January 11, 2016

Movie Club—Schindler's List

In January the Movie Club will be screening Steven Spielberg's masterpiece Schindler's List. Based on Thomas Keneally's Booker Prize winning Schindler's Ark (1982), the films stars Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, and Ralph Fiennes.

The film tells the story of Oskar Schindler (Neeson) a Sudeten German who moved into Kraków in 1939 in the hopes of becoming rich thanks war industry to the cheap Jewish labour provided by the Nazi Party. He mixes with all the top officials and generals, is a ladies man having numerous affairs, throws the best parties, and knows how to do deals, both above and below board. But after becoming established Schindler starts to shift from profiteer to humanitarian. Working at his factory provides thousands of Jews with reason to live, as they become vital to the war effort in the eyes of the Germans. With the aid of his street wise account Itzhak Stern (Kingsley), Schindler utilizes his skills in charming, dealing and bribing to keep as many Jews alive as possible, having to deal with numerous corrupt officials and zealous commanders like Amon Goeth.


The film is shot entirely in black and white, with the exception of the now famous girl in the red overcoat. Spielberg wanted the film to have the weight of a documentary, filming in original locations and utilizing numerous camera techniques to mimic original footage, and dividing the film by historical events like the liquidation of the Kraków Ghetto. Along with perfectly cast actors in career defining roles the film provides a powerful viewing experience and remains one of the primary films dealing with the Holocaust.

The film will be screened on Wednesday 13 January at 6pm at Narellan Library, Corner of Queen and Elyard Street, Narellan. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided, but BYO snacks are more than welcome. Stay after the screening to share what about the film had the greatest impact on you, or join in a discussion about the films many powerful moments.

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