Film Screening: “A Hidden Life” directed by Terrence Malick
On Wednesday,1st October, Hirano-san led the second session of a new hobby club, Marunouchi Film Club. Through the hobby clubs, he hopes to provide a venue for Christians and those not yet Christians to mingle and get to know each other in an informal atmosphere.
The film this time, “A Hidden Life”, depicts the life of Franz Jägerstätter, a farmer in Austria at the time of the Second World War. Director Terrence Malick adapted the true story of this man who refused allegiance to the Nazis.
In 1939, Franz and his wife Fanny lived happily on their farm in a beautiful Austrian village. However, Austria’s annexation by Germany drastically altered their fate. Franz refused military service on religious grounds and declined to pledge allegiance to Hitler, leading to his imprisonment. His unwavering conviction, resisting torture and repeated persuasion, deeply moves the viewer.
Particularly memorable was the scene of Franz and Fanny lying in a meadow. The couple nestled close in the foreground, with the church building beyond them, and mountains and sky stretching out as if enveloping them. This beautiful scene, as if they were conversing with the God who created heaven and earth, left a deep impression. In contrast, the scene of his imprisonment in the detention center showed only walls and a desk in a dim, sterile space. This contrast guides us toward questions: “What is faith?”, “What is hope?”, “What is peace?”, and “Where is salvation?”
How deeply must heaven rejoice over the unwavering conviction upheld by one nameless (hidden) individual. Could it be that the prayers and cries of the nameless accumulate, connecting to us today? It was never in vain—a profoundly thought-provoking work.
On November 26th, we plan to watch another Terrence Malick film starring Richard Gere, called “Days of Heaven”. If you’re interested, why not join us? It could be a great opportunity to invite friends. Also, we are collecting thoughts and opinions from those who’ve seen ‘A Hidden Life’, as well as recommendations for other films. Please feel free to share yours.
By Mari Tanaka
TMP General Admin
MCT Sunday Service
December 21st, January 18th
Time: 09:45
MCT Wednesday Evening Service
December 3rd, January 14th, January 28th
Time: 18:30
Marunouchi Hobby Club Activities
Marunouchi Movie Club : November 26th
Marunouchi Runnning Club : December 11th
Marunouchi Art Club : December 17th
Marunouchi Islamic Culture Club : January 7th
Please contact me for details: Hirano (jbhirano@tokyomarunouchipartnership.com)
Prayer Request —— Thank you for your prayers!
- Pray that we will be wise in our approach to those who do not yet know Jesus, and be able to invite them to join us.
- Pray that we would grow closer to one another as we worship God together.