Review of Schindler's List (1993) by Netan Y — 20 Feb 2015

"Schindler's List" is simply a masterpiece. Directed by the one and only Steven Spielberg, it tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a Nazi Millionaire who spent every last penny he had to keep his factory a safe-house for the Jews during World War 2. Liam Neeson, now primarily known for his roles in low budget action movies, is phenomenal in his role as Schindler. Ben Kingsley shines as Itzhak Stern, a Jewish worker who helps Schindler operate his factory.

"Schindler's List" is smartly shot in black and white. The black emphasizes how dark and atrocious the events of the holocaust were while the white is the light of hope shining bright on Schindler for his good deeds. The only other color in the movie is the red in the jacket of a small Jewish girl, whose ghetto is being emptied with the people living there being taken to a concentration camp. Schindler later sees her dead body being carried away. Thus, we see that the red is a symbol for the unnecessary bloodshed and innocent lives that were lost.

It is important to realize that during the start of the war, Schindler's primary goal was wealth. He then saw the terror around him and decided to do what was best for humanity, not for himself. This shows that people can change for the best and one person can make a huge difference. Oskar Schindler lived the rest of his life in poverty, but it is hard to deny his status as a role model and a hero. This is a very touching story and a perfectly directed movie that commemorates the life of a man who unselfishly stood out from the rest to do what's morally right in the midst of a tragedy. In the final scene of the movie, when the war is over, Neeson is angry with himself for not being able to save more lives. It is very hard as a viewer not to get emotional.

Oskar Schindler is the reason why 8,500 innocent people are alive today, descendants from the 1,100 or so he protected during the war. He will never be forgotten.