Servo-11

(2013-05-21 13:11:19)

Gross manipulation and a trial to watch

I have lost my enthusiasm for any Steven Spielberg movies over the pastseveral years, ever since he made the switch from good entertainment topreachy message movies showing people all angsty and heartfelt and noble,emotions which he approaches with all the subtlety of Gallagher and hisSledge-o-matic. Spielberg's films are now more like the corny ramblings ofgrandpa in his dotage where good people are really good and bad people arebad and even people who are in that grey zone are given a black or whiterole in the end. It's all quite tedious to watch.It took me a long time to finally get through Schindler's List, as it didSaving Private Ryan, because I was all too aware the entire time that I wasbeing manipulated -- what to feel and when to feel it. Some reviewer put itbest when he likened Spielberg to the Wizard of Oz, hiding behind a curtainand pushing buttons and pulling switches on people's emotions. Then he ishailed as an artist and a genius when it's all gross manipulation.Liam Neeson did give a good performance. His character had more depth toexplore than Ralph Fiennes. Excellent actor Fiennes may be, but he wassaddled with a pitifully cardboard character. Still, I rooted for him untilthe end.If I want to learn about the Holocaust, I'll watch a documentary and see thefacts and have genuine emotions, not be told what to feel. Jaws, JurassicPark, and the Indiana Jones movies are plain fun and have the true Spielbergtouch, doing what he does best.3/10

johnnyboyz

(2013-05-20 18:37:50)

Fascinating tale about the hope of life and the promise of safety linked to one man and several thousand others, unfolding amongst an ocean of carnage.

Schindler's List begins with the striking of a match and the consequentlighting of a candle in a small room; an action which illuminates therest of the locale and sheds light on those in the form of people anditems around it. Steven Spielberg's film is a piece which goes on toshed degrees of light on a man, whose titular list and what it incurs,is the harrowing but brutally honest subject for this three hourtrue-to-life experience. Shot in black and white amongst deathlydowncast greys which combine brilliantly with chillingly cold white inthe form of snow and general skyline, Schindler's List unfolds amidst ableak time of murder and pillage but will go on to focus on a ray ofhope or salvation in the form of Nazi businessman Oskar Schindler;specifically, his work on the Eastern Front during World War 2 that sawhim save and aid a vast number of Jewish people destined for slaughter.Liam Neeson plays the man, a factory owner of Czech origin living inthe year 1939 about embark on a period of six or so years which willchange his life and many of those he comes to interact with, forever.When we first encounter Oskar, he neatly lays his shirts out across abed during preparation for an evening out; his room neat and veryformal, large sums of spare money sitting idly in a nearby draw forwhatever reason suggesting a rich or high lifestyle. The measure of theman in his charismatic abilities is are established when Schindlerarrives at an function in the evening full of German Nazi officials;light entertainment in the form of cabaret as well as food and drinkwhich is already flowing. When he first enters, very few people seem toknow of him, but by the end of the evening he appears to have wedgedhimself in amongst everybody as the centre of attention andentertainment. At a function in which all of the other Nazi officialsseem greyed out by the, Schindler comes to have a white ray of lightfly over his face suggesting there's a little more to this man thanjust mere self-indulgence and death.Schindler's goals are entirely infused with tendencies that veertowards Capitalism, his dealing with the Nazi party officials see himenter a business proposition that'll have him enter with nothing butcome away with a great deal of something. The situation as to whetherwe are on the side of Oskar in the initial stages is additionallychallenged when it transpires if The War were to end, Schindler'senterprise might falter so the longer that most of the activityhappening in and around everybody at this time continues, it's going tobe pretty good for business. Inbetween all of this, The Second WorldWar reaches somewhat of an infamous crescendo in and around thelocality of Central Europe; The Holocaust causing widespread Jewishdemotion into set Ghettos, later followed by evacuations leading ontomurder for them but a severe clashing of morality for Schindler whomcomes to realise employing these proverbial lambs to the slaughterwould go a long way in saving them.The film is a high end piece of drama, balancing a character's gradualstruggle with being able to offer salvation really well with itsmeshing of the war genre. Spielberg's gradual dragging of his lead awayfrom a self-obsessed businessman always looking out for ways to makemoney out of the system into this mournful, regretful man makes forwonderful viewing. By the time he is weeping, towards the end, at whathas happened or more importantly what hasn't happened in the saving ofmore Jewish people, we feel the need to weep with him - thussuccessfully aligning the audience with this figure whom was once howhe was in his indulgent, Nazi function attending self. The comparisonis somewhat bookended very simply in how it is both Schindler as astand alone man and how the Nazis as a collective group go about theemployment of the Jews and the manner in which they treat them in aphysical sense. Where Schindler will come to offer hope and salvationin the shape of factory employment, regardless of ability or handicap,an early scene will see German soldiers ruthlessly eliminate an elderlyman because of his inability to successfully carry out what it is theyask of him through their charging him with a task, namely, theshovelling away of snow so as to clear a public road.Schindler comes to stand in direct opposition to a fearsome NaziCaptain of the S.S. named Amon Göth (Fiennes), Göth additionally beingbased on a true to-life individual. Like Schindler, Göth is running abusiness or operation in which management and organisation are key; butwhile both members of the Nazi party and sharing similar basicingredients as to their respective action plans, the men couldn't beany further apart in character. Göth arrives on the scene, a Krakówsuburb called Płaszów, to help in the construction of a newconcentration camp; the house on the hill he's charged with living in adominant position in which he is able to overlook all of his work –construction orientated or otherwise. Just as Schindler goes out of hisway to 'select' an aide or assistant in the form of Ben Kingsley'sItzhak Stern, Göth himself goes through a similar process of'selecting' a assistant he renders a maid-come-slave in the form of ayoung Jewish woman. The measure of Fiennes' performance as Göth ishighlighted in his ability to have the motivational "tonight ishistory" monologue prior to a ghetto liquidation come across as just aschilling as the act of liquidation itself. The film is an exhaustingwatch; an enthralling character study set amidst dark and desperatetimes as a man's shifting viewpoints play out.

