What awaits are many hidden gems to be discovered beneath the plot of Franz Jägerstätter objecting to an Oath of Fidelity to Hitler and to facing death. A Hidden Life, although quite a sophisticated film, like all literary classics, must be experienced to be appreciated. The hidden treasure of A Hidden Life is waiting for anyone willing to be guided by the cinematic methods of Malick, who guides his directees like a great spiritual director guides those in his care. But like a parable, unless the “eyes and ears” of one’s heart is open, the treasured hidden mystery will not be found. On behalf of the “Holy High Fivers”, there is a frustration over why the beauty and profound depth of Malick’s films are not appreciated. Malick has fallen prey again to voice over whispering and dreamy cloud watching with no discernible plot.” Rotten Tomatoes‘ consensus among critics reads, “Ambitious and visually absorbing, A Hidden Life may prove inscrutable to non-devotees - but for viewers on Malick’s wavelength, it should only further confirm his genius.” With Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, you will either be deeply moved as I was, wanting to give Malick (who both wrote and directed the film) a “Holy High Five” for again being the spiritual master of Hollywood filmmakers, or instead, putting your head in your hands thinking, “Ayeyeye, not again. When the Austrian peasant farmer, a devout Catholic, is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife Franziska (Valerie Pachner) and children that keeps his spirit alive.
Based on real events, A Hidden Life is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter (August Dieh), who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II.