Average Rating:
Rating: - One of the best movies ever made.
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THIS IS NOT AVAILABLE ON DVD?
Rating: - 10 out of 10
This is a triumph for Spielberg and a cinematic masterpiece that will inspire for generations to come. Watching this black and white movie was an extremely unforgettable experience. The story, the cast, the scenes, the tragedy, the emotions - they were absolutely compelling. The irony of Oskar Schindler, entrepreneur and womaniser, becoming a saviour to the Jews bespeaks the goodness inherent in the corrupted human nature. Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes do superlative work here ably supported by the splendid supporting cast. There are scenes that are forever etched in our hearts and minds: 1. Naked women awaiting their fate in a large room. 2. Ralph Fiennes with Jewish maid in the kitchen. 3. Girl in red being victimised. 4. Children hiding in sewage pits. 5. New factory worker escapes death. 6. Oskar witnessing the massacre. 7. The typing of Schindler's list. 8. Random killing of people. 9. Hosing the people in the train with water. 10. Oskar's emotional outburst at the end and his accountant's equally emotional reassuring word. Virtually everything is top-notched.
Rating: - A phenomenal movie that everyone should see
Schindler's List is my favorite historical drama of all-time for a number of reasons. Not only is it a masterpiece from a cinematic point of view, but it is priceless for the story it tells to the world. First of all, the acting is superb. Liam Neeson does well as Oskar Schindler, but in particular I liked Ben Kingsley (as Istak Stern, Schindler's accountant) and Ralph Fiennes (as Amon Goeth, the camp commandant). All of the performances were very convincing and reflect the good casting. Another great feature of this film is the soundtrack. Slow, soaring music tells of the painful circumstances of the Jews and of their conflict with the Nazi regime. Mixed in with the instrumental pieces are Jewish melodies which also gave me a sense of the cultural traditions of the Jewish people. From a technical point of view, the decision by director Spielberg to shoot the movie is black-and-white was a good one. In fact, I think it makes the movie better than it would have been in color. The few color segments throughout the movie are aptly placed and help to focus the viewer's attention on particular details through the eyes of Schindler. The scenery and photography were excellent compared to other movies I have seen and contribute to the whole atmosphere of the 1940s. Some people may be put off a bit by the length (over 3 hours) but believe me, every minute is worthwhile. Unlike other long movies, there are no lulls or useless scenes -- everything counts. The best part of the movie without any doubt is the story itself, the tale of Oskar Schindler and how he was able to save 1100 Jews from the Auschwitz gas chambers by employing them in his enamelware factory and eventually his shelling factory. Schindler's ambition and personal success shines through amidst the Jewish tragedy and shows how one man, if he has the willpower, can accomplish what appears to be impossible. Based on the novel by Thomas Keneally (which I have not yet had the opportunity to read), this movie digs deep into the human soul and shows how different people are able to survive. There are many touching moments in this film; in particular, near the end when the war has been declared over and the Nazis must flee from the Soviet army. This part and the modern-day segment that follows are both truly heart-warming tributes. I finished watching this movie for about the fourth time yesterday, and even though I didn't cry, tears welled up in my eyes (and this rarely happens when I watch movies). This movie is a must-see not only for its excellence in the film genre but for the story it presents to the viewer. Although it is not suitable for young children (due to its violence and mature content), any mature individual should see it so they can understand that a spark of good can still exist in a fire of evil. This movie deserved all of the Academy Awards that it received and will likely remain in top ten lists for at least the next fifty years. Highly recommended.
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