‘Schindler’s List’

by Michael Erdos

As a Jew and the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, my movie of choice is “Schindler’s List.” The film is an intriguing one, based on true events, about a Nazi businessman who rescued more than 1,200 Jews. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film shows the transformation of Schindler from a money-hungry businessman to an unlikely humanitarian.
Oskar Schindler, played by Liam Neeson, began as a typical businessman who was focused on his wealth. His entire life was dedicated to making money. When he opened his enamelware factory he needed a helper so he hired a Jewish accountant named Itzhak Stern (played by Ben Kingsley). Stern convinces Schindler to hire Jews for the factory since they cost much less than other workers.
Schindler agreed and in turn

started viewing the Jews as more than cheap workers. They were being brutally murdered without reason. He started protecting the Jews and spared a large number of them from the gas chambers and concentration camps. Watching Oskar Schindler’s transformation throughout the movie is truly inspiring.
Spielberg also shows the pure evil of the Nazis. One main character is a Nazi prison camp commandant named Goeth (Ralph Fiennes). Goeth shoots Jews for amusement but being the hypocrite that he is, he falls in love with his Jewish maid.
Spielberg filmed the movie in black and white. However certain items such as a little girl’s red coat and the ending scene, when survivors visit Oskar Schindler’s grave in Israel, are shot in color. The film was directed meticulously and cautiously. The main message — saving one life, you save the entire world — was shown in a very creative yet affective style.
Being the grandson of a Holocaust survivor helps me appreciate this film in a deeper way than the average viewer. Throughout my childhood my grandfather told me vivid stories and details about the Holocaust, which are demonstrated very precisely in “Schindler’s List.” For example, I remember how my grandfather would tell me that if any Jew would disobey a Nazi order that Jew would be shot on the spot. I never fully comprehended that concept until I witnessed it during this film. The film touched my grandfather profoundly. He is a harsh movie critic but this film had him crying like his tear ducts broke. He was astounded at the accuracy of Spielberg’s film.
This movie is a must-see for every Jew and non-Jew alike. Believe it or not the film can change your life and outlook on many topics forever. Watching this movie is one easy path to learning about the Holocaust in a very emotional way. I recommend seeing this during any free time you might have especially because of the messages this movie portrays. It demonstrates how change is always feasible and that one shouldn’t be intimidated by other people’s opinions.
It is especially important for teenagers to realize that they can do anything they set their minds to. They think that one person cannot possibly have an immense impact on society, but this film helps us understand how a single man can impact the world in ways he never dreamed.
“People like Oskar Schindler are the reason that the Jewish nation continues to thrive today,” said my grandfather William Erdos. People like Spielberg help the youth “Never Forget” the Holocaust.
Michael Erdos is a junior at the Yeshivah of Flatbush in Brooklyn.

Westchester Jewish Conference

Westchester’s Jewish Community Relations Organization