(Michael
Haneke/2009/Germany)

It becomes apparent that the children
of the village are operating as a covert gang of sorts and are
perpetrating much of the incidents which are occurring although not
all of them. Again Haneke is deploying a certain ambiguity to provoke
thought and debate. But if we accept that the children are at the
heart of the subterfuge and revolt against the established power
structure within the village we can see how it relates to that first
statement about future events in Germany. These kids are the exact
generation that will vote for Hitler. Is Haneke suggesting that the
urge to rebel against older generations and usurp long standing
systems of control is the reason for fascism and right wing
nationalist ideas? I don’t think so, it’s subtler than that, the
youthful capacity and will for change allows space for certain,
extreme ideas to take hold more like. It appears the root and nature
of evil is inherent in mankind, even to the point that innocent
children can perpetrate crimes in blind faith to a higher cause. Or
are the children a metaphor whereby Haneke is proposing innocence for
that generation, their desire for something better blinding them to
the rottenness of the new regime? Also as one system of control is
replaced by another is there really any change as we see the white
ribbon of the title, employed as a shaming device by the pastor,
correlates to the yellow stars of David used to segregate Jews under
the Third Reich?
It’s that kind of movie that doesn’t easily
answer any of your questions and demands some consideration from the
audience. It’s also a masterpiece from Haneke who employs all his
skills of suggestion, observation and ideation to compel the viewer
to respond.
(4/5)
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