Schindler's List

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes.

Written by: Steven Zaillian (Screenplay), Thomas Keneally (Book: Schindler's Ark).

Rated R for language, sexuality, and actuality violence. 

Schindler’s List tackles the Holocaust in a manner unlike any other film on the subject. Its unflinching portrayal of one of the world’s darkest moments in history really gives you a sense of how truly horrific an experience it must have been. I've sat through many a history lesson, seen countless films, and even “experienced the war first-hand” in some WWII-based games, but nothing has ever stirred up the emotions from within in the way that Steven Spielberg has with this film. For anybody that truly wants to understand the tragedy, and just how deplorable -- or how selfless -- human beings can be, this film may be the window into history with the best view.

The horrors within are significantly amplified by Janusz Kaminski's Oscar-winning cinematography.

The handheld look and black-and-white composition (though there are brief flashes of color) make Schindler’s List feel like a documentary. For me, it not only greatly contributes to the grim reality of the situation, it makes the film timeless. It would probably be impossible to guess when the film was made simply by looking at it.

The parameters of Schindler’s List are full of paradox. It’s horrifying and uplifting, intimate but epic, stark yet beautiful. It puts the audience through the wringer and, by the end, you may harbor feelings of anger, depression or even exhaustion, but you may also be inspired, even humbled, by the images

you’ve endured. Spielberg’s film runs the full spectrum of emotions, and no matter how you ultimately feel in the end, you can rest assured in knowing that you witnessed something truly extraordinary.

Within the film, the platform through whom you’ll experience these emotions comes courtesy of protagonist Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). The audience sees the events of the film through his eyes, and his experiences and reactions reflect that of the audience. In the beginning, Schindler is merely trying to benefit from the war, using the persecuted Jews for cheap labor. He’s aware of the genocide, but doesn't fully realize the gravity of the situation until he witnesses the massacre for himself. It is then that he uses his newly acquired wealth and his position of power to help save as many lives as possible. A cause that the audience grows more than sympathetic for as they witness Schindler’s transformation from war profiteer to the savior of more than a thousand lives.

Vital to Schindler’s efforts is his unnerving friendship with SS Lieutenant, Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes). Goeth is the film’s primary harbinger of death. It’s by his authority that most of the film’s horrors are carried out. Schindler is cautious to befriend him but, in doing so, is able to subtly manipulate Goeth into contributing to his cause.

This scene is undeniably powerful

It feels strange to praise a man’s acting when his character is so despicable (and based on a real person), but Fiennes manages to pull off one of cinema’s most vile villains. What’s even more remarkable is in the way that you feel an odd flash of pity for the man who murders with such indifference. Neeson’s role as Schindler is less flashy but is pulled off with the same commanding presence and a bit more dynamism. When they share the screen, you won’t blink. Watching the two size each other up is one of the film’s few moments that will have you sitting with a smile on your face.

Though Schindler’s List was released in 1993, I’m still going to forgo discussing major scenes in detail. Though I doubt there’s much I could do to lessen the film’s impact, I'm not even going to risk it. Doing so would be a major disservice to the audience, the film, and the people depicted within. One thing to keep in mind though: the film is very graphic. The camera never cuts away during scenes of extreme violence, mutilation, and humiliation. Spielberg’s never allowed the film to be censored and I applaud his conviction. Sanitizing the experience of those affected by such circumstances would diminish everything the film stands for.

I don’t know how Spielberg and company pulled off such a tremendous feat. Filming on location in Europe, constructing enormous sets, making everything look great in black and white, keeping up with over 100 speaking roles, directing no less than 30,000 extras, and having it all encompass over three hours of film (all while completing post-production on Jurassic Park) sounds incredibly overwhelming. The crew's work ethic alone is enough to inspire. Luckily, for film-lovers such as me, their exhaustive effort speaks for itself. Schindler’s List may be one of the most important films ever made. It’s not only important for the art-form it represents, but also for a greater understanding of history and human nature. In the right context, anybody can benefit from seeing this film.

5 out of 5