The White Ribbon

The White Ribbon

Year: 2009

Runtime: 144 min

Language: German

Director: Michael Haneke

DramaMysteryCrime

In a quiet German village just before World War I, a succession of unsettling incidents occur, seemingly linked to archaic forms of discipline. A local schoolteacher investigates these events, gradually revealing a disturbing connection between the community’s past and a growing sense of unease. His inquiries uncover a complex web of secrets and repressed tensions, prompting reflection on the societal forces that may have contributed to the impending conflict and the rise of extremism in Germany.

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Timeline – The White Ribbon (2009)

Trace every key event in The White Ribbon (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Schoolteacher's Reflection

The tale begins with an elderly tailor reflecting on his past as a village schoolteacher in the fictional Protestant village of Eichwald, Northern Germany. His memories span from July 1913 to August 9, 1914, a period marked by strict moral codes and local power struggles.

July 1913 Eichwald
2

Pastor's Control

In the village, the fervent pastor enforces a harsh moral regime during confirmation classes. His punishment method includes making the youth wear white ribbons to symbolize their lost innocence, creating a climate of fear and guilt among the children.

Eichwald Church
3

Pastor's Cruelty

A devastating incident occurs when the pastor's son confesses to 'impure' actions. Instead of offering compassion, the pastor binds the boy’s hands to his bed each night, exemplifying the severe repercussions of moral transgressions in his household.

Pastor's House
4

Doctor's Duality

The village doctor, a caring figure towards his patients, harbors a dark side. He mistreats his housekeeper, the midwife, and becomes embroiled in abuse, casting shadows over his relationship with his family while creating a façade of compassion.

Doctor's House
5

Baron's Celebration

The baron, the lord of the manor, organizes harvest celebrations for the villagers, hoping to foster goodwill. However, when his son suffers a severe injury, the baron reacts by distancing himself from those offering support, including Eva.

Baron's Estate
6

The Proposal

The schoolteacher's relationship with Eva deepens, prompting him to ask her father for permission to marry her. However, her father's hesitance introduces a year-long waiting period, leaving both lovers in a state of uncertainty.

Christmas Eva's Family Home
7

Tragedy Strikes

A series of unexplained tragedies befalls the village, beginning with the doctor’s devastating fall caused by a wire strung between trees. The calamities escalate as constructions around the baron’s estate deteriorate, leading to the accidental death of a farmer's wife.

Village
8

Disappearance of Sigi

During a festive occasion, the baron's young son, Sigi, mysteriously disappears. The subsequent search leads to his shocking discovery, bound and brutally beaten, which amplifies the already pervasive atmosphere of fear within the community.

Baron's Estate
9

Pastor's Daughter's Defiance

In a moment of rebellion, the pastor's daughter frees his treasured parakeet, which later reappears cruelly treated. This act of defiance highlights the oppressive nature of the pastor's authority and the children's growing unrest.

Pastor's House
10

Midwife's Desperation

The midwife attempts a desperate measure by borrowing a bicycle from the schoolteacher to report her son’s attacker to the police. This act reflects her desperation as her family also grapples with the shadows cast by the ongoing violence.

Village
11

A Dark Exodus

The doctor and his family mysteriously vanish from the village, leaving behind a note about closing his practice. Their abrupt exit further deepens the mistrust and fear as residents speculate about the dark events plaguing Eichwald.

Doctor's House
12

Confrontation with the Pastor

Growing suspicions compel the schoolteacher to confront the pastor, accusing him of hiding the truth behind the village's tragedies. Enraged, the pastor threatens to expose the accusations, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

Pastor's Office
13

The Prelude to War

As the village grapples with increasing turmoil, the atmosphere thickens with dread as the world edges toward war. The film closes dramatically, capturing the somber, tense atmosphere in the church during a service, emphasizing the community's fragility.

Eichwald Church
14

Departure to Conflict

The narrative concludes with the schoolteacher being drafted into World War I, symbolizing a definitive loss of innocence for him and the village. His departure marks both a physical and emotional severance from Eichwald, foreshadowing the darkness ahead.

August 9, 1914 Eichwald

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:29

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The White Ribbon Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The White Ribbon

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