Schindler’s List (1993) Review

During his review for Shining Through, Gene Siskel said that "It doesn't work to make a film about World War II in general and the Nazis in particular. A movie without some real bite on those subjects can really come across as trivial". I believe Schindler's List has that bite that Gene was talking about.

It tells the true story of Oscar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who owns a factory. He witnesses the horrifying events of the Holocaust and the toll it takes on the Jewish people. Eventually, he creates a list of over 1100 Jews whom he saves from certain death. He bribes, schemes and cons members of the Nazi party to get Jews into his factory. Because the factory is a protected war industry a job there may guarantee longer life. At first all that Schindler cares about is making money. He's not exactly a good man. He's a womanizer, he's selfish, he drinks. But he did an extraordinarily good thing. This movie is absolutely incredible.

The director of the film (Steven Spielberg) always either is able to reduce an audience to tears or at the very least get some type of emotional reaction from the audience. Never have I seen a movie that leaves me more at a loss for words. Never have I seen a movie that moves me this profoundly and deeply. Spielberg never talks down to the audience. With this film he completely respects the audience's intelligence and maturity. With this film he says, "I don't blame people for the horrors of the past. This was something we can't allow to happen again"

I was extremely impressed by all the performances. In particular Ralph Fiennes as the real-life Nazi commander Amon Goeth. He's frightening and, in my opinion, deserved the Oscar over Tommy Lee Jones

The musical score, as composed by John Williams, is performed by world renown violinist Itszhak Perlman. This decision creates a haunting and highly memorable score and fits so perfectly with the black and white camera work.

I wouldn't let the violence of the movie dissuade parents from showing their children the film. Although the movie is extremely violent there is a purpose for it and it's a very important film.

★★★★