Schindler’s List (1993) – Steven Spielberg
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
My Rating: Thumbs UP
Admittedly I am quite ashamed for not having seen this film until now – particularly after the incomparable response it has received. For years this has sat on my shelf, however every time I go to watch it, I remind myself of its run-time and somehow manage to find something else to do instead…(useless excuse, I know!) So I strapped in for the long-haul, and endured over 3 hours of what turned out to be a master class in cinema.
Despite not having seen the film before, that doesn’t mean I was unaware of its plot and content. For those of you that are unfamiliar however, here is a quick brief.
Although the Holocaust clouds over the film as its main topic, Schindler’s List is really the story of two men using their power to two completely contrasting ends during World War II. Con-man Oskar Schindler, played by a faultless Liam Neeson, ultimately saved over 1,000 Jews as he resulted in paying for them and their work in his factories. Whereas Austrian SS Captain and commander of the Krakow-Plaszow Concentration Camp Amon Goeth, portrayed by a brutal and ruthless Ralph Fiennes, used his power in a slightly different way – eventually being hanged for breaking the laws of humanity, and “personally killing, maiming and torturing a substantial, albeit unidentified number of people”.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, it is obvious why this film gained such a response. Rather respectably, Schindler’s List never holds back in portraying the treatment of the Jews in this period of history. Few films show the true brutality of the Nazi treatment with the worry that it may be too harsh for the viewer. Spielberg however, not once refrains in showing the animalistic nature of the Nazi’s, unveiling the somewhat unbelievable reality to a possible naïve and sheltered audience.
For those of you who were as foolish as me to avoid watching this classic, do not be put off by the total length that ultimately exceeds three hours. The intense story between these two men never fades, with Oskar Schindler’s methods for dealing with the Jews’ mistreatment both admirable and bold.
Aside from the stunning performances from Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley plays an exquisite, award-winning role as Itzak Stern – perfectly rounding off an impeccable trio.
Before watching Schindler’s List, the real debate for me was whether it could top The Pianist (a personal favourite of mine). It seems that these two have constantly battled for the top spot of this particular genre, and in my eyes, The Pianist just about steals the crown. It may be controversial, but despite an almost faultless film in Schindler’s List, I still feel Roman Polanski’s portrayal comes out on top. However – it really is up for debate.
Don’t get me wrong – that isn’t my way of saying I didn’t enjoy arguably Spielberg’s greatest work. This is a definite recommendation for EVERYONE. Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that masterful hint of red coat…
Charlie Elgar | Film Critic 