T2 is an excellent Hollywood blockbuster, but it simply not a better film. The only thing I can possibly give up to T2 are the groundbreaking sound-effects. But Schindler's List trumps T2 in every other way. Acting, direction, screenplay (although I may be willing to argue that T2 has one of the most solid scripts for an action film in the last 20 years). Everything about Schindler's List is powerful, taut, emotional and gripping. Anyone who doesn't feel at least moved after this movie is a heartless bastard. Some say the film is dark. I say it is possibly the most inspirational Holocaust film, a true testament to the fact that people are good at heart. Liam Neeson's performance is easily one the 100 greatest performances in the history of film, and his "I could have done more" monologue at the end is phenomenal. Ralph Fiennes also lights up the screen, as one the greatest film villains in film history. Amon Goeth is a different kind of psychopath, and at times it appears as if he wishes to do good, but something in his brain, or his upbringing, compells him to do evil. Or perhaps he decides it's easier to be evil. He is a truly irredeemable man, at yet at the same time, there are times where he can almost be pitied. He is a miserable man, who hates himself for who he is, and yet either can't, or won't, change his ways.
Fact is, Terminator 2 is not a movie people have to see in their lifetime. Schindler's List is.
