Review of Schindler's List (1993) by Jon T — 21 Mar 2014

Although I have always admired Steven Spielberg as a director, I had heard of, but not seen, SCHINDLER'S LIST... at least until now. Actually, I became inspired to see it just after viewing the shocking 12 YEARS A SLAVE, which, to this day, still left a mark on me.

Perhaps because of this, I was surprised that I wasn't quite as affected by this film, partially because I had known beforehand about the stories about the Jewish holocaust in World War II than the plight of slaves.

But that is in no way meant to diminish SCHINDLER'S LIST as a lesser film. On the contrary. It is a profoundly executed, moving picture (shot, interestingly, in black and white) where we are indeed treated to horrifying scenes of massacre on the part of the Nazis.

Jews are banned from their homes, shot randomly at will, and worst of all, sent to cremation chambers. But the real emotional anchor of this film is in the development of its unlikely hero, one Oskar Schindler, an underhanded businessman who employs Jews to work at his factory.

.. and, in a true act of self-sacrifice and compassion, compiles a list of more than 1,100 workers to save them from a grisly fate. Liam Neeson does an outstanding job in the title role, effectively conveying his transformation from a greedy moneymaker to a caring soul.

Ben Kingsley turns in a similarly fine performance as his colleague, the Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern, while Ralph Fiennes recreates a chillingly frightening, unpredictable, psychopathic villain in Goeth, the ruthless Nazi commander who never once hesitates to target practice on his Jewish "servants" while lusting after another.

One of the real gratifications of this film is seeing evil Goeth getting his comeuppance, but even more so is the message of how one unlikely man can rise to the occasion and make a difference. Spielberg has stated that making this film left an impact on him.

It deserves every single Oscar it received, and I highly recommend it without hesitation.