A Hidden Life (2019) Drama/Biography
10/10: The most beautiful movie you've ever seen. More of a poem than a film; slow and contemplative. Angelic scenery, heavenly music, and the example of a holy martyr in WWII. (PG-13 Rating)
Recommended for:
Kids-only movie night: No
Family movie night: No
Older kids movie night: Yes
Grownups only movie night: Yes
This will be too slow paced for young kids, anyone expecting a normal film will get bored. You have to know to expect a slower, poem-like film. It’s like visiting a museum, or like Glieberman says, this is “cinema at its mightiest and holiest; a movie you enter like a cathedral of the senses”.
Overview:
A Hidden Life (2019) - PG-13 - Drama/Biography/War
Rating: 8.5/10
Set in the rural village of Radegund in the majestic Austrian Alps, A Hidden Life tells the true story of farmer and soldier Franz Jägerstätter, who refuses to pledge allegiance to Hitler during World War II because of his firm Catholic faith. The film explores the spiritual and emotional cost of standing up against evil no matter the cost even when it is unpopular. It will have you and your loved ones asking yourselves whether or not you would stand up to evil if need be.
Awards:
Nominated for Best Film (Independent Spirit Awards), Best Cinematography (2), and Best Original Score (1).
Sex/Nudity/Pornography: 0/10
None. The film depicts a deeply loving and chaste relationship between Franz and his wife, Fani. The movie flows chronologically with their voices reading letters to each other and showing their lives as they progress in the fight. They share beautiful moments of affection that serve as a role model for young people on how their marriage should strive to be.
Violence/Gore: 4/10
The movie includes depictions of violence inherent to wartime and Franz’s imprisonment. Franz is verbally and physically abused, slapped, punched, and kicked, these scenes are not bloody or gruesome, but they are intense. Prisoners are shown suffering and struggling. Execution methods like guillotine are mentioned, and Franz's death is portrayed with reverence, leaving most visual elements implied rather than explicit.
Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: 1/10
There are brief scenes of casual alcohol consumption within a social or communal setting, reflecting the culture of rural Austria. Being drunk is shown negatively as some intoxicated Nazi generals mistreat their server at the local pub.
Cursing/Blasphemy: 0/10
This whole movie is the opposite of a blasphemy. It glorifies God.
Virtuous Examples: 10/10
Franz Jägerstätter embodies exceptional moral integrity, standing firm in his convictions despite societal pressure, personal suffering, and the risk of his ultimate sacrifice. His wife, Fani, shows unwavering support and love, raising their children and managing their farm alone even during the cold winter while Franz is imprisoned. The film highlights themes of sacrifice, faith, and resistance against tyranny. Their marriage is a great example for all, their love and affection for each other is beautiful, and it is clear they love their children with the same passion. In this movie you will behold the now extinct sight of family scenes: where the soldier Franz comes back from home and greets his loving wife with a passionate kiss, another where they play a game together on the mountain with a stunning view behind them, and where they dance together as a family and the dad chases the kids around the house. You will see this and realize what Hollywood has taken from you: wholesome, loving, Christian examples, which have been the foundation of Western Civilization.
Morality: 10/10
A Hidden Life draws on Christian values, showcasing the power of personal conscience and spiritual conviction. Franz’s refusal to swear allegiance to Hitler, even under threat of death, reflects his commitment to truth, beauty, and goodness. He is an example to follow when evil is in power. This movie shows “how the quietest acts of resistance are part of what save civilization” (Owen Glieberman)
Quotes:
"If God gives us free will, we are responsible for what we do, what we fail to do."
"It is better to suffer an injustice than to do it"
"You cannot say yes to evil and expect to find peace."
Final Rating:
10/10
Terrence Malick's A Hidden Life is a visually immersive and deeply meditative exploration of moral conviction and spiritual sacrifice. It will be too slow paced for young kids, or anyone expecting a normal film will get bored. You have to know to expect a slower, poem-like film. Like Glieberman says, this is “cinema at its mightiest and holiest; a movie you enter like a cathedral of the senses”.