Born into a well-off and large family in Germany (in a city now part of Poland), his father Karl, was a psychiatrist and neurologist and his mother Paula was a teacher. Dietrich was a very intelligent child and ultimately became a theologian. Not all the members of his family agreed with his decision. At 21 years old he completed his Doctorate of Theology from Humboldt University in Berlin.

As played by German actor Jonas Dassler, he is presented as the perfect example of Aryan ideals with his blond hair and blue eyes (the real Bonhoeffer possessed these traits as well). Still, the film’s bleached blonde version of his look is distracting. The pacifism is well represented here but his transition into becoming an activist is muddled. This isn’t helped by the film’s nonlinear nature and the confusion caused by mentally putting the time line in order.

Historians with a knowledge of his life will need to adjust to accommodate the artistic licence taken in presenting his life story. There are several stand-out moments that you hope are true to life such as his introduction to American Jazz in New York City where he joyously gets up on stage and jams with the band. Other scenes highlight the horror of being held captive by the Nazis. The strength of his character is underlined quite effectively although some of his actual accomplishments receive little mention. It’s a flawed representation but still a fascinating one nonetheless.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/RialtoDistributionAU/

Malick’s screenplay is based on the real life of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian who was a conscientious objector during World War II and refused to swear an allegiance to Hitler. He suffered severe consequences because of this. Jägerstätter is played with great dignity by August Diehl, better known to Western audiences as Major Hellstrom in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

This examination of staying true to your principals even at great personal cost will test your ability to imagine having the same strength in what were horrendous circumstances. Visually, Jägerstätter’s hellish incarceration is starkly contrasted by the majestic surrounds of his native land and the simple beauty of his wife and three little girls. Malick spends a great deal of time establishing this overpowering splendour.

Also unconventionally, there are large blocks of German dialect with no subtitles, it forces you to pick up on the nuances and tone to gleam the inflection. This technique works most of the time, especially when Jägerstätter is copping abuse from his prison guards but less so with the dialogue with his lawyer and conversations with the townspeople. This is art, not commerce and should be treated as such. It is a challenge but well worth the effort.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/foxmoviesaus

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 keep his spirit alive.

A Hidden Life will be released in Australian cinemas January 30.
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