Neal Thompson

(2013-05-19 18:55:17)

One of the greats.

Some spoilers. Reading the few negative comments on this film only point outthat denial and fear of reality is alive and well in this country. This filmis one man's (brilliant) interpretation of actual facts. If you don't likehis interpretation...rent a holocaust documentary. Also, you probably aren'taware that Spielberg couldn't put some facts in the movie because he knewthe audience couldn't or wouldn't tolerate them. The scene where Ray Fiennesis standing on the balcony of his quarters and firing at things being tossedin the air by one of his soldiers is based on fact. Just not presented theway it really happened. In reality what the soldier was tossing in the airwas Jewish babies. Would you have stayed in the theater after a scene likethat? I doubt it. This is, without question, one of the best films evermade. I would even put it in the top five. I will admit, after 3 viewings, Iprobably won't be able to watch it again for years. The third time I triedto disassociate myself from the story and just watch the elements...cinematography, editing, etc. I couldn't do it.

(2013-05-19 11:14:08)

Superb and Great movie. :D

"A great movie in terms of production and story-telling Hollywood ever made since 1970s" is the statement to honor this latest Oscar winning black and white film, Schindler's List.

yeltzmanmatt

(2013-05-19 04:45:21)

Brilliant

This is simply one of the best films ever made. It is heartbreaking,depressing and uplifting in equal measure. The story itself is simple but beautifully realised and the acting isincredible. Liam Neeson, Ralf Fiennes and Ben Kingsley are allmagnificent but there is not a duff performance throughout this film. This is a long film but it never gets boring and there are memorablescenes throughout. I am not a big fan of Steven Spielberg but it isdifficult to see how this film could have been bettered by anydirector. This film stands as a brutal reminder of the horrors of war but alsothe incredible bravery and compassion of a few men.

jofitz27

(2013-05-18 18:08:27)

