

Das Weisse Band: Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte Budget
Updated
Synopsis
"Das Weisse Band: Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte" (2009) is a hauntingly atmospheric film set in a small German village just before World War I. The story unfolds through the eyes of a schoolteacher who observes the lives of the villagers, particularly the children, as they navigate a world filled with strict moral codes and hidden secrets. The narrative delves into the lives of the local families, revealing the oppressive nature of their upbringing and the dark undercurrents that shape their behavior. Mysterious incidents begin to plague the village, leading to a growing sense of paranoia and suspicion among the residents. As the children grapple with the harsh realities imposed by their parents and the community, the film explores themes of innocence, guilt, and the impact of societal expectations. With its stark black-and-white cinematography and a chilling score, "Das Weisse Band" invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the roots of violence in society.
What is the budget of Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte?
"Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte," a drama released in 2009, was directed by Michael Haneke and stars Christian Friedel, Ernst Jacobi. The production budget was $21,555,450, placing it in the mid-budget range for drama productions of its era.
Key Budget Allocation Categories
While specific budget breakdowns are not publicly available, typical cost drivers for a drama production like this include:
- Above-the-Line Talent: Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances.
- Location Filming & Period Production Design: Authentic locations , whether contemporary or historical , require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period.
- Post-Production, Color Grading & Score: The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone.
- Production: Michael Haneke has said the project was in development for more than ten years.
What were the major cost factors in Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte?
Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of "Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte."
- Above-the-Line Talent: Above-the-Line Talent is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
- Location Filming: Location Filming & Period Production Design is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
- Post-Production: Post-Production, Color Grading & Score is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
How Does Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte's Budget Compare to Similar Films?
At $21,555,450, Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte sits in the mid-budget range. Here is how it compares to productions with a similar budget:
- Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001): Budget $21,150,000, Worldwide Gross $39,438,674
- 12 Rounds (2009): Budget $22,000,000, Worldwide Gross $17,280,326
- Before I Go to Sleep (2014): Budget $22,000,000, Worldwide Gross $17,669,776
- Dances with Wolves (1990): Budget $22,000,000, Worldwide Gross $424,208,848
- Blockers (2018): Budget $21,000,000, Worldwide Gross $94,017,294
The median budget for wide-release drama films in the 2000s ranges from $30 to 80M for mid-budget to $150M+ for tentpoles.
Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte Box Office Performance
"Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte" earned $2,222,862 domestically and $11,652,157 worldwide at the box office. Against a production budget of $21,555,450, the film faced challenges in theatrical release. Home video, streaming, and ancillary revenue may have contributed to its overall performance.
A film typically needs to earn approximately twice its production budget to cover marketing and distribution costs. For "Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte," that break-even threshold was roughly $43,110,900. With worldwide earnings of $11,652,157, the film did not reach break-even in theatrical release.
- Production Budget: $21,555,450
- Worldwide Gross: $11,652,157
- Net Return: −$9,903,293
- ROI: approximately -45.9%
At -45.9%, "Das Weisse Band Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte" did not recoup its production budget through theatrical release alone.
Awards and Recognition
Nominated for 2 Oscars. 62 wins & 49 nominations total
- Amanda Award for Best Foreign Feature Film
- European Film Award for Best Director: Michael Haneke (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Michael Haneke (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Stefan Arndt (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Veit Heiduschka (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Margaret Menegoz (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Andrea Occhipinti (22nd European Film Awards)
- European Film Award for Best Film: Michael Katz (22nd European Film Awards)
Official Trailer








































































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