A « stunning and different » war film that’s lesser known is hailed by fans as a « masterpiece ». A Hidden Life (2019) is based on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer and conscientious objector who refused to fight for Nazi Germany in World War 2.
The film directed by iconic auteur Terrence Malick, known for movies like The Thin Red Line and The Tree of Life. The movie incorporates Jägerstätter’s own words in the narration, taken from his published letters.
One audience reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said: “The grand cinematography will stir you, but the real glory of this film is how Malick uses it to convey the unshakeable closeness of Franz and Franziska as they hold each other up against the evil that quickly engulfs everything they hold dear—their friendships, their village and their peaceful way of life.
They added: “What’s more, Malick shows clearly how the heroes’ faith in God bolsters their resolve to resist the pernicious power of the Nazis over the minds and wills of everyone around them. A truly remarkable film.”
Another said: “My first Terrence Malick film, and it drove me to search up all his films and write them down so I can find them and watch them. It was stunning and different, so different in the best of ways. A stunningly beautiful, near-perfect film.”
A third added: ”I loved every single minute of it. Visual, music, acting, editing everything perfect in it. If you love cinema you should watch it.”
Some took issue with the length of the film, with one viewer on IMDb saying « at nearly three hours it’s bloated and over-long ».
« There’s a very good and powerful film in here, but it’s swamped, » they added.
But others insisted its well worth persisting with. A fan on Rotten Tomatoes said they were « blown away by this incredibly sad but cinematically beautiful film ».
« Please watch without any interruptions. It is long but worth every minute. I never left my seat for 3 hours. »
A fourth said: “Often the word is used, but rarely is it every earned – this time it is. A Hidden Life is well and truly a masterpiece of cinematic film-making.
« One of the most stunningly beautiful and tragic films ever made. The story is of course difficult and painful and sad, but the way it is told…it transcends into spiritual poetry, into meditation, into prayer.
They went on to call Malick « truly one of the finest filmmakers any generation has had », adding that « A Hidden Life may very well be his crowning achievement ».
The film has a 12 certificarte and depicts the brutality of the Nazi regime, including moderate violence and threat, so may not be for everyone.
A Hidden Life is streaming now on Disney+ and is available to rent or buy on other platforms.
