Schindler's List

[Piljim]

In the classic film Schindler's List, do you think Oscar Schindler starts out on his venture just looking to make a profit, only realising his role in saving Jews later in the film? Or do you think, like me, he knows what he's doing all along and realises that the best way he can help the Jews is to use his position, remaining tight-lipped and keeping his motives hidden?

[julia walsh]

I think Oscar Schindler starts out as a self-centrered manufacturer concerned with only making money. He employs Jews not because he like them, but because they are cheap. But his perception changes and he does everything he can to save their lives. In the film, in 1943, when it became clear what the Germans' intentions towards the Jews were, Schindler ingraitated himself with the local Nazi commander, and it was only through this relationship that Schindler began his secret campaign to help the Jewish people.

[emily]

I think you are right. Julia. In fact if you read the book, you get a far deeper insight into his character than you do in the film. It becomes quite obvious that it was because he was a shrewd businessman.

[artisan]

Perhaps at the beginning he doesn't think the Jewish Germans' lifes are in danger.