Thirty years have gone since the world was astonished by Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece flick, Schindler’s List. Released in the chilly winters of December 15, 1993, this hauntingly beautiful and incredibly moving film went down in history as one of Spielberg’s best films and a timeless example of humanity. In honor of this captivating cinematic landmark’s 30th anniversary, fans set out to celebrate its enduring impact on modern society.
The 1982 novel Schindler’s Ark served as the inspiration for Schindler’s List, which told the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Also, did we mention that it was a box office success, making $322 million worldwide on a $22 million budget, and won praise from critics for its tone, acting, atmosphere, score, and cinematography?
Schindler’s List at 30: Fans Reflect on Steven Spielberg’s Shattering Masterpiece
Brilliant storytelling and deft direction spring to mind when one thinks of Steven Spielberg. Schindler’s List is evidence of his talent; he skillfully combined strong acting, unsettling imagery, and historical authenticity to narrate a story that audiences would never forget. His skill as a director is evident in his ability to arouse strong feelings while handling such a difficult subject.
Now, thirty years have elapsed since one of the most profound and moving films ever to be seen on screen. Schindler’s List is still regarded as a timeless cinematic masterpiece in addition to a heartbreaking story.
As we celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, let us look back at the impact this heartbreaking 195-minute film has had on its loyal fans. Check out some love poured on the film by fans via tweet:
A nicely written and directed masterpiece 👆🏻
— The Eternal Sunshine 🪩 (@AnEternalPeace) December 15, 2023
An absolute classic that still hits hard. Time to celebrate the masterpiece!
— Unsullied 🦾🎠 (@scholarbanty) December 15, 2023
30 years and it aged well
— Unsullied 🦾🎠 (@scholarbanty) December 15, 2023
And still can compete with the new generation movie
— Aman sharma (@Amannssharma) December 15, 2023
A powerful film, arguably Spielberg’s best and most personal along with the recent The Fabelmans.
— Daniel T. Johnson (@SuperDan89) December 15, 2023
Moreover, the film industry will never forget Ben Kingsley‘s iconic performance as Itzhak Stern and Liam Neeson‘s portrayal of Oskar Schindler. As the terrifyingly evil Amon Göth, Ralph Fiennes gave the story additional depth. The film’s emotional journey was greatly enhanced by the cast’s superb acting. Schindler’s List‘s influence can be gauged by the multiple awards it has won in addition to its box office performance. It received seven wins out of twelve nominations for the 66th Academy Awards.
Steven Spielberg on the Ending Scene of Schindler’s List
According to Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List’s last scene, in which Holocaust survivors pay homage to Oskar Schindler’s grave, was added after the fact to let viewers know that the story was based on actual events. He informed The Times:
“Holocaust denial was on the rise again — that was the entire reason I made the movie in 1993. That ending was a way to verify that everything in the movie was true.”
Spielberg, 76, continued, saying that he had never directed a film that “so directly confronted a message” that he believed the world should see before Schindler’s List. He added:
“It had a vital message that is more important today than it even was in 1993 because antisemitism is so much worse today than it was when I made the film.”
Seven Oscars were eventually won by the film, including Spielberg’s first for Best Director and Best Picture. We learned from CTV News that screenings for its 25th anniversary in 1,029 theaters brought in $551,000. Also, the movie was chosen for preservation in the US National Film Registry in 2004 after being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress.
Thirty years after its release, it continues to have an unmatched ability to uplift, inform, and elicit empathy. As a tribute to this timeless masterpiece, let us make sure that its lessons are retained for generations to come.
Schindler’s List is available to stream on Paramount+.
