The Story of Schindler’s List
Oskar Schindler is a vain and greedy German businessman who becomes an unlikely humanitarian amid the barbaric German Nazi reign. He turns his factory into a Jewish refuge. This is a true story of Oskar Schindler, a man who saved around 1100 Jews from being gassed in concentration camps in Auschwitz. The story is a testament to the good that can be found in all of us at any time, no matter who we used to be.
You don’t need to watch the movie to know that this is going to be a very sad film. Many people cry. Swathes of people bawled in the audience. People clapped for the film at the end. It’s a film that has had a lasting impact on many.
The Holocaust is a dark and touchy subject for many people. The people who lived through the holocaust were changed by it, scarred by it for life. Nazis kept records of the goings on there, and the horrors that people experienced in those camps are truly something else.
Schindler’s List is Often Considered One of the Greatest Films Ever Made
“Here, Steven Spielberg has created a true emotional masterpiece. It’s entirely in black and white, creating the bleak mood and somehow making crushing scenes even more so., “By the end of this film, you will likely feel emotionally spent, and many go on to question humanity. It really is that kind of film.”
The movie depicts concentration camp life as dismal and harrowing, with constant brutal oppression by Nazi camp guards and the particularly sadistic Amon Goth, perfectly portrayed by Ralph Fiennes.
If you are interested in the historic subject matter, you should watch this film. It is a film about a miserable, dark period in human history, and is not something you should watch if you want to laugh. However, upon watching, you will be witnessing a true work of art and an amazing feat for film aficionados.
One of Steven Spielberg’s Finest Works
This film is truly one of Spielberg’s finest works. He is, of course, Jewish, so this adds a personal touch to the tale. However, it doesn’t ever feel like he tries to ham up the sympathy or the antipathy towards a particular group in the film. Everybody is simply human, both Jews and Nazis.
That being said, Spielberg has since admitted that he does over sentimentalize things. If you take a look at the scene when Stern has just been rescued from the train by Schindler, for example, you will see that the camera pans to a large room where the suitcases of other souls less fortunate are being trifled through. There’s a pile of personal photographs of a family that you can spot between eye glasses and boots. This is a very emotional scene and one that is sure to make an impact on anybody who watches.
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The Finale
Towards the end of the film, Schindler talks about how he could have potentially sold his car and this would have helped him to save more lives. This is one of the only scenes that feel a little forced. It is one of the only moments in the film where audience members and viewers felt let down. Jerry Seinfield even made fun of it. Spielberg admitted he likes to get sentimental, but he needed to back off at this part. There was no need for such a sentimental scene with violins going crazy after an absolute masterpiece. It’s hard to understand why he didn’t see this at the time.
The thing about this film is that you will only really need to see it once. Some may choose to watch it twice, even three times, but many choose not to repeat the experience as it is so emotionally draining. It will be etched on your mind for the rest of your life. If you don’t cry, you will likely find yourself silently questioning everything about humanity.
Conclusion
Schindler’s List deservedly won 7 Oscars. It also managed another 83 wins and 49 nominations. A thorough critical analysis of this film is not needed. The detail, the style, director points – none of it truly matters when you appreciate it as a whole. It is a monumental piece of cinema, and a breathtaking accomplishment – the brutal scenes will continue to educate people long into the future.