7.8
Where can I stream The White Ribbon legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The White Ribbon
2009·Movie
·2h 24min·R·
The White Ribbon fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Violence5
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Melancholy9
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Some dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor6
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
History, growing up, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The White Ribbon is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome dark humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some dark humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
World
HighHistory, growing up, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, growing up, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn10Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
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.
Bleak Period PiecePsychological DramaSlow-Burn MysteryGerman Village LifeSocial CommentaryClaustrophobic AtmosphereBrooding & OminousMoral Decay
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The White Ribbon
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The White Ribbon worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 84). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The White Ribbon rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagerySexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, disturbing imagery, and sexual content.
How long is The White Ribbon?
2 h 24 min
The White Ribbon runs 2 h 24 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The White Ribbon?
Critics85
Audiences79
Yes. Critics average 85 and audiences 79 out of 100, so both groups see The White Ribbon much the same way.
Was The White Ribbon a box office hit?
Budget$22 million
Box office$12 million
No. It cost about $22 million to make and earned $12 million worldwide, 54% of its budget.
What language is The White Ribbon in?
GermanItalianPolish
It was made in German, with some Italian, Polish. Produced in Italy, Germany, Austria, France.
In how many countries can I watch The White Ribbon?
41
+27
+27GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The White Ribbon in 41 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The White Ribbon use?
Love at First SightThat Liar LiesAbsence Makes the Heart Go YonderTown with a Dark SecretThe Unsolved MysteryDreaming of Things to ComeDenied Food as PunishmentNo EndingBad People Abuse AnimalsCreepy ChildMeet the In-LawsEveryone Calls Him "Barkeep"and 22 more
TV Tropes lists 34 storytelling tropes for The White Ribbon, including Love at First Sight, That Liar Lies, Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder.