Schindler's List ((No Spoilers, Unless You Skipped History)) 20th Anniversary DVD & Spielberg Poll
I already have explained my love of "The Color Purple" here last year (http://cinematixyz.livejournal.com/2012/03/29/) and ironically, in the same post, reviewed a different Holocaust film which is another amazing piece of work.
Steven Spielberg is so known for his Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction talents that his Dramas are almost glossed over and I think that is actually his strong suit. I have seen "The Color Purple" at least a dozen times now and including seeing it in the theater on release (at 14, mind you) I have seen "Schindler's List" probably 6 or so. I still cry every time during both. Usually at the same parts. "List" also has the distinction of being the only film I walked out of, back into, out of, and back into a few times to wash my face, get my tears under control, grab a soda ...just have a few minutes alone to cry. Luckily, ushers said this happened before with this film so they were use to it and if I was "out already, within the first hour, they were sure they would be seeing me again later in the evening."
They were, of course, correct. They even had tissue boxes behind the concession stand. Again, they said they found it was easier to just keep some at hand during the film's run.
How does one describe "Schindler's List". Do we discuss the man? Or the act...the list? I have since read much more about both and know what is straight from reality and what was artistic license. Unfortunately, being on location, with locals that remembered AND hearing stories straight from the quote unquote SchindlerJuden, there is a LOT of fact in the film and little dramatic flair.
Like 'Miss Celie' in "The Color Purple", these two characters go through such a dramatic change from when we first meet them until we leave them. Celie goes from an uneducated, helpless victim to a strong, hopeful woman and that trip of 30 odd years is an amazing journey that I never tire of watching or reading her take.
Oskar's transformation from a selfish war-profiteer to an altruistic Noah figure takes 5 short years and perhaps the condensed time that his almost total spiritual and personal '180' takes is what makes it so compelling to watch. Scarlett O'Hara is Scarlett O'Hara from beginning to end. There is little difference from when we met her in the book or film on the porch of Tara at 16 years of age and how she is after 3 marriages, 3 children (I am going by the book on this one, sorry film fans, but Bonnie Blue Butler was her third not first child), and a whole freaking civil war. That character is, was, and will always be Scarlett O'Hara.
Oskar Schindler set out as one man, set on doing one thing and ends up changing and doing another. He lost the world and gained a soul.
A review is difficult. Either you know the story or you don't. Either you have seen the film or you have not. Either you liked it or you didn't. Trying to condense it into a little review is hard because it is such heavy material and based on facts. If you like light, fluffy, 'entertainment', this wouldn't be a film for you. If you like history, art, drama, and truth, no matter how hard it is to see, this is a must. The story is rather simple if you wish it to be. A gentile who neither hates nor likes the Jews and is neither a serious member of nor rejector of the Nazi party decides to make his fortune by using the war to his advantage, using Jews as his labor force and plans to make money and be a wealthy man after the war is over.
He changes. His heart changes. His plans Change.
We can just leave it at that. With performances made of pure perfection from Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley and a flawless supporting cast, it is an absolute MUST not only for the history, but the art of it. It is, in my opinion, Spielberg's Masterpiece. As the credits rolled, even at 14, I leaned over and whispered to my mother "Guess who just finally won themselves their first 'Best Director' Oscar??". It didn't matter what other movies came out. It was Steven Spielberg's year.
I will say this However: We got the 20th Anniversary DVD thinking there would be commentaries, documentaries, behind the scenes. There was NOTHING like that. The ONLY thing in the "Extras" is three different things that are basically adverts for the Shoah Foundation. I already support and admire the Shoah foundation. I wanted a commentary, behind the scenes, actors looking back, documentaries on our three principles....and there was none of that. We were pissed. We watched the movie anyway because it had been a few years and the movie is amazing. BUT...if you already have a clean and crisp copy of the movie, there is NO NEED to get this "special" 20th anniversary edition. There aren't any real extras. You assume it because it is highlighted in red on it's edges and in bold letter's THE 20th Anniversary Edition. Don't let that fool you. You will get more info on it watching Steven, Ralph, Ben, and Liam for the 5 minutes each discuss it on "The Actors Studio" or from a book. That's how I got all my little movie tidbits. Very disappointing.
Interesting Sidenote: The -Actual- List that saved 1,200 lives was found and Judges 'Okayed' it for auction.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/476208.stm
Dear Readers, ORIGINALLY there was SUPPOSE to be the Spielberg Poll *HERE*. I did it three times before finally getting a Poll with boxes for you to check. But then, it wouldn't let anyone check any. After conferring with R. then having Y. go in and try for another hour to make it work, we gave up. As a fluke, I tried it for the fifth time as its own 'stand alone' entry, and it worked. We are all too tired to figure out how or why L.J. acts uppity like this some days so regretfully, the review is here and the Poll in a follow-up post. Apologies!
Zu