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In pre-World War II Austria, devout farmer Franz Jägerstätter faces a profound moral dilemma as his country aligns with Nazi Germany. When he is ordered to swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler, he grapples with his conscience and faith. Ultimately, he makes a courageous and defiant choice that leads to tragic consequences, forcing him to risk everything he holds dear, including his family and his own life, in a powerful act of resistance.

In pre-World War II Austria, devout farmer Franz Jägerstätter faces a profound moral dilemma as his country aligns with Nazi Germany. When he is ordered to swear an oath of allegiance to Hitler, he grapples with his conscience and faith. Ultimately, he makes a courageous and defiant choice that leads to tragic consequences, forcing him to risk everything he holds dear, including his family and his own life, in a powerful act of resistance.

Does A Hidden Life have end credit scenes?

No!

A Hidden Life does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for A Hidden Life

See how A Hidden Life is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where A Hidden Life stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

75

A Hidden Life presents a solemn exploration of conviction and transcendence, distinguished by its luminous visuals and measured storytelling. Its expansive cinematography and rich thematic focus on moral resistance earned widespread acclaim, even as the deliberate pacing and extended runtime prompted concerns about repetition and narrative cohesion. The central performances convey earnest emotional depth, though character motivations can feel implicit rather than explicit. Overall, the film delivers a meditative and immersive experience that may challenge viewers’ patience.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for A Hidden Life

85
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of Art & Craft, the film excels in its majestic cinematography and production design, depicting sweeping fields and mountain vistas with precision. Malick’s direction sustains a cohesive visual palette, though the extended takes and intermittent jump cuts can disrupt the flow. Editing occasionally undercuts narrative momentum. Overall, the film’s artful execution remains a standout element.

75
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of Character & Emotion, performances convey sincere conviction and foster genuine empathy for the protagonists. The leads project devotional intensity, articulating sacrifice and familial bonds with subtlety. However, secondary characters can feel underdeveloped, and internal motivations are sometimes implied rather than fully explored. Overall, the emotional resonance is compelling yet occasionally restrained by narrative abstraction.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative offers profound thematic exploration of faith and resistance, grounded in real events. The deliberate pacing underscores the meditative tone, though extended sequences and structural repetition diminish momentum. While the plot’s moral questions are engaging, the cohesion and urgency occasionally falter. Overall, the storyline resonates but demands considerable patience.

88
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of Sensory Experience, the film delivers an immersive audiovisual tapestry, with a resonant musical score and meticulous sound design that complements the expansive visuals. The widespread use of natural soundscape heightens realism, and the cohesive visual style reinforces thematic depth. Overall, the sensory richness elevates the viewing experience into a contemplative realm.

65
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s profound themes and rich imagery invite repeat viewings for those drawn to its contemplative style. However, its extended runtime and stately pacing may reduce appeal for general audiences on subsequent watches. While the subtleties of the narrative reward patience, the meditative approach could limit broader replay value. Overall, rewatch potential is moderate.

Metacritic

80

Metascore

7.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

82%

TOMATOMETER

review

72%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

72

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.0

From 1.5K fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.38/5

From 8 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate A Hidden Life Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of A Hidden Life with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


A Hidden Life Quiz: Test your knowledge on the profound themes and characters in A Hidden Life.

Who is the protagonist of A Hidden Life?

Awards & Nominations for A Hidden Life

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by A Hidden Life, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how A Hidden Life and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


35th Film Independent Spirit Awards 2020

Nomination

Best Feature

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for A Hidden Life

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Read the complete plot summary of A Hidden Life, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


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.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for A Hidden Life

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from A Hidden Life. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


A HIDDEN LIFE | Official Trailer [HD] | FOX Searchlight

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


world war twoanti nazismconscientious objectorcatholicaustriadeath penaltythird reichguilty verdictvillageprisonprison cellbeatingsubjective camerafarmerfarmingtraintrain stationanti warvoice oversentenced to deathprisoner abusedefianceprisonertravelperiod piecebased on true storynazicapital punishmentyear 1943husband wife relationshipmilitary justicecourtroomconsciencenazi lawwehrmachtcounselclergycatholic priestpeasant farmerst. radegundupper austriaoath of allegiancetrialincarcerationreference to middlemarchreference to george eliotfarmhousesextonmartyranschluss

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