Schindler's List
Schindler's List is a 1993 film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the book by Thomas Keneally. It tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German business-man who saved over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factory.
The film begins with Schindler arriving in Kraków in 1939, hoping to make his for-tune as a war profiteer. He establishes a factory for enamelware, using Jewish labor obtained through connections with the Nazi SS. Initially motivated by profit, Schindler's perspective changes as he witnesses the horrific treatment of Jews by the Nazis, particularly during the liquidation of the Kraków Ghetto and the brutality of the Plaszów concentration camp's commandant, Amon Göth.
As Schindler's compassion grows, he uses his wealth and influence to protect his Jewish workers, often at great personal risk. He bribes Nazi officials, ensuring that his workers are deemed essential to the war effort and thus spared from extermination. The climax of his efforts comes when he arranges to transfer his factory to Brněnec (Brünnlitz), saving his workers from almost certain death in Auschwitz. By the end of the war, Schindler has spent his entire fortune to save as many lives as possible.
Strengths:
Emotional Impact: The film powerfully portrays the horrors of the Holocaust and the heroism of Schindler. The emotional depth of the story and the performances, especially by Liam Neeson (Schindler), Ralph Fiennes (Göth), and Ben Kingsley (Itzhak Stern), leave a lasting impact.
Historical Accuracy: Spielberg's commitment to authenticity, including filming in black and white and using real locations, adds to the film's realism and educational value.
Cinematography: The stark black-and-white cinematography by Janusz Kamiński creates a haunting visual style that underscores the bleakness of the Holocaust, with the occasional use of color, such as the girl in the red coat, serving as powerful symbols.
Direction: Spielberg's direction masterfully balances the personal story of Schindler with the broader historical context, creating a film that is both intimate and epic.
Weaknesses:
Length: At over three hours, the film's length can be challenging for some viewers, though it allows for a comprehensive exploration of the story.
Simplification of Characters: Some critics argued that the film simplifies the characters and their motivations, particularly Schindler's transformation from profiteer to savior, which may seem abrupt to some.
LINK TO SCHINDLER'S FACTORY IN POLAND TODAY
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