I thought it interesting that you used this as an example because this was the moment of the movie when it lost me. Unfortunately, for me it didn't have the intended affect. I found it to be maudlin instead of moving (but I feel there were several scenes like that in this film, particularly the boy in the latrine.) I appreciate the intent of this scene but I would've preferred it be less on-the-nose.

rokanime, I have talked with many people who had a similar reaction as you to this moment. But this is a consistent thing in Spielberg movies, demonstrating a persistent instinct to go for emotion, to some viewers moments coming off as maudlin or melodramatic. But this scene from Schindler's List DOES slot into this week's theme: Overcome by emotion. Anybody else find this moment over the top and on the nose?

I thought Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Steven Spielberg and writer Steve Zaillian nailed it. Actor’s are not supposed to edit themselves. I believe Neeson’s performance to be quite truthful; as an Actor is supposed to be. Totally invested in the Character, Neeson’s Schindler is completely, unexpectedly transformed by his efforts as he is confronted by the 1100 seeing him off. I don’t believe the dialogue too ‘on-the-nose’ either. Schindler probably imagined a brief handshake with Stern and then getting in the car and driving off. Not so fast, Oskar. Were the scene cobbled into some sort of exit speech played to the gathered polish people, it might have been more in character with the Schindler we came to know and then, potentially, very on-the-nose. Instead of a simple “Goodbye” and a “Thank You”, we were given a Surprise! Schindler suddenly finds himself back on his heels. And then the jewel: this quiet, private conversation between Schindler and Stern ensues. It starts slow... and then begins to unravel, brilliantly! I was transfixed... then and again today. I’m certain Schindler didn’t see this moment coming. It surprised him as much as us... and the power of it is inescapable for him and the audience.

Thanks for that, Kevin. Like Paul Simon sings, "One man's ceiling is another man's floor." I bought the moment as it fit Schindler's arc, starting out uncaring and materialistic, transformed by his experiences, then commenting on the regret he feels for having not seen the truth earlier, how objects / money could have been translated into human lives.

Twice in the Movie FORREST GUMP: 1.) Forrest (Tom Hanks) unexpectedly learns he a son (Haley Joel Osment). Then Forrest wonders to Jenny (Robin Wright) if little Forrest is like his Daddy or is he... normal. 2.) Forrest says goodbye to Jenny at her grave. GOOD WILL HUNTING: Will (Mat Damon) is confronted by Sean (Robin Williams) about the past. Sean tells him, repeatedly, “It’s not your fault."