Holding on to faith in tough times

Navnee Likhi

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American filmmaker Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life tells the true story of  Franz Jagerstatter, the  Austrian religious conscientious objector who chose to be executed for his religious views rather than fight for the Nazis during World War II. The film depicts Franz’s sacrifice in a world that is increasingly overrun by indifference in a conflict situation. The film compels one to contemplate that does Franz’s life and his death even matter. The story of the film centres around Franz Jagerstatter and his wife Franziska, who live a quiet life  along with their three little daughters in a village in the mountains of Austria. Franz and his wife frequently communicate through voice-over and letters when they live apart. The weighty moral religious and political aspects of the film are shown within limits. Franz does not give any rousing speeches neither saves Jews from the Nazis.

The film begins with idyllic scenes of valleys in Austria in St Radegund village where Franz and his family live. The couple’s life is limited to farming and bringing up their daughters. They recall when they first met, how their simple life was full of possibilities. They are a part of the tight-knit community which gathers in a local pub and also visit the church every Sunday morning.

Soon the news of Hitler’s advancement towards Austria reaches the locals. Clouds of war gather. Austrians are called upon to join military training and swear loyalty to Hitler. Franz is called and sent to military training base. He returns home after French forces surrender. He works on his farm, along with his wife. The mayor of the village gives a rousing speech praising Adolf Hitler. Franz objects to this and refuses to join active duty again. He  also refuses to pledge loyalty to Hitler as by then he becomes aware of the atrocities being committed by the Nazis on innocent people. He believes that his faith will not permit him to bow again to the Nazis. The village community argues with Franz. It wouldn’t do any good to farmers to defy Third Reich as they would be sent to camps and their families will starve and suffer. Franz disagrees and says to them, “God won’t send us more than we can bear”. As a Christian, he is driven by faith. 

His wife and mother plead with him to sign the oath but he refuses. He becomes uncommunicative and refuses to explain himself. Franz confesses to a local priest about his decision and is taken aback when the priest stops him for condemning Third Reich. Franz visits a local chapel and speaks to the artisan, who is restoring a painting of Christ. He tells him about darker times ahead. 

Later Franz is arrested by the Nazis,  taken to Berlin prison and branded as a traitor. He chooses death over his principles. The story of Franz is that of internal struggle, a battle within his mind, heart and soul. The succeeding scenes are shown in black and white from archived footage which show Berlin during the War, steamed engines and speeches of Hitler. Franz is mocked at by his prison inmates for his moral convictions. His wife longs for him at their village. She is ostracised by neighbours for her husband’s betrayal. In the prison, Franz is often beaten up by prison guards. He  is constrained with handcuffs and leg iron chains. A high-ranking Nazi officer Judge Lueben, in a meeting, asks Franz, “Do you have the right to do this?” Franz replies, “Do I have the right not to?” Franz’s wife supports him till his execution.

The film concludes with a quote from George Eliot, “The growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts and things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life and rest in unvisited tombs”. Pope Benedict XVI declared Franz a martyr. 

Franz’s role played by August Diehl lends an ethereal touch to the character. A Hidden Life is not a hero’s story, neither it is a war film. It is about faith and courage and doing what is right.