Superb

Last night, after reading many fabulous reviews, I was lucky enough toview Schindlers list, a supposed "masterpiece" directed by the famous,the fabulous, Steven Spielberg, creating masterpieces such as E.T. andJurassic park. So I went into this 3 hour epic with high hopes.It starts off rather depressingly, but picks up. Directed beautifullyin black and white, to give it a more old fashioned sense, it clearlyshows the films class. Schindler's slimy personality is soon introduced(we see he has affairs with more that one women) and cannot promise hisestranged wife she is the only one he will truly ever feel for. Then,we are introduced to Ralph Fiennes (Goeth) a rather brutal member ofthe Nazi party. So both of the characters "politically incorrect"frames are introduced.The film is simply too long for me to comment on every happening, butit becomes blatantly apparent that this film didn't win 7 academyawards for nothing. Both hopeful and poignant (showing some rathergraphic violent scenes as well) this truly is a masterpiece that shouldbe viewed by all.Final summary: ***** out of ***** (5 out of 5)

Nuncio

(2013-05-17 23:55:38)

Ultra-Cool

I was very doubtful about watching this one because I have a strange case of allergies to most of those Spielberg's movies (except the old ones of course), but what a nice surprise to see a well made film with a very good script and a deep sense of humanity's fragilities, so dark and so realistic that it leaves us with the question of how far down can we go in the future if we've already been in the bottom in the past?

WhatsYourPoint

(2013-05-17 05:06:28)

One of the only films to make me cry (well, almost).

One night after all my friends left my house at midnight, for somereason I thought it would be a good idea to plop Schindler's List intomy DVD player. I knew it would end at 3, but I didn't care because Ihad wanted to see this so called "amazing" film. I wasn't disappointed.Spielberg managed to create one of the most beautiful films ever. Eventhough the subject matter itself is depressing and morbid, the wayhumanity springs from such a destructive environment is beautiful.Oskar Schindler's transformation from a war profiteer to a humanitarianis subtle and realistic. Schindler is human, and feels it too, thanksto great writing and Liam Neeson's wonderful performance.Spielberg's direction has never been better. The executions of the Jewsare brutal because there are no cuts; almost every slaying is done inone shot. This adds to the realism and the sheer bestial nature of theHolocaust. The cinematography is amazing in black and white, creating asense of melancholy in a stark world.What else is there to say? I could go on about the acting and thewriting. I didn't even mention John William's morose, but poignantscore, which provides much of the emotion that stems from the film.However, all I can say is that Schindler's List is moving, touching,and altogether brilliant. The final scene almost made me cry, but Ididn't because I'm an unemotional robot. But as an unemotional robot, Iwas still deeply moved by Spielberg's sentimental tribute to those whodied in one of history's saddest periods.

prashant sharma

(2013-05-16 04:20:33)

out of the world

movie is awesome, go watch it. movie is excellent, go watch it. movieis Good, go watch it. movie is enjoyable, go watch it. movie is touchy,go watch it. movie is unforgettable, go watch it. movie is superb, gowatch it. i am out of words count on me go watch it.movie is awesome,go watch it. movie is excellent, go watch it. movie is Good, go watchit. movie is enjoyable, go watch it. movie is touchy, go watch it.movie is unforgettable, go watch it. movie is superb, go watch it. i amout of words count on me go watch it.movie is awesome, go watch it.movie is excellent, go watch it. movie is Good, go watch it. movie isenjoyable, go watch it. movie is touchy, go watch it. movie isunforgettable, go watch it. movie is superb, go watch it. i am out ofwords count on me go watch it.

aragorn_dunedain8

(2013-05-15 16:47:43)

A true masterpiece

When I first saw this movie, I was only a 8 years old boy I knew i wassomething special but I didn't quite understand it since I was only akid.Later I saw the movie and i realized that Schindler's List was truemasterpiece.The movie is touching and beautiful, the direction is fantastic (StevenSpielberg is movie wizard) the acting is great.I specially admire RalphFiennes role.Ben Kingsley also very good.Many people don't like black and white pictures and I'm not a big faneither but it gives a sense of realism impossible to capture in colormovies.This is of course a movie that will survive the test of time andshows in very realistic what the Holocaust was.Spielberg has surprised us with movies like Saving Private Ryan andJurassic Park, but I think he will never make a movie so brilliant asthis one.*****/*****

DougieStyle

(2013-05-15 14:51:14)

Powerful...

