Schindler's List

Main Plot

"Schindler's List," directed by Steven Spielberg, is a poignant historical drama set during World War II, focusing on the Holocaust's atrocities. The film follows the transformation of a German businessman who initially seeks profit from the war by employing Jewish workers in his factory. As the Nazi regime's brutal policies against Jews escalate, he becomes increasingly aware of their suffering and begins to use his factory as a refuge to save as many lives as possible. Key events include the liquidation of the Kraków Ghetto, where Jews are forcibly removed and sent to concentration camps, highlighting the inhumanity and chaos of the Nazi regime. The protagonist's factory becomes a haven, as he uses his influence and resources to protect his Jewish workers from deportation and death. The film's climax centers on the creation of a list of workers deemed essential, which becomes a lifeline for those included. Themes of moral courage, the impact of individual actions, and the stark contrast between good and evil are explored throughout the narrative. The film underscores the power of compassion and the capacity for change, even amidst overwhelming darkness, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Characters

• Liam Neeson plays Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
• Amon Goeth, a brutal Nazi officer, oversees a labor camp, embodying cruelty and serving as a stark antagonist to the protagonist's efforts to save Jewish lives.
• Ben Kingsley plays Itzhak Stern, Oskar Schindler's Jewish accountant, who helps manage the factory and assists in saving Jewish workers during the Holocaust.

Ending Explained

At the end of the film, the war in Europe concludes, and Oskar Schindler gathers his Jewish workers to inform them that they are now free. He expresses his sorrow for not being able to save more lives, feeling a deep sense of guilt despite having saved over a thousand people. Schindler's workers present him with a ring made from a worker's gold dental bridge, inscribed with a Talmudic quote: 'Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.' This gesture signifies their immense gratitude and the profound impact of his actions. As the German forces retreat, Schindler, a member of the Nazi Party, must flee to avoid capture. He leaves with his wife, Emilie, while his workers remain behind, liberated. The film transitions to a scene showing the surviving Schindlerjuden and their descendants visiting Schindler's grave in Israel. They place stones on his grave, a Jewish tradition symbolizing respect and remembrance, highlighting the enduring legacy of his humanitarian efforts. The film concludes with a powerful juxtaposition of the actors and the real-life survivors they portrayed, emphasizing the historical reality of the events depicted. This ending underscores the profound impact of Schindler's actions and the enduring memory of those he saved.