Gloriously shot in stark black and white (cinematographer Christian Berger), the village mystery sees strange events unfold as Germany inches closer and closer to war. Narrated by the school teacher (Christian Friedel) many years later, the veneer beneath the surface is simultaneously horrific and understandable.
With an almost feudal existence with the unpopular Baron ruling the roost, the fire and brimstone Protestant preacher adds his moral judgements as the doctor is severely injured by a falling horse only days before a village woman is killed. And that’s only the beginning as, with the backdrop of an ordinary early 20th century village surviving its daily drudge, a series of attacks — against animals, people, property – follow.
Written and directed by Michael Haneke with more than a nod to Turn of the Screw and The Village of the Damned, a sense of dread pervades village life. Normality – marriage, birth, death, the harvest – continues, but not without an unspoken fear. Wholly and utterly absorbing throughout its 145 minute running time.
Nominated for 2 Oscars in 2010 (best foreign language film & cinematography).
Rating: 84%
Director: Michael Haneke (Amour, Happy End)
Writer: Michael Haneke (Amour, Happy End)
Main cast: Christian Friedel (13 Minutes, Closed Season), Ulrich Tukur (The Lives of Others, Solaris), Leonie Benesch (Brecht, Colours in the Dark)
Cinematographer: Christian Berger (Hidden, Happy End)
An Opinion or Two 