Schindler's List

Schindler's List is indeed the great film many note it to be. Spielberg's technically does not tone down his usual style, but for almost the entirety of the film this actually works extremely well for the material. The Nazis were not subtle and Spielberg's brutally realizes this in the harrowing depiction of their casual murders throughout the film. He does not allow them to be merely inhuman monsters though giving them their moments of humanity making their lack of hesitation in their acts all the more disturbing to witness. The film does overwhelm though in a good way in its stark black and white cinematography, and John Williams's incredibly moving score. As one would expect from Spielberg there is hope to be seen in the film. It's only ever a glint of it though which is used in a most affecting fashion. The only part where I would say that Spielberg tips his hand slightly too much is the ending where he decides to doubly enforce what Schindler did. We already have it, it's already powerful, then Spielberg decides to show it again, and just is not needed. That's only a minor quibble in what is otherwise a tremendous achievement.
5/5