Luther (2003)

Like The Passion of the Christ, Luther is the story of a spiritual leader, German monk Martin Luther (Joseph Fiennes), in opposition to the religious orthodoxy of the time (in his case, the 1500s). His goal--to bring God to the people and to take money, fear, and shame out of the equation--made him a reformer to some, a heretic to others. Released around the same time as Mel Gibson's blockbuster, it failed to attract the same degree of attention--or controversy. Granted, it's a different film, but not radically so. Directed by Eric Till (Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace), Luther isn't always easy to follow or as emotionally involving as it could be. That said, it's a fascinating story and Fiennes receives solid support from Alfred Molina (Frida), Bruno Ganz (Wings of Desire), and the late Sir Peter Ustinov (Spartacus), in his final film role, as Frederick the Wise. --Kathleen C. Fennessy Amazon.com

Excellent Historically

A well presented (and acted) view of the issues at hand at the time of Luther with his discovery and stand for faith for justification versus indulgences and works of the law October 3, 2008

Great teaching tool

This is a great movie. As a World History teacher I use parts of this movie on our study of the Protestant Reformation. I recommend this movie to students of religion, and World History teachers, and anyone interested in religious studies. Martin Luther was a giant in the history of mankind. You might want to do a little background study before viewing the movie so as not to be confused by the sequence of events. Few movies made about historical figures are as accurate as this. The acting by Fiennes as Luther is superb as well as the supporting cast. If you are in need of courage, see this movie. September 5, 2008

Pretty accurate; for mature audiences

A friend loaned us this DVD and my husband I watched it last night. We both enjoyed this portrait of a sensitive man who made a huge impact on the world. The accuracy was remarkable to me, as I have read a lot on Luther, and have been disappointed with the accuracy of movies in general. I recognized much as verbatim Luther or Tetzel. Also the movie seemed to capture the fear, sensitivity, wit, boldness and faith that characterized Luther. I did feel let down over the way Katherina was portrayed. Although it is true that she was the one to propose marriage, it was in a far different manner and situation. Historically she was direct, but without the boldness shown in the movie.

While I did enjoy the movie, I would definitely not recommend it for family viewing. There were a few "language" incidents, some using coarse terms that could have been left out, and some using strong language that was entirely appropriate. When Luther went to Rome he saw much that disgusted him, and the viewer is given at least a hint of it all. And even I turned away at some of the images of violence. Over 100,000 people were killed in the peasants' revolt, and the bloody bodies were not a pretty sight. I turned away from the boy who hung himself and could not watch the burning of Luther's friend. These horrific things happened and it was terrible. But I could not watch, and I would not put these images before children. So with those caveats, I would cautiously recommend this movie to mature audiences. August 30, 2008

An Important Piece of History

Throughout the history of Christianity and before, the religious Establishment has often been at odds with the faithful who take their religion personally. That syndrome continues in many forms today, with for example, a "building program" that becomes an end in itself rather than a channel for the worship of God.

With superb acting all around, "Luther" clearly defines the reasons and results of the Protestant Reformation in a way that will be understood and appreciated by modern Protestants and Catholics alike. In this case, Pope Leo's "building program" was St. Peter's Basilica. Martin Luther is presented as a sincere and dedicated young priest who is shocked and heartsick over the Pope's selling of indulgences (forgiveness of sin) in exchange for building fund contributions.

Martin Luther maintains his sincerity and humility throughout the movie, as the corruption of the Establishment becomes more and more apparent. He is awed by the realization of the power that his movement has unleashed. His many contributions to Christianity are brought out, including his hymns and his translation of the Holy Bible into German, "the language of the people." August 16, 2008

Very accurate

This is a very accurate presentation of Luther and the events that happened. I have read a couple of church history books and this movie is almost verbatem. July 18, 2008

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