Austria, 1939, and peasant farmer Franz Jagerstatter faces execution by the Nazis when he refuses to fight during the Second World War. Writer/director Terrence Malick's Cannes-winning drama, starring August Diehl, Valerie Pachner and Matthias Schoenaerts
Terrence Malick's fascination with the continuity of things and the wonder of ordinary existence is vividly captured in A Hidden Life, based on the true story of Second World War conscientious objector Franz Jägerstätter. Beatific, punishing yet enlightening, the film immerses us in the life of Austrian farmer Franz (August Diehl), wife Fani (Valerie Pachner) and their children, as their village is blighted by the Nazi death machine. Franz, imprisoned for refusing to swear allegiance to Hitler, brings disgrace to his family as his lawyer pleads with him to change his mind. This visual odyssey into morality and conscience dares to dwell on both religion and nature, with Jörg Widmer's cinematography just one evocative element of the steadily paced drama. It's an important film that repays one's attention, and its message - that history pivots on unhistoric acts - has never been more relevant.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Franz Jägerstätter | August Diehl |
| Franziska Jägerstätter | Valerie Pachner |
| Resie Schwaninger | Maria Simon |
| Rosalia Jägerstätter | Karin Neuhäuser |
| Father Fürthauer | Tobias Moretti |
| Lorenz Schwaninger | Ulrich Matthes |
| Captain Herder | Matthias Schoenaerts |
| Mayor Kraus | Karl Marcovics |
| Judge Lueben | Bruno Ganz |
| Bishop Fliesser | Michael Nyqvist |
| Eckinger | Wolfgang Michael |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Terrence Malick |
