The White Ribbon (Das weisse Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte - 2009)

The cinematography is the reason to see this long (2:25) and somewhat confusing German movie set in a small town in the months before World War I. Though Christian Berger shot it in color before it was converted to black and white, each frame is stunning, especially the exteriors. Because it has several very dark scenes, it would be best to see it on a big screen in a dark room if at all possible. Writer/director Michael Haneke (Caché (2005), which was also confusing) brings us creepy children and adults with no names ("The Doctor," "The Pastor," "The Baron," etc.). "The Teacher" narrates the story, telling of a growing series of misfortunes befalling the residents of the village. Only a few characters seem blameless and most of the mysteries are not cleared up by the end. The subtitle of the movie means a German child history, and most reviewers refer to these children as future Nazis or Nazi enablers. Haneke apparently interviewed over 7,000 children for the 40 or so young actors. Nominated for Oscars for both cinematography and foreign film, this movie won the American Society of Cinematographer's top award, the top prize at Cannes (the Palme d'Or), the Golden Globe for best foreign film, and others. These awards caused us to rush to see it when it opened in our neck of the woods a week ago but I didn't rush to blog it because of my/our mixed feelings.

The White Ribbon is not for dilettantes. To follow along you will need to pay attention and concentrate. And, despite the presence of so many child actors, the movie is rated R for sex, violence, and frightening/disturbing scenes (plus most kids and some adults are unwilling to read subtitles). You know how much I like movie soundtracks? This doesn't have one. There's no need to write more because so much has been printed already (beware of spoilers aplenty in the following reviews, but perhaps they will help you comprehend).