Amazon.com essential video: Director Stanley Kramer's socially conscious 1961 film tackles the subject of the war crime trials arising out of World War II in an earnest and straightforward fashion, exploring the consciousness of two nations as they struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the Holocaust. Spencer Tracy plays the American judge selected to head the tribunal that will try the suspected war criminals. As he sets about his task, he must confront the raw emotion felt by the German people, and his own notions of good and evil, right and wrong. Regarded as a classic, this stark rendering of one of the most pivotal events in the 20th century features a stellar cast including Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Marlene Dietrich, a young William Shatner, and Maximillian Schell, who won an Oscar for his role as counsel for the defense for those charged with crimes against humanity. Judgment at Nuremberg is important viewing not only for the history of film, but for the history of modern times. --Robert Lane
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Rating: - Is it any wonder that with a triumphant director, an all-star cast & an out-of-sight screenplay...
...Judgment at Nuremberg is the greatest narrative war-era film in all of American cinematic history.
"Judgment at Nuremberg" is an epic film that completely engulfs the viewer because of the nature and the severity of the subject matter. It is absolutely impossible to say who gave a better performance because the entire cast was perfect. Never has there been another motion picture with so many first-rate stars who all gave the performances of their collective careers.
The film is directed by Stanley Kramer, based on the screen play by Abby Mann. And the main cast includes: ... Read More
Rating: - For once, the hype is richly deserved
If you've never seen this film, you're in for a mind-blowing experience in the way of acting, direction, cinematography and script writing. This is the film that finally unhooked Judy Garland from the Rainbow, if you know what I mean. It requires multiple viewings to really appreciate. Try to reserve 3 hours without interuption if you can.
Rating: - A Film for All Seasons
Written by Abby Mann, directed by Stanley Kramer, "Judgment at Nuremberg" is one of those rare movies that keeps you in its clutches for a very short three hours. Set in 1948 this 1961 film covers the Nuremberg trials when judges were put on trial for their decisions during Hitler's rule. The acting to an individual is outstanding. Spencer Tracey, who presides over the trials, is an American judge recently turned out of office by the electorate, a rube from Maine who has the uncanny ability to get to the truth. His performance, his facial expressions, his eyes are a joy to watch. Richard Widmark for the ... Read More
Rating: - Fantastic!!
Judgment At Nuremburg is a great movie in every sense. It is well shot, the plot is moving, and the acting is superb for any era and well beyond almost any acting in film today. The courtroom scenes are full of glowing performances but most especially the performances of Spencer Tracy as (Chief Judge Haywood), Burt Lancaster (as Dr. Ernst Janning), and Maximilian Schell (as Hans Rolfe) were quite simply stunning. Be that as it may, this movie is not for the faint of heart. The subject matter (judges accused of atrocities during the holocaust) is quite graphic and includes actual footage of concentration ... Read More
Rating: - How easily we fool ourselves
This old movie is obviously well done but the full impact of it just sank in for me. This is not about how evil the German people were--they were and are no more evil than anyone else. The real message of this film is about how easily we can justify evil behavior when it's sold under the guise of patriotism. And how easily fear and self-interest leads to an inability to "see" the evil. Americans in particular ought to view this film again and again, with their eyes wide open.
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