Fantastic movie except for the last 5 minutes

Rating: 8/10 (2 November 2006)

An American judge hears the cases of German judges who collaborated with Hitler. The cases are pretty simple except for one of Janning's. Janning is known for his love for justice and has written books on the same topic which is read as text books by the lawyers in Europe. Janning became a part of Hitler mafia unwillingly because he thought that things will get over soon but as things grew thicker he found himself more engaged and guilty. Rest of the cases are simple and doesn't need great imagination to be termed as Hitler's accomplices. A judge, a convict, a prosecuting lawyer and a defendant lawyer are the main characters of the film. Judgement at Nuxemberg talks about a lot of things other than of course patting America's back for bringing Hitler to his knees.
Lots of arguments are extremely relevant and interesting. What's more interesting than a courtrooms drama? JAN is almost as good as 'Inherit the Wind' except for last five minutes. It would have a fantastic film if Janning was not shown begging for sympathy from all white American judge Dan Haywood. It just killed my admiration for the film. Rest of the film is just remarkable. It was nice to see Hans Rolfe talking about Hiroshima and Nagasaki with Janning trying to convince him that America has no right whatsoever to give anyone a guilt trip. That was I think the most powerful and relevant scene. I think I gave 8 for that particular dialog otherwise rest of the film is more-less a propaganda.
JAN got 2 very well deserving Oscars. Maximillian Schell was just mind blowing one of the few performances like Vincent D'Onofrio in Full Metal Jacket, JAmes Stewart in 'Mr Smith goes to Washington' etc. Rest of the cast is just as good as it gets. I think its a fine film provided you know about Americans spirit (saying something else and doing something else) and you can laugh it off when they seriously try to fool rest of the world. 8/10.