MLK once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that.” We have seen times that have been so dark that it seems the idea of light ever driving it out is impossible. The Holocaust was one of those times. Although the darkness of the Holocaust will never be eradicated, today we hear of stories of heroism that bring some dimmed glow into the deepest realms of dark. Steven Spielberg’s brilliant film “Schindler’s List” sheds a lighter perspective by showing the impact one man was able to make during this somber time in history.

The 1993 film opens with a scene of hands lighting a candle for the Sabbath in a dark room with Hebrew prayer sung in the background setting a tone of solemnity. This short scene fades out with the smoke of the candle that transitions spotlessly into smoke of a steam engine in a place of industrialization. From this point on, the movie is set in black and white.

Businessman Oskar Schindler arrives in the Kraków ghetto during World War II hoping to make a fortune. He begins hiring Jewish employees from the ghetto, and the Schindler Jews were extremely thankful for him. With Schindler on their sides they were well fed and protected from the wrath of Nazis operating in the ghetto. Schindler sacrifices himself and makes several bribes to protect this group of Jews and, in doing this, saved thousands. A story that began with a greedy entrepreneur ended with a true hero.

Spielberg created a heart-wrenching film in both a solemn and warming way. Everything from his choice of actors to film location were genius. Although many times nonfiction movies are exaggerated for the sake of success, this film is historically correct. The scenes were shot either at or near where they had actually occurred.

As Oskar Schindler, Liam Neeson portrays a character so dynamic and intriguing that by the end of the movie the viewer feels a personal connection to him. Neeson’s intense dedication to the role is shown through his realistic mannerisms and German accent.

Overall the cinematography was stellar. There’s no question why the movie is a Best Picture winner. “Schindler’s List” had an interesting complex with an artistic side. Symphonies of violin composed by John Williams added intense emotion throughout without ever overtaking the scene itself.

Because it is rated R for some explicit language, nudity, and disturbing images, this film is recommended only for mature audiences. However, this is a movie that everyone should see for the sake of education as well as a captivating story.