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Poster for The White Ribbon

The White Ribbon

2009 · 2h 24m · R Drama, Mystery
Directed by Michael Haneke

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Overview

An aged tailor recalls his life as the schoolteacher of a small village in Northern Germany that was struck by a series of strange events in the year leading up to WWI.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
86%
Tomatometer
Fresh

As for Haneke's handling of the material, his directing is immaculate. Every moment is the product of a penetrating mind and a steady talent.

Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic
Fresh

The White Ribbon is a stark, contemplative and hauntingly brilliant film.

Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Fresh

Writer-director Michael Haneke doesn't pull any punches, but then he doesn't throw any wild ones, either. His filmmaking shows precisely the sort of obsession with control that the movie itself is denouncing. Interesting, you've got to admit.

Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh

Haneke tells this tale a bit too patiently for my taste. But the metaphors are unmistakable, as is the power of the film's message.

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Rotten

The White Ribbon lunges hungrily for serious art-film credibility. Don't be fooled.

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

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