I don't know what else to say about this movie except how powerful thedirection and performances are. This is obviously a touchy subject andSpielberg tells the story truthfully and frankly at times. He has beenaccused of being overly sentimental in the past, but I think this isprobably the best work he's done on any project.Indeed, it is a disturbing subject for those of us way too young to evenrelate to, but Spielberg is careful to show both sides of the picture. Notjust focusing on Jewish suffering, he also shows the Nazi side of thestory.He shows how two-sided people can be, particularly people of power. Heportrays Nazi officers in one scene displaying blatant cruelty, then thenext scene wishing it would all be over.**SPOILER BELOW**(Kinda)Perhaps the most powerful scene of the entire movie is the end sequencewhere the actual surviving "Schindler Jews" place stones on OskarSchindler's grave site. What a way to end a movie...

Patrik16

(2013-05-14 19:26:08)

"sometimes movies are needed to make people open their eyes"

This movie shows why people need to understand each others behaviors.Culture colissions have been reason to many traumatic events in historyandthis is a film showing what will happen. By just showing when Nazisoldiersshoots a jewish worker through the head because of this old mans cultureandhis handicap (one arm) gives people a hint of the cruelty that enrageswhenmisunderstanding takes place. Seven Spielberg is a master offilmproductionsand shows that sometimes movies are needed to make people open their eyes.The story is great, and it's special effects too. This beutifullmasterpiecealso is filled out by John Williams fantastic score that touches yourheart.If you don't like this movie (or find it boring) you do not have anycompassion to fellow man. A movie like this, entertaining and a lecture,ishard to find. It is one of the best movies ever. 10.

mtxsndlrmvigeek

(2013-05-14 03:11:48)

Its films like this that make people

Steven Spielberg's achievement should NOT be missed by anybody.Everything about it is golden: the script, the acting (Liam Neeson hasplayed quite possibly the nicest guy in film history), the music (doneby John Williams, the same man responsible for 2 of the best filmscores of all time, for this and for the Jurassic Park theme: both areepic, epic, epic and beautiful), the cinematography (handhelds give itan authenticity, put you right in the action), and the accuracy (themusic, the dialogue, the accents, everything).If you don't know the story, Liam Neeson plays Oskar Schindler, a manwho employs Jews in his factory for free labor. Soon, he realizes justwhat is happening to these Jews.The film has some great scenes, like the scene when water is beingsprayed into the trains. A small, but GREAT scene. At least, I found itGREAT. It just shows Oskar's humanity and kindness amidst all theterror and violence and agony...What makes the film powerful is not the violence, but its message,which is very, very, very, very UNIVERSAL (no pun intended to the filmcompany responsible for the beautiful film).It doesn't matter what race, religion, or ethnicity you are: you MUSTNOT miss Schindler's List. It is one of the greatest films of the 90sand of all time.10\10 Way to go, Mister Spielberg!! Bravo!!!

Bob

(2013-05-13 16:41:06)

One of the absolute best!

I do not give away plot details (nor do I understand why Anyone does!), letme say this: you will Not be disappointed. A truly great film, most willagree. Much better than the Piano in my mind. I'm sure the B & W hurt thebox office, but Spielberg isn't concerned with that, was he?! For me, the B& W made it less intense (I'm nearly sure, that wasn't the main M.O.;probably done because Steven "saw" the past in B & W) & I was glad. I dowish to single out Liam Neeson & Ralph Fiennes for electrifyingperformances. Can not be overly praised.

Le-Samourai

(2013-05-13 00:04:40)

The Worthiness Of Praise Distains His Worth.

