February 27, 2010 - Das Weisse Band (The White Ribbon)

Caught this film at the Broadway, and had to think about it for a day before I wrote about it.

(50) Das Weisse Band (The White Ribbon) 2009: This film won the Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival this year, which was a big reason for me wanting to see it. I'll reserve judgment on that, but it was clearly one deserving of attention and accolades. It takes place in a village in Northern Germany just prior to World War I. Shot in black and white, and directed by the very accomplished Michael Haneke, there is much to think about by the time the end credits roll. The village as a Baron and Baroness who own virtually all the land and employ nearly everyone else as farmers in the village. There's also midwife, a school teacher, a doctor, and a pastor. There are also a couple of dozen kids. The adults are humorless and stern; the children, as a result, live their lives somewhere between fright and defiance. The message of the film is very subtle (at least for me), and is designed to represent the earliest formations of the Nazi party of government. I had to read a bit about the history of Germany at that time to fully understand what was happening, but when you see this film you will really got a good sense of how those children could be the generation, as adults, who could inflict so much pain on the world, and without the slightest hint of emotion, regret, or remorse. See this film, make no judgments, and let it settle in for a few days before deciding how much you like or dislike it.

4 Stars