A Hidden Life (2019)

DVD CASE/SLIDE

Length of film:  174 Minutes 

Rated: PG-13   

Genre: Drama, Biography Romance

Director: Terrence Malick

Starring: August Diehl, Valerie Pechner, Maria Simon, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Schoenaerts

IMDB Rank: 7.5/10

Part 1 Time:  84 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  90 Minutes

Where does the first part end? With his continued unwillingness to cooperate with the German Nazi regime Franz (August Diehl) is transferred from Enns Prison to Berlin Prison awaiting his trail for refusal swear an oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Take care my friend, the Anti-Christ is clever, he uses a mans virtues to mislead him.” Captain Herder (Matthias Schoenaerts) speaks to Franz prior to his transfer from Enns prison to Berlin prison.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Dearist wife, I leave for Berlin at 10:13 a.m” Franz narrates a letter he is writing to his wife Fani (Valerie Pachner).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, at this point in the film the stakes are being raised for Franz. He has been offered a non combat role within the German army, but has stayed silent on his decision. Franz has been through struggles at the Enns prison, but the Nazi’s are raising the stakes. Will Franz accept Nazi terms or will he keep his faith.

Which part is better? Part one, shows the simple life of a present farmer in Austria who is forced to choose been faith and duty to country. In part two, Franz experiences more pressure by the Nazi regime who wishes him to swear allegiance and serve for the German Nazi army. Although part one is heartfelt and touching as it shows a man’s love for family, part two is better as it shows the willingness some will go to fight for what they believe in.

Academy Awards: None