Contrary to some irresponsible critiques that Spielberg depicts the rest of the Jews as anonymous masses, a number of reappearing characters do stand out within the multitude. Spielberg manages the near-impossible coup of having both anonymity and personalization. Not every person or happening shown is factual. Stern is a composite figure, for example. But whether created or recreated, everything is true.
Nothing is exaggerated, embellished or fabricated to dramatic ends.
This is no Hollywoodian flick. It is life and death in the raw, and all done like a documentary. The historical recreation is just as amazingly strong and true. For composer and music selector John Williams, it is his finest hour. Spielberg's experience pays off every minute, with outstanding efficiency.