Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
WWII courtroom drama includes disturbing archive footage.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Judgment at Nuremberg
What's the Story?
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG is a fictionalized account of the Nuremberg trials, carried out by allied forces, that took place in the wake of the World War II, where former judges of Nazi Germany were tried for their involvement in the Holocaust. Chief Judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy) has traveled to Germany to preside over this monumental case, as he attempts to understand the true depth of complicity, with figures such as Dr. Ernst Janning (Burt Lancaster) hoping for mercy.
Is It Any Good?
This fictionalized account of the Nuremberg trials in 1947 delves into the horrors of WWII and the Holocaust, asking some tough questions along the way. Directed by Stanley Kramer, Judgment at Nuremberg doesn't merely focus on the individual perpetrators or victims of these atrocities. Instead, it examines how the evils of the Nazi regime spread across Europe and explores the concepts of collective responsibility. The film seeks to understand how so many became entangled in such hateful and violent ideology. How much did people actually know? What could they have done to stop it? Bringing these complexities to life is an A-list cast, with Tracy, Lancaster, and Marlene Dietrich all delivering strong performances. As a courtroom drama, the film also offers memorable cameos from Montgomery Clift and Judy Garland, who shine in the witness box. Kramer ensures that the viewer is not given an easy ride—and nor should they be—and despite its three-hour runtime, the film remains compelling throughout.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the notion of accountability and of responsibility as explored in Judgment at Nuremberg. Were you shocked at how complicit seemingly "normal" people were in the atrocities that took place? Why do you think such evil acts were allowed to happen?
What drove Chief Judge Dan Haywood? How did he show compassion and integrity? Did characters communicate well with one another? Why are these important character strengths?
How much do you know about World War II and the Holocaust? Did the film make you want to learn more? How to talk with kids about violence, crime, and war.
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 19, 1961
- On DVD or streaming : September 14, 2004
- Cast : Spencer Tracy , Burt Lancaster , Marlene Dietrich
- Director : Stanley Kramer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : United Artists
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Integrity
- Run time : 179 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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