Nuremberg (2025) is a serious, dialogue-driven historical drama that explores the psychological and moral reckoning following World War II. Directed by James Vanderbilt, the film focuses on Nazi leader Hermann Göring and the American psychiatrist assigned to evaluate him before the infamous war crimes trials.
Unlike traditional war films filled with combat, Nuremberg relies on real historical evidence, courtroom tension, and disturbing archival footage, making it emotionally heavy despite its PG-13 rating. While educational and powerful, this is not light viewing for younger audiences.
| Movie Name | Nuremberg |
| Release Date | November 2025 |
| Age Rating | PG-13 |
| Runtime | 2h 28m |
| Director | James Vanderbilt |
| Cast | Russell Crowe, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon |
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Themes | Holocaust, War Crimes, Psychology, Justice |
Why Is Nuremberg Rated PG-13?
Nuremberg is rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned) for:
- Violent content related to the Holocaust
- Disturbing real archival images
- Strong language
- Themes of suicide, smoking, and brief drug use
While there is very little traditional “movie violence,” the use of real Holocaust footage and depictions of execution and suicide make the film emotionally intense and potentially upsetting for teens.
Nuremberg Parents Guide
Violence & Disturbing Imagery — High (Historical Reality)
- Real Holocaust footage shown during courtroom scenes:
- Emaciated corpses
- Mass graves
- Victims of starvation and torture
- Executions & Suicide:
- Characters ingest cyanide capsules, showing physical reactions (blue faces, foaming).
- One hanging execution with realistic aftermath.
- Medical Emergencies:
- A character suffers a visible heart attack.
- War Crimes Discussion:
- Dialogue references mass murder, torture, and genocide.
⚠️ Important Note for Parents: These images are real historical documentation, not recreated scenes, which makes them more disturbing than typical PG-13 films.
Language — Medium
- Occasional strong language, including:
- At least one use of the F-word
- Words like “damn,” “hell,” “shit,” and “bitch”
- Antisemitic slurs spoken by Nazi characters (contextual, historically accurate, not endorsed).
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking — High
- Drug Use:
- Hermann Göring’s addiction to paracodeine is a central plot point.
- Pill consumption and withdrawal/detox are shown.
- Smoking:
- Frequent cigarette and cigar smoking throughout (historically accurate).
- Alcohol:
- Characters drink often, sometimes heavily.
Sexual Content & Nudity — Low
- No sexual nudity or sex scenes
- Non-sexual nudity:
- Real corpses in archival Holocaust footage
- Brief rear nudity during a prisoner hosing scene
- Sexual references:
- Brief verbal mentions of adultery and affairs only.
Age Recommendation
| Age Group | Verdict | Notes for Parents |
|---|---|---|
| Under 12 | Avoid | Slow pacing and real Holocaust imagery are too traumatic. |
| Ages 13–15 | With Guidance | Educational but emotionally heavy; warn about real footage. |
| Ages 16+ | Recommended | Excellent for history, psychology, or law students. |
| Adults | Recommended | Powerful, thoughtful, and historically important. |
Plot Summary
Set in the aftermath of World War II, Nuremberg centers on the psychological interrogation of Nazi leader Hermann Göring as Allied forces prepare for the historic war crimes trials. Through tense conversations between Göring and his American psychiatrist, the film dissects charisma, denial, guilt, and the disturbing normalcy behind mass atrocity—culminating in a sobering examination of justice and accountability.
FAQ
Why is Nuremberg PG-13 instead of R?
The film avoids graphic fictional violence and pervasive profanity. However, the psychological intensity and real archival footage push the upper limits of PG-13.
Is the Holocaust footage real or recreated?
The footage is real archival material shown during trial scenes, making it especially powerful and disturbing.
Is Nuremberg boring for teenagers?
It depends. The film is mostly dialogue and interrogation. Teens interested in WWII, law, or psychology will be engaged; those expecting action will not.
Does the film glorify Nazis?
No. While Göring is portrayed as intelligent and charismatic, the film ultimately deconstructs him and exposes the moral emptiness behind his ideology.
Final Thoughts
Nuremberg (2025) is a sobering, intelligent historical drama that prioritizes truth and moral reckoning over spectacle. Though officially PG-13, its real Holocaust imagery and heavy themes demand emotional maturity. It’s an excellent educational film for older teens and adults—but not suitable for children or casual viewing.