A haunting masterpiece of cinema, Steven Spielberg’sSchindler’s List, a film that captured the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and the courage of one man, is now freely available to watch.
The 1993 film, starring Liam Neeson, isn’t just a historical drama; it’s a visceral experience. It recounts the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who risked everything to save over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during World War II.
Schindler, initially a member of the Nazi party, cleverly leveraged his connections to protect his workers from the brutal efficiency of the SS and the ever-present threat of the Gestapo. He transformed his factories into sanctuaries, offering a lifeline in a world consumed by darkness.
Spielberg made a deliberate and powerful artistic choice to filmSchindler’s Listin black and white. He believed color would betray the utter lack of life and light experienced by those enduring the Holocaust, stating that color represents life itself, and its absence was essential to convey the film’s gravity.
The film contains scenes of almost unbearable tension, most notably a shower scene at Auschwitz. The agonizing uncertainty – will water fall, or will deadly gas fill the chamber? – has been described by scholar Alan Mintz as “the most terrifying sequence ever filmed.”
The scene masterfully builds suspense, forcing the audience to confront the chilling reality of the Nazi’s systematic extermination. Even the eventual release of water offers only momentary relief, overshadowed by the constant fear and dehumanization.
Upon its release,Schindler’s Listgarnered widespread critical acclaim and swept the 1994 Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Spielberg. It was nominated for a total of twelve.
Beyond the awards, the film’s impact resonates deeply. It’s a stark and unflinching portrayal of inhumanity, yet simultaneously a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of individual action.
Today,Schindler’s Listmaintains an astonishing 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 9.2 out of 10. On Letterboxd, it boasts a 4.5 out of 5 rating from over a million users, and a 9.0 on IMDb.
It consistently appears in discussions about the greatest films ever made, standing alongside iconic works likeThe GodfatherandCitizen Kane. This is a film that demands to be seen, remembered, and discussed.
Originally made on a budget of approximately £35 million,Schindler’s Listremarkably grossed over £524 million, a figure comparable to recent blockbusters. Its enduring legacy confirms its status as a true cinematic landmark.
The film is available for the next 28 days, offering a rare opportunity to witness this profoundly moving and important story.
