The Worth of 1,000 Lives ("Schindler's List" film review)

                 “Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.” This was embedded on Schindler’s ring which the Jews gave him that was shown in the movie “Schindler’s List.”

            “Schindler’s List” is a historical movie which primarily focused on the life of Oskar Schindler (portrayed by Liam Neeson) and the Polish Jews during the Holocaust. This film showed how brutally the Jews were treated during that time. It also gave a glimpse of how Schindler acquired his ill-gotten wealth by bribing Wehrmacht and SS officials and how he changed and saved 4,000 Polish Jews’ lives by making them work for him in his factory. There was also this main antagonist named Amon Goeth (portrayed by Ralph Fiennes), who led the Operation Reinhard (murdering of Jewish people in Krakow), but was later executed after the Wehrmacht surrendered. Also, during the said capitulation, Schindler was ordered to leave before the Red Army arrived. He left regretting that he could have saved more lives. After his departure, the Jews were freed and were called the “Schindler Jews.”

            I found the movie boring in the first half of its duration because, honestly, I’m not so fond of political films or whatever they are called. What really caught my attention and interest was during the time the elderly and incapable Jews were shot randomly. It was really eye-catching and it looked so real. After that scene, my eyes were glued on the screen.

            Steven Spielberg’s (the Director) idea of making the film black and white was effective. I didn’t have to close my eyes in every gory scene. It also made the film more believable. It was as if the film was really taken during the Holocaust.

            A lot of symbols were found in the movie. First was the little girl in red coat (as what our instructor mentioned). I saw it as a symbol of the Jews’ innocence which changed Schindler’s outlook in life. It was the kind of innocence that revealed the kindness in Schindler’s heart. Second symbol was the candle which commenced and ended the film. The ring that the Jews gave Schindler was also a symbol. It signifies that despite being a “profiteer of slave labour,” the Jews really loved him and appreciated what he did for them. Last symbol was, of course, Schindler’s list. It was not just an ordinary list. It dictated the fate of the Jews.

            The best thing about “Schindler’s List” was that it directed to the heart. Steven Spielberg really knew how to touch the emotions of the viewers. I felt pity for the Jews because I didn’t know they were treated that way. The way the event was narrated in the movie was very different from how it was written on history books. In the film, I had a clearer view of the Holocaust and it was kind of depressing. There was racism, violence and injustice. The Jews did nothing and yet, they were maltreated.

            In our society today, racism is still present. Take for example the kind of treatment our Muslim brothers and sisters receive. Most people associate the word “Muslim” to terrorists and other aggressive individuals. People oversimplify them. Even in schools, most students can’t help but stare at someone when she is wearing a veil (if that’s what it’s called).

            All in all, the movie was great. It’s worth the three hours. You have to watch it.