A Hidden Life 2019

A Hidden Life tells the poignant, true story of Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter, portrayed by August Diehl. Residing in the picturesque village of St. Radegund, Franz leads a humble life, toiling on his land alongside his devoted wife Fani, played by Valerie Pachner. The couple nurtures a close-knit family, welcoming three daughters as the years pass. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when World War II breaks out, and Franz is summoned for military training.

As he serves away from his family, the tension of the war heightens. Once France capitulates, he returns home but soon faces a harrowing choice. The able-bodied men of his village, including his neighbors, are called to arms, where they must pledge allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. In the face of intense pressure from his community, Franz stands firm in his convictions, adamantly refusing to compromise his beliefs.

With the weight of his decision looming over him, Franz draws profound strength from Fani’s unwavering support. As his fate becomes increasingly dire, he is incarcerated first in Enns and then in Berlin, where he spends months awaiting trial. During this harrowing period, he and Fani exchange heartfelt letters, providing each other with the courage needed to face the uncertain future.

As the war drags on, Fani and their daughters endure the growing animosity of their neighbors, who struggle to comprehend Franz’s principled stand against fighting. After enduring a brutal imprisonment, Franz’s trial finally arrives, where he is found guilty and sentenced to death. Despite having multiple chances to renounce his stance and sign the oath of allegiance, Jägerstätter remains steadfast, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his beliefs when he is executed by the Third Reich in August 1943. Throughout this ordeal, the love of his wife Fani, symbolized by her strength and resilience, remains a guiding light, ensuring that their family endures the darkest of times.