Watch The Inheritors

The Inheritors (Die Siebtelbauern) is a 1998 Austrian-German movie directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky. The movie is set in the Austrian region of Styria in the 19th century and revolves around seven tenant farmers who inhabit a remote mountain area. The farmers have been duped by their landlord, who has been collecting rent from them but not passing it on to the authorities. The situation comes to a head when the landlord, who has been taking their money for years, dies, and the tenants decide to bury him secretly and keep the money they collected, hoping to use it to buy their land and escape from their poverty-stricken existence.

The seven farmers, who are all related by blood or marriage, are a curious mix of characters. They are each distinct, with their own personalities, quirks, and skills. There is the wily and crafty Johann (Gerald Griesser), who is the leader of the group, and his downtrodden and gentle cousin Nicholaus (Simon Schwarz). Then there are the jovial Johannes (Florian Brückner), the young and impetuous Simon (Paul Hofmann), and the gruff but kind-hearted Markus (Erwin Steinhauer). The other two farmers are Johann's wife, the tough and resourceful Katharin (Martina Poel), and her sister Maria (Sophie Rois).

The Inheritors is a drama with a focus on character development, rather than action or visual spectacle. The movie explores themes of power, greed and the human condition in a time when rural societies were heavily oppressed. The farmers are shown to be hardy and resilient, but also limited by their impoverished circumstances, lack of education and entrenched societal norms. The seven farmers represent a microcosm of society as a whole, where the few with money and power exploit the many, and the cycle of poverty can only be broken through collective effort and careful planning.

The most striking aspect of The Inheritors is its realism. The austere setting, despite being frozen in time, feels very palpable and immersive. The film evokes a sense of claustrophobia and the feeling of the landscape entrapping its inhabitants, magnifying their difficult situation. The scenery is stark and foreboding, and the natural sounds are sometimes overwhelming, enhancing the feeling of inevitability.

The movie’s cinematography is also stunning; it uses a muted, washed-out palette to visually represent the struggles of the farmers, set against the bleakness of their environment. What’s more, the film uses a lot of natural light and practical effects which gives the movie a very authentic feel. The main focus of the film is always on the characters and their struggles, placing them in a world that is inherently unfair and complex.

The Inheritors does not shy away from controversial or taboo topics, either. It portrays the farmers as simple-minded and superstitious, often steeped in urban legends and fears. Furthermore, it depicts the relationship between the farmers and the ruling class as one of insurmountable difference. The wealthy landowners are shown as imperious, vain and distant, but humanized through their personal struggles and insecurities.

The Inheritors is a slow burn that rewards its audience with a profound and thoughtful exploration of society's ills, along with its achievements. This is a great historical drama that is as relevant today as it was twenty years ago. The movie conveys the inherent right of all people, to ensure they have a roof over their head and sustenance on the table, along with the dignity that comes with self-reliance.

Overall, the movie is a fine example of humanism, and a study of the human condition that will touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. It is definitely a must-see for those who love historical dramas, and is a great introduction to Austrian cinema.