In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.
There are no surprises in the direction, and Abby Mann's screenplay plays the expected tunes, but there's enough conviction on display to reward a patient spectator.
– ,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
rotten:
Watchable enough on its own terms, but insufferably glib next to something like Shoah.
– ,
Chicago Reader,
7 Nov 2007
fresh:
Tracy delivers a performance of great intelligence and intuition.