Spoilers herein.For some strange reason I find it difficult to talk about `Schindler'sList', which is strange as I could talk for hours about any other Spielbergfilm. Stranger still considering the immense acclaim and debate surroundingthe film. Perhaps it's because `Schindler's List' is a film that reachesbeyond the limitations of its celluloid to become a cultural and historicalinstitution. Perhaps it's because the film is so perfectly mounted that itis hard to zoom in on a select number of topics. Or perhaps it is simplybecause I can not fathom the impact `Schindler's List' had on me.I disdain the aura surrounding this film. I disdained watching my parentsviewing this film simply because they heard it was `important' to do so.Yes, the film is important and yes, everyone should see it. But no oneshould view this film based in the mindset that they are doing so onlybecause of its subject matter. It destroys the cinematic experience. Itdestroys objective thought. And it blinds people from what Spielberg istrying to say with this film. `Schindler's List' has been labelled aHolocaust film. However, I do not see it this way. I see the Holocaust asmerely a backdrop for a morality play – which `Schindler's List' is.Spielberg films have often been criticised for their supposed black/whitecharacters. The good guys and the bad guys. In `Schindler's List' Spielberghas blurred the lines more than he ever has done. Our title hero is awomanising adulterer whose prime goal is to make money – exploiting hisworkers to do so. He doesn't hire Jews because of sympathy. He hires thembecause they are cheap and expendable. There is a scene between Schindlerand Goeth – it's one of their first meetings. They sit and drink, theycasually talk about business and the war like one would talk about sport orthe weather. In this scene we see how alike our hero and villain are. We seethat Schindler is only a step left to Goeth's path and Goeth a step right toSchindler's. Later on in the film we see two pivotal scenes that keep eachon their own path. After flaunting his new found sympathising routine, Goethlooks in the mirror and sees the man he really is. He then shoots the boy hepardoned mere moments before. Similarly, Schindler looks out a window beforedeciding how his fortune should be spent. Both have `power' as Schindlerdefines it, both use it in different ways. The film itself is an awe-inspiring goliath of cinematic perfection. Itseems Spielberg has studied the master of the epic – David Lean – well. Thefilm is over three hours, yet it is never boring. The film is as absorbingas any you care to mention. Not one frame is wasted. The film is shot inblack and white by Janusz Kaminski and is proof, if nothing else that blackand white films should still be consistently made. The film is beautiful. Nomatter how harrowing the subject matter may be, it seems impossible forSpielberg to frame an ugly shot. Backlights, shadows and smoke are all usedmagnificently to create atmosphere. One of the most controversial aspects ofthe film has been the use of colour – specifically the red coat used tohighlight a girl Schindler watches during the Liquidation of Krakow. This isnot Spielberg being pretentious. This is not Spielberg trying to pull theheartstrings. This is Spielberg's spin on the old saying, `One death is atragedy. One thousand is a statistic'. During the most horrific ofgenocides, the individual must not be forgotten. The acting is phenomenal. Neeson, Fiennes and Kingsley give career bests.Neeson is able to evoke the multiple facets of Schindler with merely asmile, a laugh or a wink. We are never certain what is on Schindler's mindnor his motives or reasons for his actions until their affects have takenplace. His performance is similar to Kevin Spacey's in `The Usual Suspects'which both require repeated viewings to fully appreciate. Fiennes is hisdirect opposite. What you see is what you get. His performance isin-your-face and visceral. Yet, despite his evil, Fiennes is able to evoke acertain likeability about Goeth and when he is executed at the end Iactually felt some sympathy for him. Kingsley again shows that he canperfect any ethnicity by playing Schindler's Jewish accountant Stern. He isthe voice of reason and solemn dignity in the film. They are all sobrilliant it is impossible to pick a best actor from this film. In fact thestrongest compliment I can pay to any of them is that no one attempts tosteal the show. It is clear that everyone involved in the film are workinguniformly to make it as good as possible. John Williams is also on top ofhis game – the violin and piano solos of the main theme are both hauntinglybeautifully and heartbreaking. Many have criticised the film for bowing to Spielberg sentimentality whenSchindler breaks down at the end. People say it would have beenuncharacteristic for Schindler to do so. I consider this to be tripe.Schindler has completed his arc. He has gone from a shameless money grabberto a man who would give anything to save another life. He has learned theprice of human life and so have we. It is neither the price of a car nor theprice of a gold badge. It is priceless. At the end of the film we learnthere are 6,000 descendants of Schindler Jews. This means that for everylife Schindler saved, five more lived. "Whoever saves one life, saves theworld entire." `Schindler's List' is not a film about the horror of war. Itis a film about the beauty of the human spirit. The film is timeless. It isa masterpiece of cinema.

Robbo-3

(2013-05-12 04:26:13)

A Great Film - makes you realise how lucky you are......

