Review of Schindler's List (1993) by Stephen Z — 09 Feb 2015

I'll just start by saying that "Schindler's List" is a powerful, moving movie. It is a beautifully directed film, and with Steven Spielberg as the director, that comes as no surprise. But it is not just Spielberg's steady hand that makes "Schindler's List" an amazing film; it is also the powerful performances of the cast.

Whoever casted this film did an outstanding job because not only did they cast talented actors, but they casted talented actors who bear a striking resemblance to their real-life counterparts. Ben Kingsley is great as bumbling, but likeable accountant Itzhak Stern. Ralph Fiennes is excellent as ruthless SS officer Amon Goeth. But it is Liam Neeson as the namesake Oskar Schindler who has the stand-out performance. Whether portraying an angry Schindler or a kind-hearted Schindler, Neeson provides great emotional depth to the character.

This is such an incredible story. In fact, so incredible, I was surprised to learn it is a true story. It is of course full of truly sad moments. But it is also full of moments of great triumph and joy, especially the touching ending. This is by far the most bold, eye-opening account of the horrors of the Holocaust that I've ever seen in a film.

When you hear the name Spielberg, most people think about his exciting films, like "Jaws" or "Indiana Jones". But with "Schindler's List", Spielberg has proven he can direct a serious drama as well. The film starts out slow, but once the story picks up, it becomes truly captivating. "Schindler's List" is one Spielberg's best films, not only because it is an amazing story, but because of the people it honors.