Soldier's Secret: Woman's Disguise in War-Torn Era

Sandra Hüller delivers a demanding performance in Markus Schleinzer's "Rose," a stark black-and-white drama. The film is set in 17th-century Germany and Austria, in the brutal aftermath of the Thirty Years' War, a period that devastated populations. Hüller portrays a soldier who has long lived disguised as a man.

Her character arrives in a small village, presenting herself as the deceased owner's son to claim an abandoned farm. The villagers, deeply religious and suspicious, slowly begin to accept the hard-working newcomer. However, Rose lives in constant fear of her true identity being exposed, a revelation that could have deadly consequences.

Hüller spoke about the challenging nature of the role, noting the unique difficulties of maintaining a realistic disguise for film compared to stage. She described the intricate process of building the character, aided by precise costumes and makeup that concealed any feminine form and helped her adopt a different demeanor.

The film's setting was meticulously recreated, with actual period houses and a realistic landscape contributing to an immersive experience. Director Markus Schleinzer prioritized authenticity, eschewing studios for genuine locations, including a real barn and animals, to transport the cast and audience back in time.

"Rose" is inspired by documented historical cases of women who lived as men in 17th-century Europe. This revisiting of historical realities, often overlooked, offers a new perspective on the diversity of life during that era. The film's themes resonate today, serving as a warning about threats to individual freedoms and the importance of accepting diverse identities.

Following her success in international films, Hüller is also slated for upcoming projects with major stars. She reflected on learning to function under pressure and perform assertively in large-scale productions, while maintaining her personal life in Leipzig and prioritizing projects that genuinely interest her.