Don’t tell Hollywood that I didn’t give Schindler’s List my highest possible rating. I understand the power of the film and the drama that unfolds but the truth is that I feel that I’ve seen better and more heart-wrenching depictions of the Holocaust than what’s presented here.
That’s not to say List is without merit. It certainly is. The black and white cinematography works to its advantage when showing blood, and it allows for some very artistic and powerful use of light/dark contrast. The fact that the story is true also adds weight to the story, knowing that you’re witnessing an artistic depiction of reality.
Everyone can get something out of this film. We are all flesh and blood and we are all repulsed by the atrocities committed during one of the most senseless violations of human rights and of the human spirit in our history. There is a sticking point though. Schindler’s List will mean more to some than others.
Yes, it’s tragic and uplifting. Yes, it displays some of the horrors human beings had to go through at the hands of their fellow man. But, there is a very slight disconnect with the film, I think, if you aren’t Jewish. Jews will take more out of this film than non-Jews, because Jews are able to connect with this movie on a level no one else can understand. This is all our history, but it is a deeper part of their history than anything else.
Perhaps that explains the rating. I don’t know. It’s excellent and worth watching, but I’ll warn you- it is very, very long and may not be suitable for very sensitive people.
Don’t tell Hollywood that I didn’t give Schindler’s List my highest possible rating. I understand the power of the film and the drama that unfolds but the truth is that I feel that I’ve seen better and more heart-wrenching depictions of the Holocaust than what’s presented here.
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