An engaging and meaningful film

Rating: Null/10 (21 May 2010)

On my first viewing of The White Ribbon I appreciated the film very much, but it did not always connect with me or engage me. However, like I predicted, this is one of those films that demands a rewatch and if you know what sort of film it is, you will not be disappointed. This was a problem I had the first time I was watching it, I expected a more physically thrilling film I guess, and since it is a very slow film, I did not like it as much as I thought I would. But this is a film that demands your full attention throughout, and this time I certainly was engaged throughout with no dull moments.
I have to start off by saying that the writing and directing by Haneke is certainly amazing. He is certainly a director of patience when he thinks his film needs it. What I think is most interesting of his film is the fact that there is so many characters (which I thought was the problem the first viewing but have come to realize that it's it's strongest aspect) and he gives so many of them importance that this is probably one of the best examples of an ensemble piece. Haneke is showing us the way the people in this village live and how their flawed actions are the cause of so much brutality and cruelty. Honestly, I am not comfortable saying that that is what Haneke is trying to show us. Most already know that Haneke intends to show how these type of children in this village are examples of their future Nazi roles, so say in a simpler way, but I feel that the film does not actually need to be explained in any way, which I think is why I love the ending so much- it gives no closure. We are always as clueless as the townspeople and we are never given any further insight as to who is committing the cruel acts. We are forced to experience what all of these villagers are experiencing, yet without any leads on anything. We see how the Pastor has a powerful sway over his children's' acts and what makes up their morality according to his own flawed beliefs, holding them up to higher standards only because they are his children. We glare at the way the Doctor so ruthlessly commits perverse sins, and how the Baron is dominated by anger and selfishness.
Technically, the film is outstanding. The cinematography is brilliant and is the main factor that gives Haneke's film it's engaging but subtle atmosphere. The lack of music just creates more dread in ever scene and forces you not to look away. The acting is brilliant. The children's' performances are all great and are probably some of the finest child actors I have seen in any film. Ultimately, this film demands a 2nd viewing, and just like Antichrist and A Serious Man from 2009 as well, does improve significantly just because you dwelve into it's brilliant film-making more than you ever did in first viewing.