Une vie cachée

La plus fine présentation de l'horreur de la guerre d'Hitler. Et pourtant émotionnellement dévastateur. Un monument poétique à un paysan autrichien conscient, dont l'histoire ressemble étrangement à celle d'une certaine personnalité historique tchécoslovaque (le fascisme et le communisme sont la même chose, sauf que l'un d'eux est allé plus loin). Parfois peut-être un peu long, mais finalement clair dans sa représentation de toutes les pensées et les émotions de l'histoire assemblée. De plus, l'environnement des Alpes autrichiennes constitue chaque été pour moi un refuge naturel central ainsi qu'une catharsis méditative et je me suis donc plongé comme un invité dans cette connexion entre la vie et la nature de Malick. Beau film. [Cannes] (21/05/2019)

The strong imagery celebrating the beauty of life, symbolized by the unspoiled countryside surrounding the Austrian village of Radegund, contrasts with the homey yet stark walls of Tegel prison. The inconceivable choice that one farmer made to not bow to the authority of the state costs him his friends, his status and, in the end, his freedom and life. Malick exploits his style to the fullest, which, thanks to the slow or even dragging depiction of time, gives the wait for the execution a mark of realism. Diehl is precise and minimalist, and his conviction is surprisingly quiet. The well is dry. Let’s hope it rains soon. (23/09/2020)

100 percent Malick. Slow, thoughtful, philosophical. The way of the warrior without fighting – well, at least outwardly. A spiritual film that is harmed in places by over-exposure and appalling length, but it's another one of Terrence Mallck's messages that are certainly not for everyone, but it will find its fans. A film where there are more nature sounds than movie noises. (31/08/2021)

"You know, even when it rains, the sun shines. The sun shines on good and bad." Malick's growth as a director is unparalleled. Visually beautiful, sonically picturesque and emotive, more than overwhelming in thought and story. (17/01/2022)