Powerful and Unsettling

Rating: 8/10 (21 January 2010)

The White Ribbon is powerful and unsettling. Haneke's dispassionate look at a village and its unspoken problems only serves to heighten the audience's reaction to the systematic wrongs that are occurring. A sense of fear dominates every aspect of the film, and this is reflected in the general sense of apathy exhibited by all of the characters. The black and white cinematography gives the film a very distinct look, fitting for the film's pre-WWI setting while also adding to the uneasiness of the village's lifelessness. Overall, it is not always all that enjoyable; this is not due to a lack in craftsmanship but instead it is a by-product of the film's themes. That said, it is an important film that demands watching, even though it is not always easy to do so.
Full Review at MacGuffinFilmReviews.blogspot.com