The White Ribbon - 20100329

Directed by Michael Haneke, The White Ribbon recalled the feeling what a film should have.

Theatres are piled up by so many commercials and soap operas which are incarnated as films. However, rarely do they fulfill the nature of a movie. Styleless and of silly storyline, we would well be contended if some giggles could be unleashed. In the time that banality prevails every aspect of our lives, the film industry is of no exception. In its heyday, there were so many masters, like Bergman, Fellini etc, in the film industry. Though never quite grasp what those classics tell, the impression they give is always distinctive.

The White Ribbon is quite artistic. In monotone, the tension of suspiciousness reflects strongly in front of the audiences. The use of shades through black and white colour is quite unforgettable. The stillness of motion and minimal use of dialogue maintain the sense of uneasiness throughout the movie. All in all, to me, the movie is a rare good one in recent years. A Palme d'Or suits its quality.

Sadly, in Hong Kong, the film could only be watched in two theatres. Yesterday, a usual Sunday afternoon, there were only around 30 audiences to go for it in Broadway Cinematheque, and I overheard that a lady could not even find out who the butler was when the film was finish. Sigh.