Hi Darlene,
As others have told you, bending significant movement is possible in a conifer like your free Hemi.
Although yours is an eastern variety you should be able to get some movement in it BUT it will take skill and lots of patience/time for it to set.
We've all seen examples of bunjin with extreme movement while others have a more gradual movement so you should be able to at least achieve the latter.
As an example to show you what's possible, I've posted photos to show you how I got movement in a Mountain Hemi back in 2008 and one of it today....each year I've tried to continue bending the main trunk and after 6 years the bend has finally held its shape
.
I hope you can revive your freebie Hemi next spring and that it brings you much joy.
Cheers
Graham