From Hilde, with Love tells the story of Hilde and Hans Coppi, who became involved in resistance to National Socialism. Andreas Dresen concentrates on the people within that history, particularly Hilde's feelings and choices.
Liv Lisa Fries gives the film its strongest element. Her performance is subtle and restrained, finding emotional depth without exaggeration. Johannes Hegemann is solid alongside her, although his character sometimes feels less developed than those played by the stronger supporting performers.
The direction deliberately avoids grand pathos. Its sober, almost documentary approach suits the attention to ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Judith Kaufmann's camera stays close to the characters and builds a valuable feeling of intimacy.
The same restraint also has drawbacks. The wider political threat often seems too distant, and the world can feel unexpectedly comfortable. A stronger sense of the regime's danger would have given the personal story greater urgency.
The flashback structure does not always flow smoothly. The relationship gains depth through the returns to the past, but those interruptions can prevent tension from building. Some tonal choices also reduce the force of important moments.
The result remains a worthy tribute to Hilde Coppi and the resistance around her, carried by a powerful central performance. It tells an important story and can be moving, but its dramatic possibilities are not fully realised. A solid historical drama rather than an outstanding one.
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