Schindler's List (2004, DVD)

There is not one bad performance in the film, but all of the acting hinges on the three lead men. As Schindler, Neeson shows incredible range as a man who is selfish and possesses low morals that will not allow himself to sink to the depths that his government has. His redemption as he goes broke trying to save as many Jews as he can is as engrossing as any of the horrors depicted in the film. While his final realization that there may have been more he could have done does come off as a tad over-acted, Neeson certainly deserved the accolades he received for his portrayal.

Starkly opposite from Schindler is the monster of Amon Goeth, played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes wasn’t yet the established actor that he’s known for now, but his performance here showed what he would become. The inward decay of a man completely desensitized by his own violence as he slips into madness is shown in every nuance of Fiennes’ face and body language. From his shooting Jews for target practice from his balcony to his self hatred for lusting over his Jewish maid, Goeth is the embodiment of the monsters that the National Socialists became.

However, it the subtle performance by Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern, the meek accountant that runs Schindler’s company, that rises above the rest. Stern is truly the real hero of the film as he justifies the “use” of his fellow Jews to get them work in Schindler’s factory, thereby saving their lives. Kingsley is the quiet pillar of strength, even after Stern has been accidentally placed on one of the trains headed for a concentration camp – Kingsley will not let Stern loose his dignity. And while Ben Kingsley says “no” to more screenplays than he ever says “yes” to – he once again shows why he is on the list for greatest living actors today.

This is Spielberg’s opus. One can sense that every shot was filmed with care and appreciation of the story. Spielberg has always been a technically great director, but when you couple that with the obvious passion he has for the film, you get a sense of just how great he really be at his craft. The violence is unforgiving and shocking even now. True, the ending does come off a bit heavy-handed, but it’s forgivable due to the subject matter. Never mind other films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, or even the more recent Saving Private Ryan - Steven Spielberg will always be remembered for Schindler’s List.

The Video and Audio

Since it’s shot in black and white (except for one shot of a little girl’s jacket and the flames from a candle), there is an authentic feel to movie. I don’t know if such famous cinematic moments as the little boy hiding in the waste of an outhouse would be as memorable in color. Both the image and sound are exceptional (both 5.1 and DTS tracks are provided). And the widescreen is a must if you wish to enjoy the cinematography at all.

The Extras

The centerpiece of the extras is a 70-minute documentary called "Voices from the List," where Schindler’s Jews talk about what it was really like when they lived it. It’s a very informative film in its own right and is the perfect compliment to movie. Produced by the Shoah Foundation (which Spielberg established when making the movie), it simply tells the stories of the surviving members without becoming overly dramatic. Another ten minute feature shows you all about Shoah Foundation and what they do.

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