A village in Protestant northern Germany. 1913-1914. On the eve of World War I. The story of the children and teenagers of a choir run by the village schoolteacher, and their families: the baron, the steward, the pastor, the doctor, the midwife, the tenant farmers. Strange accidents occur and gradually take on the character of a punishment ritual. Who is behind it all? The village schoolteacher observes, investigates, and little by little discovers the incredible truth.

“Reaffirms Michael Haneke (CACHE, THE PIANO TEACHER, FUNNY GAMES) as the leading European filmmaker of his generation. Feels like a classic even as you are watching if for the first time.” (LA Weekly)

Awards

Academy Award Nominee: Best Foreign Language Film; Academy Award Nominee: Best Cinematography; Golden Glober Winnger: Best Foreign Film; Palm d’Or Winner (Cannes Film Festival)