The Austrian Franz Jägerstätter, a conscientious objector, refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II.
Based on real events, A Hidden Life is the story of an unsung hero, Bl. Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive.—Anonymous
WWII. Hard-working husband and wife farmers Franz and Fani Jägerstätter, parents to three infant daughters, are part of the tight-knit rural community, which includes extended family members, of St. Radegund nestled in the Austrian Alps. Along with his colleagues, Franz was sent home from basic training early in the conflict when it looked the war might be over with France's surrender to Germany. But in 1941 as the war continues, Franz is called back into military service. The problem now is that the Austrian military members must swear loyalty to Adolf Hitler, something that he in good conscience cannot or is unwilling to do. This stance places not only him but his family at greater odds with those in the community, each person objecting not always for the same reason, and thus leads to them being increasingly ostracized and isolated. With Fani by his side, Franz has to decide what to do, his continuing objections which they know could lead to him being imprisoned or possibly executed for treason. Beyond what he is to do, the further associated question becomes if there is a breaking point for him in the pressure placed by those around him and by the Nazis.—Huggo
A Hidden Life follows the real-life story of Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter (August Diehl) who refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II. Born and bred in the small village of St. Radegund, Jägerstätter is working his land when war breaks out. Married to Franziska (Fani) (Valerie Pachner), the couple are important members of the tight-knit rural community. They live a simple life with the passing years marked by the arrival of the couple's three girls. Franz is called up to basic training and is away from his beloved wife and children for months. Eventually, when France surrenders and it seems the war might end soon, he is sent back from training. With his mother and sister-in-law Resi, he and his wife farm the land and raise their children amid the mountains and valleys of upper Austria. As the war goes on, Jägerstätter and the other able-bodied men in the village are called up to fight. Their first requirement is to swear an oath of allegiance to Adolf Hitler and the 3rd Reich. Despite the pleas of his neighbors, Jägerstätter refuses. Wrestling with the knowledge that his decision will mean arrest and even death, Jägerstätter finds strength in Fani's love and support. Jägerstätter is taken to prison, first in Enns, then in Berlin and waits months for his trial. During his time in prison, he and Fani write letters to one another and give each other strength. Fani and their daughters are victims of growing hostility in the village over her husband's decision not to fight. After months of brutal incarceration, his case goes to trial. He is found guilty and sentenced to death. Despite many opportunities to sign the oath of allegiance, Jägerstätter continues to stand up for his beliefs and is executed by the Third Reich in August 1943, while his wife and three daughters survive.
