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There is not one bad performance in the film, but all of the acting hinges on the three lead men. As Schindler, Neeson shows incredible range as a man who is selfish and possesses low morals that will not allow himself to sink to the depths that his government has. His redemption as he goes broke trying to save as many Jews as he can is as engrossing as any of the horrors depicted in the film. While his final realization that there may have been more he could have done does come off as a tad over-acted, Neeson certainly deserved the accolades he received for his portrayal. Starkly opposite from Schindler is the monster of Amon Goeth, played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes wasn’t yet the established actor that he’s known for now, but his performance here showed what he would become. The inward decay of a man completely desensitized by his own violence as he slips into madness is shown in every nuance of Fiennes’ face and body language. From his shooting Jews for target practice from his balcony to his self hatred for lusting over his Jewish maid, Goeth is the embodiment of the monsters that the National Socialists became. However, it the subtle performance by Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern, the meek accountant that runs Schindler’s company, that rises above the rest. Stern is truly the real hero of the film as he justifies the “use” of his fellow Jews to get them work in Schindler’s factory, thereby saving their lives. Kingsley is the quiet pillar of strength, even after Stern has been accidentally placed on one of the trains headed for a concentration camp – Kingsley will not let Stern loose his dignity. And while Ben Kingsley says “no” to more screenplays than he ever says “yes” to – he once again shows why he is on the list for greatest living actors today. This is Spielberg’s opus. One can sense that every shot was filmed with care and appreciation of the story. Spielberg has always been a technically great director, but when you couple that with the obvious passion he has for the film, you get a sense of just how great he really be at his craft. The violence is unforgiving and shocking even now. True, the ending does come off a bit heavy-handed, but it’s forgivable due to the subject matter. Never mind other films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, or even the more recent Saving Private Ryan - Steven Spielberg will always be remembered for Schindler’s List. The Video and Audio Since it’s shot in black and white (except for one shot of a little girl’s jacket and the flames from a candle), there is an authentic feel to movie. I don’t know if such famous cinematic moments as the little boy hiding in the waste of an outhouse would be as memorable in color. Both the image and sound are exceptional (both 5.1 and DTS tracks are provided). And the widescreen is a must if you wish to enjoy the cinematography at all. The Extras The centerpiece of the extras is a 70-minute documentary called "Voices from the List," where Schindler’s Jews talk about what it was really like when they lived it. It’s a very informative film in its own right and is the perfect compliment to movie. Produced by the Shoah Foundation (which Spielberg established when making the movie), it simply tells the stories of the surviving members without becoming overly dramatic. Another ten minute feature shows you all about Shoah Foundation and what they do.Read full review
Director Stephen Spielberg's 1993 historical triumph, "Schindler's List", is a movie every adult in every walk of life should see-because the events depicted in it are true, and should never be forgotten. It is the story of greedy German businessman Oskar Schindler (well-played by Liam Neeson), who, at the beginning of World War II, foresees great profits from using captive Jewish labor to make enamelware pots in his factory near Krakow, Poland. Schindler is a profiteering, womanizing business type, but is only a Nazi to the extent that being one facilitates his making money from the war. He is considerate to his workers (though they don't make a dime from their labors), and those who are fortunate enough to be chosen to work for Schindler are spared a trip to the Auschwitz death camp. As the brutal, psychotic Nazi Kommandant Amon Goeth (a stunning performance by Ralph Fiennes) begins the unspeakable pogrom to kill all Jews in the area, Schindler is horrified by the savagery of his own people-and begins trying to help as many Jews as possible by "hiring" them as "indispensable" workers in his factory, using clever bribes to aid him in his honorable effort. Ben Kingsley also shines as Schindler's Jewish factory manager and accountant, Itzhak Stern. The brutality of the Nazi forces toward the hapless Jews in Poland is starkly and realistically portrayed. In an era where many are unaware of what went on in Europe during WWII, and where a few lunatics are claiming the Holocaust never happened, this movie delivers a gut punch to the viewer with its powerful performances, cinematography (shot mostly in black-and-white), a moving John Williams score, and superb direction by Spielberg. You cannot see this masterpiece without being deeply moved. Rated R for graphic war violence, profanity, and some sexuality. 5 starsRead full review
This is a wonderful movie that everyone should watch. This is a part of the world history that will soon be forgotten if it is not kept in everyone's mind. The actors in this picture play their respective roles with great passion and make it a great movie even though it is based in one of the most horrible times in modern human history.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love this movie! It's an accurate depiction of what happened during the war, but also took an inside look at how some of the people in it were torn. It showed the compassion some felt in a time of heartlessness and hatrid running wild. I bought this movie because it's a good movie to watch when you have down time, when you're stuck inside the house during a snow storm. It's also nice for me because I'm an at-home mom of two boys, so when they're down for their naps it's nice to have some adult time and watch a grown-up movie rather than cartoons non-stop. I recommend this movie to anyone who likes a little bit of history in their movie, or even a lot of bit of history. It's not the sort of movie I usually watch, but I remember having to watch it for history class in high school and it just grabbed me! Wonderful movie that I think everyone should see at least once...I'm even making my boyfriend watch it with me! lolRead full review
This movie will make you understand more about the Holocaust and what happened during Hitler's regime. This film is one of Spielberg's finest films and this film brought the Holocaust to the Forefront meaning that most of us were aware of what happened but this film gave us the visualization that text books cannot convey. There were many documentaries created after this film that showed what happened during Hitler's cruel power machine in Europe. Film gave me chills and made me sad however, The main character in this film does everything he can to save as many Jews as possible from the Terrible hands of the Nazis. Nobody knew what he was doing but it is soon revealed later in the film. It's not said directly but you get a feeling what his intentions are. Enjoy!~~~~~~
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