Every week, we in Her.ie towers will provide you with a blast from the past, a film that you cannot live without but nor should you, the classic film that you simply need to watch.
This week we take a look at an amazing film and certainly an important one to make it to the big screen, the wonderful Schindler’s List.
Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a member of the Nazi party during the Second World War, who, through his factories, managed to save the lives of 1,200 Jews from the concentration camps, the film was released in 1993 and directed by Steven Spielberg and still holds up now as one of the most inspiring true stories and heartbreaking tales from the war.
Starring Liam Neeson as Schindler, the film was shot in black and white, perhaps a nod to the extreme violence it depicted, including the horrible Night of the Broken Glass. Although it revolves around Schindler, the main influence on his life and those he tries to save is the petrifying Amon Goeth, played by the brilliant Ralph Fiennes.
Incredibly difficult to watch in parts and more than sad, Schindler’s List will invariably have its audience either on the brink of tears for most of the film or certainly, in tears. The range of themes it touches on are vast, marriage, moral values, human decency, honesty, hate, love… the list is endless.
Arguably the most touching scene in the entire film is the moment where Schindler must leave those he has saved in order to get away from the trials he has to face as a member of the Nazi party. Schindler literally breaks down with the knowledge that he might have been able to save more lives, only to be comforted by Stern who tells him how much of a wonderful human being he is.
Schindler is handed a ring which reads: “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire,” a beautiful sentiment.
You absolutely need to watch this only when you feel able for it, but it is a masterpiece.
