Schindler's List

Schindler's List fits under the thematic element of "Focus on Ideas." The focus on idea element contains several categories: moral implications, the truth of human nature, social problems, the struggle for human dignity, the complexity of human relationships, the coming of age/loss of innocence/growing awareness, and a moral or philosophical riddle. Schindler's List fits into the struggle of human dignity category because the film portrays a basic conflict between two opposing sides of human nature. Oskmar Schindler (the film's main character) struggles to surrender to his animal instincts of human weakness and brutality versus standing erect to display courage, a moral sense, and sensitivity.

Oskmar Schindler is placed at a disadvantage because he's part of the Nazi Party. As part of the Nazi Army he has to obey the rules and orders of Hilter without question. If he goes against these orders, his life and the life of the ones he loves are in danger. Schindler sees first hand the devistation, disturbing experiments, and immoral treatment of the Jews in the concentration camps. Schindler has to decide whether he stays faithful to the Nazi Party or risks his life to save a life of another.

In movies of "Struggle for Human Dignity," a triumphant victory is sometimes, but certainly not always, achieved. In the film Schindler's List, a small victory is won, Schindler saves thousands of Jews by having them work in his factory producing goods for the Nazi Army. The struggle itself is what gives the audience some respect for the character. Who does Schindler save? Who does Schindler leave off the list knowing their fate?

Schindler's List is said to be one of the most honored films of all time. I have watched several films on World War II, but Schindler's List really makes an impression. It is difficult for me to see all the horrific experiences the Jews had to go through, and the inner struggle that Schindler had to deal with. I can't imagine why people let those mortifying events take place and not do anything about it, why things went on for as long as they did, and were there more people like Oskmar Schindler?