Watch Not Reconciled, Or Only Violence Helps Where Violence Rules

Not Reconciled, Or Only Violence Helps Where Violence Rules is a 1965 German experimental film directed by Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet. The film is a reflection on Germany's tumultuous past and explores the ongoing struggle with violence and reconciliation. The film is divided into two parts. The first part is set in Berlin in the 1960s, where a young boy recounts his memories of the Nazi regime and the aftermath of World War II. He struggles to understand the contradictions within his own family, with one brother joining the SS and the other joining the communist resistance. The boy's reflections are interspersed with footage of modern-day Berlin, contrasting the bustling city with the dark shadows of its past.

The second part of the film is set in 1932 and follows the Hargesheimer family as they navigate the political unrest in Germany leading up to the Nazi takeover. The family is torn apart as they try to reconcile their political beliefs with the chaos of the time. Heinrich Hargesheimer, the authoritarian patriarch of the family, struggles to maintain control while his son Carlheinz becomes increasingly involved in fascist movements. Martha Staendner, the mother, is caught in the middle, trying to keep her family together while everything falls apart around them.

Not Reconciled, Or Only Violence Helps Where Violence Rules is a challenging and thought-provoking film that blurs the line between fiction and documentary. Straub and Huillet use non-linear storytelling techniques and jarring juxtapositions to create a disorienting and unsettling experience for the viewer. The film's themes of violence and reconciliation are timeless and universal, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition.

One of the most striking elements of the film is its use of sound. The soundtrack consists of a mix of ambient noise and classical music, which often clashes with the action onscreen. The effect is dissonant and discomforting, highlighting the film's underlying themes of conflict and tension.

The performances in the film are all excellent, especially Heinrich Hargesheimer as the authoritarian patriarch. His portrayal is nuanced and layered, capturing the complexity of a man struggling to hold onto power in the face of change. Carlheinz Hargesheimer and Martha Staendner are also effective in their roles, bringing depth and humanity to characters that could have been one-dimensional.

Not Reconciled, Or Only Violence Helps Where Violence Rules is not an easy film to watch. It requires patience and a willingness to engage with complex ideas. However, for those willing to make the effort, it is a deeply rewarding experience. The film's meditation on violence and reconciliation feels even more relevant today than it did when it was first released, making it a vital work of art that continues to resonate with audiences.