A HIDDEN LIFE
Based on the true story of a conscientious objector in Nazi-occupied Austria, this spiritual epic is a stirring, lushly-mounted return to form for Terrence Malick.
After a trio of films exploring spiritual malaise in 21st-Century America, A Hidden Life finds revered filmmaker Terrence Malick returning to his roots in period drama to tell the story of Franz Jägerstätter, a farmer and devout Catholic who refused to pledge allegiance to the Nazi party. When the film beings, Franz (August Diehl), his wife Fani (Valerie Pachner), and their children are living simply but contentedly in the picturesque mountain village of St. Radegund. Aided by Jorg Widmer’s stunning cinematography, Malick depicts St. Radegund as a literal Eden, seemingly out of time and untouched by the evils of contemporary society. But evil does make its way to the town, and soon Franz is the only man in St. Radegund resisting the rising tide of Nazism. In the face of open hostility of his neighbors and constant threat of imprisonment, Franz still honors his convictions, while Fani remains steadfast by his side. Despite its classical trappings, A Hidden Life retains the poetic flourishes that have defined all of Malick’s films, refracting the story through an impressionistic, philosophical lens. Tackling heady spiritual themes that would daunt most filmmakers, Malick has created perhaps his most moving exploration of faith yet.
CAST: AUGUST DIEHL, VALERIE PACHNER, MARIA SIMON, TOBIAS MORETTI
All sales are final. Admission is not guaranteed after scheduled start time.
CLICK HERE to return to the complete 28th Philadelphia Film Festival schedule.