It’s a gem from the archives of vintage Hollywood films that we chanced upon on OTT (Prime Video). Rated a landmark film of its time by a great filmmaker, Stanley Kramer, for its bold and thought provoking subject, ‘Judgement at Nuremberg’ (1961) has an amazing star cast of greats like Spencer Tracy, Marlene Dietrich & Burt Lancaster and many others. Akin to a vivid war documentary, it’s a masterpiece for the sheer brilliance of screenplay, dialogues and standout performances.
Set in the post war era of the 1940s, wherein the holocaust of WWII had witnessed massive devastation and heinous atrocities committed against humanity and the Jews in particular, by Nazis who overran Europe, the American law enforcement authorities set up Tribunals to try those responsible for the inhuman war crimes of that regime. The film deals with one such court case held at Nuremberg, Germany, wherein four former eminent German judges are charged with passing sentences that led to the mass executions of innocents as per then laws of the state. None of them, were directly involved with executions or running of concentration camps.
The Tribunal Court with passionate intensity from both sides, debates the dilemma of fixing accountability for the crimes on the accused. There is impassioned plea for their defense- judges give rulings based on evidence and in accordance with the laws that may come as dictats of despotic leader and accord justice from that viewpoint, but moral and ethical issues arose. Judges were upright, learned men who could’ve raised their voice against unilateral, unjust laws but remained silent, though some others(judges) had resigned, left their posts, foreseeing dangers ahead for the system. Element of coercion on the judges existed since the total allegiance to the State was paramount – all had to fall in line for the glory of the Nation !
American Judge presiding over the case (played by Spencer Tracy) tries to understand the psyche & ethos of the German people in a small place like Nuremberg- how a civilized society could watch the kind of torture inflicted on innocent people as Nazis had done ?Locals revealed facets that showed fear, ignorance & helplessness against might of fascist totalitarianism!
The Judge while delivering judgement faces the same moral dilemma that is relevant today. Across many developed nations of the world, sweeping dictatorial powers throttle the voice of ordinary people and opposing ideas in the name of nationalism and march ahead with their grandiose plans, often at heavy cost to justice, order, peace and humanity !
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