Review of Schindler's List (1993) by Autumn B — 19 Feb 2015

So after many years of hesitation, I finally saw this epic movie. Back in 1993, I was eleven years old and prevented from seeing it by my cautious parents. As an adult, I completely understand. Schindler's List is the true story of a German who at great personal expense, sheltered many Jews under the guise of needing workers for his factories.

In the first place, Oskar Schindler is not a saint. He is a swindler, womanizer and otherwise cold-hearted business man. Yet his humanity cannot allow him to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed in the name of ethnic cleansing.

There is a point at which a Jewish worker tells a story about what happens to Jews who think they are getting a bath. Another woman says " No, that couldn't happen!" Yes, it happened, and yes this was a story that needed to be told.

Powerful, visceral, heart-wrenching are all words used to describe this movie. Note: This is a three-hour movie filled with violence and depravity; the sensitive viewer may need to take a break or two.