re: What World War II films do you consider "essential" viewing?

I get all of that. Im saying what saving private Ryan is to d day, Schindler's list isn't to the holocaust. I'm telling you it isn't even the best holocaust film. It isn't the 2nd best, it isn't the third best.

Drop your academy goggles. The acting is stiff which doesn't go over so well in a black and white film. It's documentary like, there's a barrier or disconnect. You seem to think explicitly showing the murder of Jews is important (and it is) yet you can just ignore that it's done in black and white which minimalizes the impact and reality of it all.

It's a great movie, I own it, I watch it. I love Spielberg, but it's overrated.