Watching A Hidden Life feels like both going to church and performing penance, like Terrence Malick wants us to submit to the same ideological journey as his protagonist.

A Hidden Life is definitely on the long side, and there will be people whose patience may be exhausted, but if you give yourself over to it, it's a moving, emotional film with truly breathtaking visuals and wonderful performances.

There is no doubt that A Hidden Life is a labour of love for Malick, but it will prove a challenge for audiences willing to experience the latest work of this most interesting and wayward director.

This is a film that requires patience but I want to urge readers to see it on the big screen if they can. I think it a beautiful, quiet and powerful film.