Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Schindler's List

I've been making my way through the AFI Top 100 Films list {slowly, but surely.}
A few months ago, I put each movie from the list on to my Netflix queue; now I know something good is coming, but am never completely sure which it will be. {I don't typically check my queue, though I know I could.}

Last week, I received Schindler's List in the mail. I have to admit, I was nervous. I cry at least three times a day as it is, I definitely don't need to add to the count with holocaust stories. I actually assumed I would cry through most of the movie and {as I did with Blood Diamond} for at least an hour afterward.

I sat down last night, and paused it three times in the first five minutes, trying to make up an excuse--something else, very pressing, that I had to do instead of watching the movie. But, I knew I'd have to watch it eventually...so I pressed play.

It is a fantastic movie. Obviously, since it is on the Top 100 Films list. It's a beautiful, beautiful story of rescue. I cried only twice. Once after the first shooting and again at the very end, when Mr. Schindler is saying "One more, I could have saved one more"

And then he reads the ring:
"whoever saves one life, saves the world entire"

I lost it. I love what Mr Schindler did for these people. I love the process leading to his broken heart and rememberance of the humanity that was being stolen from the people.

I would love to visit his grave, someday, and honor a man who saved so many people simply because he hadn't forgotten--as so many of his peers had--that these were, in fact, people.

I sent it back today...but I think I will watch it again sometime soon.
It is that good.

It's also worth noting how underrated Ralph Fiennes is as an actor. He is phenomenal...I think he might be on my list of favorites. {And he's not bad to look at either...I was going to post a picture, but our neighbor blocked his Internet and I had to type this on my phone.}

1 comment:

Julie Hibbard said...

I just cried READING this and remembering that last scene when he's crying about his watch...thinking that he could have done more.
It's an incredible movie. Incredible! So glad you were able to watch it, experience it and really FEEL it!