The Ninth Day

The Ninth Day is a powerful and gripping 2004 movie directed by Volker Schlöndorff, a respected figure in German cinema. Starring Ulrich Matthes, August Diehl, and Hilmar Thate, this film is an intense exploration of moral dilemma, faith, and survival.

Ulrich Matthes portrays the main character, Father Henri Kremer, a priest hailing from Luxembourg who gets incarcerated in the infamous Dachau concentration camp during the Second World War. Matthes’ performance is striking, sharing a poignant depiction of his character's trials as he grapples with his personal crisis of faith and stands up to the adversities presented by a totalitarian regime. The film periodically delves into the harsh reality of concentration camps, laying bare the brutalities inflicted upon the inmates.

August Diehl gives a chilling performance as Gestapo Officer Gebhardt. His character is complex and layered, serving as a juxtaposition to Father Kremer. Gebhardt, although a Nazi officer, studied in a seminary and uses this background to put on philosophical debates with Kremer, trying to justify the actions of the Third Reich. The tension between Diehl and Matthes’ characters and their conversations form a captivating moral struggle at the core of the storyline.

The setting of the film moves between the Dachau concentration camp and Luxembourg, combining stark, grim landscapes with beautifully captured scenes of the city that serve as a hauntingly stark contrast. The Ninth Day makes the most of its historical setting, providing an intricate backdrop that uses grim aesthetics and claustrophobic spaces to mirror the fear and dread that the characters undergo. It feels unsettlingly real, with the chilling horror of the era skillfully captured by the impressive cinematography.

Based on the real-life experiences of Father Jean Bernard, this movie is grounded in reality, amplifying the historical realities of the era. The narrative delves into the raw and unfiltered human emotions – fear, faith, courage, and hope, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit amid adversity. It artistically shows the internal torment suffered by the priest, torn between his duty towards the church, the lives of his fellow priests, and his own survival.

The screenplay by Eberhard Görner and Andreas Pflüger is tightly edited and masterfully captures the moral and physical horrors of the time without resorting to gratuitous violence or explicit depictions. The dialogues often delve towards philosophical discussions about faith, god, and guilt, providing depth and introspection to the story.

The Ninth Day is not just a film about survival and warfare; it's a psychological warfare that highlights the ethical and moral dilemma one faces when their belief is tested. It provides a stark contrast between god's goodness and a human's capacity for evil but also highlights their capacity for goodness.

Equally important in the film's narrative is the staging of the Catholic Church’s actions during the Second World War. The Church's role during this historical period has been a matter of discussion and controversy, and The Ninth Day doesn’t shy away from raising questions about it. It presents the institutional struggle of the Church, making its wartime positions an essential subplot of the movie.

The music score by Manfred Eicher sensitively complements the mood and tone of the film, lending depth to the narrative and enhancing the emotional reach of the many striking scenes and sequences. The direction and performances make this film a moving and thought-provoking watch, offering insights into the lesser-explored areas of history.

In conclusion, The Ninth Day is a profound cinematic achievement. It uses the canvas of World War II to present a riveting profile of faith and survival, drawn from real-life experiences, played impeccably by a talented cast. Schlöndorff's raw, unflinching take on the subject matter and the stellar performances give the film its dramatic weight. Laced with moralistic undertones, the movie delivers an authentic recount of a dark period in human history and compels audiences to contemplate their values and belief systems.