This film is a must see for anyone, it is based on the true story ofOskar(Oscar) Schindler and his brave heroic saving of many lives during andafter World War 2.There is no way to explain how much Schindler did and must have gone throughto achieve what he did. This is not a sci-fi film but a film of one mansmanipulation of using evil people to save lives. The way Schindler risks hisown life by cleverly ensuring that he has made friends of the most powerfulnazis in the area he lives and works in, to ensure that if things go againsthim he has an 'escape route' shows the mans intelligence.One of the main things that has to be said about Schindler was that hecertainly never could ever be classed as a racist, or as some have suggestedusing the jewish people to save his own skin. This as shown in the film isfar from the truth, Schindler is awake to the evil actions of the nazis andtheir intentions to wipe them from the face of the planet.For anyone thinking of watching this great film that is in two minds as towhether to or not - the answer is go for it you will not be dissapointed.The film as I say is based on fact and not to be sniffed at when looking atwhat Schindler did for the jewish people, he saved the lives of many manyjews and of course their offspring, many jewish families today owe theirlives to Oskar Schindler.One of the best films ever made in my opinion and will always be rated assuch..........

kchang511

(2013-05-11 00:34:48)

Ugly but Great

This movie was ugly and grotesque, in other words, perfect for what thefilm was trying to achieve.The movie depicted vividly and well the dehumanization of the Jews atthe hands of Nazis during World War 2. The ugly scenes, massacres, andkillings helped at least give you a feel of the terror and fear thesepeople must have felt at the time.Usually, I don't find movies based on true events to be as interesting,but this was an exception. The final scenes where they show the reallife Schindler Jews visiting his grave was touching and helps solidifythe realities of what happened.One issue I had was the movie being in black in white - I felt it wasunnecessary and the same feelings could have been achieved with a colormovie. Related to this, I felt the red dress girl was overkill and alsounnecessary. Finally, the final scene of him crying didn't seem to bethat realistic - perhaps a bit overdone to me.Other than those issues, I felt the movie was great and done well.

Steevh

(2013-05-10 16:20:24)

Black and White- yet no Grey.

I'm going to have to agree with a previous comment that 'people only likedthis because it was seen as unwise' to objectively comment. This was a'cause movie'- and as such is no better, or no worse, than the others.Like'Amistad' that followed it, it's plodding, pretentious and badly shot. Theblack and white cinematography lends nothing to it except the illusion ofreality; which it isn't: it's a film. It's a story. Not a documentary.It'sa constructed series of events, with 'characters' and a 'narrative' and a'script'. The fact that the holocaust-survivors laud it as 'how it was' isthe ultimate expression of its failure. The novel left you thankful thatyouweren't there, but never once made you feel like you were. Spielberg'sfilmtricks you into imagining that it shows how terrible the holocaust was- itdoesn't. And can't.Many have stated that they 'understand' the events of Hitler's Germanythrough the movie. By giving them this false 'understanding'; Spielberghascheapened it, and made it more comfortable than it should be.Subjectively,for many, this grants them leave to display false, *constructed*, griefforsomething that no amount of 'grieving' can in any way come to terms with.As a film; a piece of fictionalised narrative, it suffers from hammyperformances... most obviously the ridiculous Ralph Fiennes with hissitcomnazi- a safe, comfortable idea; neatly slotting him into the 'bad guys'package that drama utilises, but 'real life' finds no easy place for.A film shot in black and white that regrettably uses these absolutes initsstorytelling. An effective parable? Perhaps. But a worryingone.Steev

Soledad-2

(2013-05-08 23:53:01)

This movie is simply perfect, nothing else

After watching this movie I feel deeply compelled to recommend it toeveryone. It's simply perfect and nothing else. I feel extremely gratefulto Steven Spielberg for creating such a wonderful movie, a true masterpiece. Schindler's List deserves to be on top of all the 1999 movies. It's atribute to the victims of the Holocaust and it's also a tribute to thegenerosity of the human heart. Don't wait any longer. Rent it now.

dajemitchell

(2013-05-08 15:57:17)

The Greatest film of all time?????

Spielbergs classic tale based on the true story of Oskar Schindler whosaved more than 1000 Jews during the holocaust. one of the all timefilm greats that won seven academy awards and got Liam Neeson his Bestactor nomination for Portraying the title character.The film of the ninety's hands down and my personal all time favouritewith Heat.The Supporting cast to are on top form such as Ralph Fiennes and BenKingsley.A Legendary film.10/10.