A Hidden Life

I don't know about you, but I love movies. I love sentimental movies and action-packed movies, lighthearted animated stories and more somber, realistic tales. However, my favorite films tend to be the kind that are so breathtakingly beautiful and profound that I can't stop thinking about them for days.

A Hidden Life was one of these movies for me.

Set in the Austrian Alps, A Hidden Life is based on the true story of a poor farmer named Franz Jägerstätter. Franz, his wife Fani, and their young girls live in the picturesque village of St. Radegund, a place largely undisturbed by the pressures of modern society. However, life changes for Franz and his community as the Nazis rise to power. Tensions climax when Franz is forced to swear allegiance to the Third Reich and Adolf Hilter. Much to the despair of his neighbors, Franz refuses to take such an oath. Without spoiling too much of the plot, life grows increasingly more difficult for Franz and his family as he quietly resists the Nazi regime.

Part of what made this film so meaningful to me was the fact that Franz's decisions were largely driven by his Catholic faith. He knew he couldn't bow to a doctrine he believed was wrong, even if refusing to do so might cause him to lose his life. After watching Franz and Fani's story, I found myself asking: If I was in Franz's place, would I have chosen the same? Would I stand against evil, even if it meant lifelong misery for me and those I love?

Would I sooner die than relinquish my faith in Jesus?

These are hard questions. Perhaps some of the hardest. While I don't believe we should anguish over such hypotheticals to the point of despair, I do think they are healthy points to consider. Often I get wrapped up in the stresses of living and forget to consider what I'm living for, what this life is all about. Stories like A Hidden Life help me regain a more eternal perspective. I don't want to drift through life so preoccupied and self-absorbed that I forget to love Jesus and the people in front of me. I don't want to avoid doing the right thing just because it feels risky or uncomfortable.

All this is much easier said than done. But I'm trying to live a little more intentionally and courageously each day.

Anyway, A Hidden Life is an artistic, sobering, slow-burn film that (in my opinion) pays off in the end. Although it might be a bit too slow for some, I still think it's well worth watching. This movie can be viewed on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and several other streaming services. Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJXmdY4lVR0.

I'm praying for you, and I hope you have a good rest of your week!

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"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

- Matthew 5:10-12 (NLT)