading up to the historic trials, which prosecuted major Nazi war criminals. Its release in 2025 has reignited interest in World War II cinema and the moral complexities of justice in the aftermath of conflict.
