One of the most powerful and emotionally harrowing films ever made has recently been added to Netflix, allowing subscribers worldwide to experience a cinematic masterpiece. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 epic drama, Schindler’s List, is not just a film; it’s a historical journey that leaves an indelible mark on its viewers. Renowned for its profound storytelling and stark portrayal of the Holocaust, this black-and-white classic continues to resonate deeply with audiences decades after its release.
Via IMDb
With a runtime of over three hours, Schindler’s List is a commitment worth making. Garnering a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 98 percent from critics and 97 percent from audiences, the film is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest movies ever created. On IMDb, it ranks as the seventh highest-rated film of all time, ahead of classics like Pulp Fiction, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Forrest Gump.
Netflix: Bringing Timeless Classics to a Modern Audience
Via Netflix
Netflix, the global streaming giant, has consistently expanded its library to include cinematic treasures like Schindler’s List. Known for its vast collection of movies, TV shows, and original content, Netflix provides a platform for both contemporary hits and timeless classics, ensuring that audiences of all tastes and ages find something meaningful to watch. By adding Schindler’s List to its lineup, Netflix underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting significant works of art.
Via Netflix
The accessibility of Netflix makes it possible for younger generations, who may not have had the opportunity to see Schindler’s List in theatres, to understand the horrors of the Holocaust through Spielberg’s unflinching lens. With subtitles available in multiple languages and high-quality streaming options, the platform ensures that this essential film reaches a global audience.
The Story of Schindler’s List
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Set during the Second World War, Schindler’s List tells the real-life story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party. Played masterfully by Liam Neeson, Schindler begins his journey as a businessman with self-serving motives, seeking to profit from the war. Upon arriving in Krakow, Poland, he establishes a factory and employs Jewish workers for cheap labor, motivated solely by financial gain.
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However, as Schindler witnesses the atrocities committed against the Jewish community—many of whom are brutally killed or sent to concentration camps—his priorities shift. What starts as a profit-driven venture turns into a mission to save as many lives as possible. With the help of his Jewish accountant, Itzhak Stern (played by Ben Kingsley), Schindler uses his resources to bribe Nazi officials, including the ruthless SS officer Amon Göth (Ralph Fiennes), and secures the transfer of 1,100 Jewish workers to a new factory in the Czech Republic.
Via life.ru
Under the guise of manufacturing munitions, Schindler shields these individuals from the horrors of the Holocaust, ultimately spending his entire fortune to protect them.
The film’s title refers to the list of names compiled by Stern and Schindler—individuals who were saved from almost certain death. This list became a symbol of hope and humanity in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
A Cinematic Triumph
Via imdb
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinematic history. Spielberg, a Jewish filmmaker, approached the project with a deep sense of responsibility. He turned Thomas Keneally’s historical novel, Schindler’s Ark, into a haunting visual narrative, staying as true as possible to real events.
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Shot primarily in black and white, the film’s stark cinematography by Janusz Kamiński captures the bleakness of the Holocaust while imbuing the story with a timeless quality. The decision to use black and white was deliberate, as Spielberg sought to evoke the raw imagery of documentary footage from that era. One of the film’s few uses of color—the iconic “girl in the red coat”—serves as a poignant metaphor for innocence lost amidst the chaos.
Via film.ru
The performances in Schindler’s List are nothing short of extraordinary. Liam Neeson delivers a nuanced portrayal of Oskar Schindler, capturing his transformation from a profiteer to a selfless savior. Ben Kingsley brings quiet strength to the role of Itzhak Stern, while Ralph Fiennes is chillingly effective as Amon Göth, embodying the cruelty and moral decay of the Nazi regime.
The Impact of the Film
Via Universal Pictures
Schindler’s List premiered in 1993 to widespread critical acclaim and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Spielberg, and Best Original Score for John Williams. Williams’ hauntingly beautiful score, featuring the violin solos of Itzhak Perlman, became one of the most memorable elements of the film, amplifying its emotional impact.
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The movie’s success was not just limited to awards and box office figures—it earned over $320 million globally—but also in its role as an educational tool. Many schools around the world include Schindler’s List in their curriculums to teach students about the Holocaust. Spielberg himself has emphasized the importance of the film as a means of preserving the memory of this dark chapter in history.
Steven Spielberg’s Connection
Via sott.net
For Spielberg, Schindler’s List was more than a film—it was a deeply personal project. Born to Jewish parents, he grew up hearing stories about the Holocaust and its impact on his community. During production, Spielberg filmed scenes near Auschwitz-Birkenau, a location that profoundly affected him. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “Had I been standing on that exact spot at a different point in time, I more than likely would have been killed too.”
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The director’s commitment to honoring the victims of the Holocaust extended beyond the film itself. Spielberg refused to take any profits from Schindler’s List, calling the earnings “blood money.” Instead, he used the proceeds to establish the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation, which preserves testimonies from Holocaust survivors and witnesses. To date, the foundation has recorded over 55,000 interviews, ensuring that these stories are never forgotten.
The Legacy of Oskar Schindler
Via History Extra
Oskar Schindler’s story is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of overwhelming evil. By the end of the war, Schindler had saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust, a remarkable achievement that earned him the title of “Righteous Among the Nations” from Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. His bravery and selflessness serve as a reminder of the impact one person can have, even in the darkest of times.
Via The Telegraph
The descendants of Schindler’s Jews, often referred to as “Schindlerjuden,” now number in the thousands. Many have gone on to lead successful lives, carrying forward the legacy of the man who saved their ancestors. Schindler himself died in 1974, largely forgotten and financially destitute, but his story has since been immortalized through Spielberg’s film.
Why Schindler’s List Remains Relevant
Via Time
Decades after its release, Schindler’s List remains as relevant as ever. Its unflinching depiction of the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and apathy. In a world where antisemitism and intolerance continue to persist, the film’s message of compassion and courage cannot be overstated.
Via cinema.rin.ru
The addition of Schindler’s List to Netflix is significant because it ensures that this essential story reaches new audiences. Streaming platforms have the unique ability to introduce classic films to viewers who might not seek them out otherwise. By making Schindler’s List accessible to millions, Netflix is playing a crucial role in preserving its legacy.
A Cinematic Masterpiece on Netflix
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Schindler’s List is not an easy film to watch, but it is an essential one. Its raw portrayal of humanity’s capacity for both evil and goodness makes it a profoundly moving experience. Steven Spielberg’s masterful direction, combined with unforgettable performances and a haunting score, has cemented the film’s status as a cinematic masterpiece.
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As it continues to inspire and educate audiences around the world, Schindler’s List stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. For those who have yet to see it, or for those who wish to revisit its poignant story, its arrival on Netflix offers the perfect opportunity to witness a piece of history that must never be forgotten.
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