A Hidden Life

The film tells the story of a man from Austria who refused to fight for Hitler. Based on a true story.

Franz and Fani Jägerstätter have a large farm, a great love, three daughters, three sheep, a donkey, a cow, and many other good things. However, Nazi Germany is at war and mobilizing every Austrian man. Franz, a devout man, refuses to fight for the Nazis. Moreover, he ponders unnecessary questions such as: if God gave people free will, then we are responsible for what we do and don't do, and if the leaders of countries behave badly, then we can choose not to listen to them. Later, Franz receives a draft notice and decides to climb his own Golgotha - to go to the military office and publicly refuse to fight.

Terrence Malick took the real story of one small man to unfold an extensive philosophical parable about the meaning of life - as he loves and knows how to do beautifully and for three hours. The screen is filled with the scent of meadow grass and mountain pine, soft warm earth, apples, steamed milk - everything that fills a happy peasant life. Malick savors every detail of his hero's existence, immersing us in this meditative simple life and making us feel it to the core. In three hours, we must understand that not only every blade of grass, every breath of air, every kiss from a wife is precious, but also the opportunity to live with all this without shame and according to conscience.

In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI recognized Jägerstätter as a martyr for his quiet solitary feat. This is not part of the film's synopsis; it actually happened.

🏆 Winner of the Ecumenical Jury Prize and nominated for the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival.